If it just happened
Emergency? Call 911- 1Have the forklift operator stop and back off carefully only if the wheel is still on your foot and responders aren't on the way — otherwise follow the 911 operator's instructions.
- 2Call 911 for heavy bleeding, an obviously crushed or deformed foot, numbness, a cold or pale foot, or pain that keeps rising.
- 3Sit or lie down and keep the foot still and raised if you can.
- 4Don't try to walk it off or finish your shift.
- 5Let a clinician decide about removing a steel-toe or safety boot if the foot is swelling fast; tell responders if the boot is getting tight.
- 6Tell your supervisor and report the injury in writing. Keep a copy.
- 7Write down the forklift number, the operator's name, the aisle or dock and any witnesses.
General information only — not medical or legal advice.
Reporting it and the claim process
Forklift-and-pedestrian incidents in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing plants and stores are usually taken seriously, but your own written report matters. Include where you were walking or standing, whether there was a marked pedestrian lane, the lighting and noise, whether the forklift's horn or backup alarm sounded, and whether the load blocked the operator's view.
If the operator works for another company — a staffing agency, a contractor, or a carrier at the dock — note that. You still report to your own employer.
Your employer generally sends the report to its insurer or claims administrator. Deadlines to report and file vary by state, so check with your state's workers' compensation agency as soon as possible.
Keep photos of your foot as bruising and swelling change, the damaged boot, any video request you made, medical paperwork, and a log of days missed and tasks you can't do.
Getting medical care
Crush injuries to the foot are often seen first in an emergency department or urgent care, and a clinician may order imaging. Follow-up commonly involves occupational medicine, podiatry and foot and ankle specialists, or orthopedics. A licensed clinician decides what is appropriate after an evaluation.
Tell every clinician a forklift ran over your foot at work and describe whether it was a front or rear wheel, loaded or empty, and whether you wore safety footwear. Report numbness, tingling or pain that seems out of proportion — those details matter with crush injuries. Some states and employers have rules about which provider you see first, so ask your employer or adjuster.
If you're prescribed medication, a boot or crutches, ask the pharmacy and adjuster how work-injury prescriptions and supplies are handled. Home delivery can help when you can't drive.
Prescribed medication? Learn about prescription home delivery, common medications after work injuries, or find pharmacies near you. Your doctor and pharmacist decide what is right for you.
When people often talk to an attorney
- You have broken bones, nerve damage or lasting trouble walking or standing.
- The forklift operator worked for another company, which may raise third-party questions.
- The forklift had mechanical problems, no working horn or alarm, or was maintained by an outside company.
- Your claim is denied or delayed, or you're blamed for being in the wrong place.
- There are disputes about surgery, specialists or therapy.
- You can't return to warehouse or on-your-feet work.
Learn more: what a workers' comp attorney does. Many offer a free first consultation; fees in workers' comp are often regulated by the state.
Recovery and going back to work
Foot crush injuries can take a while to heal. Follow your clinician's instructions about weight-bearing, elevation and footwear, and keep therapy visits.
Ask your doctor for written restrictions — no standing, seated work only, or a walking boot — and ask your employer about seated tasks like inventory, scanning at a desk, or training.
Keep your supervisor and adjuster updated after each appointment. Many people feel uneasy around forklifts afterward; ask about pedestrian safety changes in your area.
Questions to ask
- Doctor: Are any bones broken, and is blood flow in my foot okay?
- Doctor: How much weight can I put on it, and for how long?
- Doctor: What signs mean I should come back right away?
- Employer: Can I get a copy of the incident report and camera footage?
- Employer: Is seated work available while I heal?
- Adjuster: What is my claim number, and can I see a foot and ankle specialist?
- Attorney: The forklift operator was from a staffing agency. Does that matter?
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if a forklift ran over my foot?
Stop, sit down and get medical care right away, and call 911 for heavy bleeding, deformity, numbness or severe pain. Treat it as a crush injury even if you can walk. Report it in writing to your supervisor.
Can my foot be broken if I can still walk on it?
Yes, some foot fractures still allow walking. Only an exam and possibly imaging can tell. Get it checked promptly.
Should I take my boot off after a forklift runs over my foot?
Let a clinician or responder decide, especially if the foot is swelling quickly or badly injured. Tell them if the boot feels tight. Don't force it off.
Is a forklift running over my foot covered by workers' comp?
Forklift injuries on the job are often handled through workers' compensation, depending on your state and situation. Report it in writing. Check deadlines with your state's agency.
What if the forklift driver works for another company?
Report to your own employer as usual and note the driver's company. Another company's employee being involved may raise questions beyond workers' compensation. Many people talk with an attorney.
Why does my foot hurt more hours after it was crushed?
Swelling and bruising often increase over the hours after a crush injury, and rising pain can sometimes signal a serious problem. Tell a clinician right away if pain keeps getting worse, or call 911. Don't wait it out.
Related situations
Industries where this often happens
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).