If you were injured while working for Amazon, you might be overwhelmed and anxious about what to do next. You probably have medical bills rolling in and cannot work to support your family.
You may find yourself researching Amazon workers’ compensation settlements and how to obtain one. At Mehta & McConnell, we put together this blog to help guide you through the process.
It is no secret that Amazon is a corporate mammoth employing thousands of workers in various industries and job positions. They are no strangers to workers’ compensation claims and settlements and will defend them rigorously.
Having a skilled and experienced attorney on your side could be the difference between receiving maximum benefits and compensation.
Workers’ Comp for Amazon Warehouse Workers
In general, workers’ compensation benefits cover an injured worker’s cost of medical treatment and lost wages due to a workplace injury. It’s a no-fault insurance system that allows injured workers to recover regardless of fault and generally shields the employer from personal liability in a civil lawsuit.
However, there are exceptions to both notions. North Carolina law requires Amazon to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their workers.
All regular employees are generally covered by Amazon’s workers’ comp insurance coverage. Specifically, full-time, part-time, seasonable, and even temporary employees should be entitled to coverage, including drivers, warehouse employees, office staff, and any other person employed by Amazon. However, independent contractors are typically not entitled to workers’ comp benefits.
If you qualify as an employee, Amazon must cover the cost of medical treatment and lost pay for most employees who suffer a workplace accident or injury. The benefits you receive will directly depend on your classification.
How to Obtain an Amazon Lawsuit Settlement
The best way to ensure you receive an adequate settlement is to hire an experienced workers’ comp attorney, like the ones at Mehta & McConnell, to represent and protect your interests.
Our attorneys will:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident,
- Discuss your options with you,
- File a claim,
- Negotiate with Amazon and their insurance carrier,
- File a workers’ comp claim and any necessary appeals with the North Carolina Industrial Commission,
- File any relevant third-party lawsuits, and
- See your case through to resolution.
Above all else, we are with you every step of the way.
What Is the Most Common Injury at Amazon?
Due to Amazon’s sheer size and complexity as a company, there is no single most common injury. The most common injury will depend on the department and job duties. There are countless types of accidents causing infinite worker injuries, including:
- Slip and falls,
- Falls from a height,
- Forklift accident,
- Car and truck accidents,
- Repetitive motion injuries,
- Concussions,
- Crush injuries and amputations,
- Sprains and strains,
- Fractures,
- Cuts,
- Burns, and
- More.
No matter the type of accident and injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Average Amazon Workers’ Compensation Settlements
Injured workers often come to us and ask, “Well, what is the average settlement?” to determine if it is worth filing a claim and what to expect. However, providing an average Amazon workers’ compensation settlement amount is difficult for several reasons.
First, many settlements are confidentially settled outside of court. That means those figures are not available to factor into the average calculation.
Second, every case is unique. Even similar cases have differences that can vastly affect their settlement.
Last, a handful of factors will be assessed in each case, and how they apply in your case will influence the benefits and settlement you might be entitled to receive.
Some of these factors include:
- The severity of the accident itself;
- The nature and severity of your injuries;
- Whether your claim is limited to workers’ compensation or you have a third-party claim in civil court;
- Your age, medical history, and whether you have any pre-existing conditions;
- Medical costs to date;
- Anticipated future medical expenses;
- Lost income;
- Negative impact on your ability to earn a living;
- Any intangible losses such as pain and suffering; and
- Insurance policy maximums.
How each of these factors applies in your case will determine what your settlement may look like. For instance, if you have a moderate workers’ compensation claim for a forklift accident at the Amazon warehouse, you may be limited to recovering partial temporary disability and medical treatment while you recover.
On the other hand, if you suffered a severe injury from a forklift accident that the manufacturer partially caused, you may have a viable third-party lawsuit claim in addition to workers’ compensation benefits.
A seasoned workers’ compensation attorney can assess your case and determine your legal rights and options.
North Carolina Attorneys for the Injured
At Mehta & McConnell, we are dedicated to helping the injured worker. We are not afraid to take on employers as large as Amazon.
We promise to fight for the maximum benefits and awards you are entitled to under the law, no matter who the employer is. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
Viral Mehta
Viral Mehta is the managing attorney of Mehta & McConnell Injury Lawyers, a Charlotte, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation law firm. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, sports, and reading.
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