As the world’s largest retailer, Amazon employs more than 1.3 million people, according to a 2021 report.
While any employer with that many workers should expect some workplace injuries, many Amazon workers face particularly hazardous conditions.
If you’ve been injured while working as an Amazon warehouse employee in South Carolina or North Carolina, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
However, proving eligibility in Amazon workers’ compensation claims is not always straightforward.
At the workers’ compensation law firm of Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, we have more than 30 years of experience helping workers recover the benefits they need and deserve.
We can help you determine the best approach to obtaining benefits and effectively prepare your claim.
Are Amazon Workers Eligible for Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Generally speaking, Amazon workers can file for and obtain workers’ compensation benefits. However, there are a few things you need to know about Amazon workers’ compensation cases.
First, workers’ comp benefits are only available to employees.
While most Amazon warehouse workers are employees, Amazon attempts to classify many of its delivery drivers as independent contractors.
If you are an independent contractor, you will not qualify for Amazon workers’ compensation benefits.
If there is a dispute over employment classification, the North Carolina or South Carolina Industrial Commission will decide whether an injured worker is an employee or independent contractor.
Second, to obtain benefits, you must prove that your injury or occupational disease was related to your work.
In some situations, the relationship between a worker’s injury and their employment is clear.
For example, if a box falls from a shelf and lands on an Amazon warehouse worker’s foot. That is clearly work-related.
However, in other situations, it can be far less clear. This is especially true in occupational diseases, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
In these cases, Amazon’s workers’ comp insurance carrier may claim that a disease was either a pre-existing condition or unrelated to a worker’s employment.
What to Do After an Amazon Warehouse Workplace Injury
If you’re suffering from Amazon warehouse injuries, taking the following steps will help you prove eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits:
- Jot down the names of any witnesses who observed the accident;
- Using your phone (or a co-worker’s phone), take pictures of the accident scene;
- Report the incident to your immediate supervisor and follow any further instructions they give you;
- Obtain prompt medical treatment, even if your injuries don’t seem particularly serious; and
- Follow up with any orders your doctor gives you regarding subsequent medical treatment.
Finally, when you are ready, reach out to an experienced Amazon workers’ compensation lawyer.
An attorney will assist you in gathering the necessary evidence and preparing a compelling claim for benefits.
Injured From an Amazon Accident? Contact Our Workers Comp Attorneys Today
If you want to learn more about workers’ compensation claims for Amazon warehouse employees, reach out to the law firm of Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, to schedule a free consultation.
We have over 30 years of experience helping injured workers obtain the benefits they need and deserve.
Our lawyers routinely go up against some of the largest and most powerful insurance companies.
Contact Mehta & McConnell, PLLC through our online contact form, and one of our lawyers will be in touch shortly.
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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