Amazon is the second largest employer in the United States. Amazon warehouse workers make up a large percentage of the company’s workforce.
The work is labor intensive and poses a significant risk of injury.
Amazon has an immense demand for products with exceptionally fast turnaround times, putting its warehouse employees at a greater risk of injury as they work to keep up the fast pace.
All of this leads to a high volume of workers’ compensation claims.
Unfortunately, Amazon has a reputation for making it difficult for warehouse employees to receive the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve.
Contact us if you have been injured during your shift at an Amazon warehouse and are having difficulty obtaining medical treatment or lost benefits.
Common Reasons for Amazon Warehouse Work Injuries
An Amazon warehouse employee workers’ comp may be available for injuries, including:
- Falls from heights,
- Slip and falls,
- Repetitive motion injuries,
- Forklift accidents, and
- Entanglement accidents (i.e., when a worker becomes entangled with a piece of machinery).
Sometimes, it is a third-party outside of Amazon that causes a work injury.
For instance, defective safety equipment or defective machinery (e.g., a forklift) may have caused the injury. In this case, you can likely pursue a third-party personal injury lawsuit.
Common Types of Amazon Warehouse Injuries
There are countless types of warehouse injuries. But some of the most common Amazon warehouse injuries include:
- Shoulder sprains and tears (e.g., rotator cuff injury),
- Back injuries,
- Crush injuries,
- Concussions,
- Knee injuries,
- Fractures, and
- Lacerations.
No matter the type of injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Laws
Like many other states, North Carolina implemented a workers’ compensation act to create a system for employees to recover benefits for workplace injuries.
Generally, any injury that occurs during employment is eligible for compensation, including repetitive trauma injuries and diseases stemming from occupational hazards such as toxic exposure.
Workers’ Comp for Amazon Warehouse Workers
Workers’ compensation in North Carolina is similar in many ways to most of the country.
The benefits are intended to cover the cost of medical treatment and expenses sustained from a workplace accident.
If you qualify for benefits, you may also be entitled to benefits to replace a portion of your income while recovering from your injury.
North Carolina law requires workers’ comp for warehouse workers at Amazon.
Amazon must pay for medical treatment and lost wages to most employees who suffer a workplace accident or injury.
The benefits you receive depend on the severity of your injury and the time you need to recover.
Four Things You Should Do If You Are Injured During Your Amazon Warehouse Shift
Being involved in a workplace accident can be nerve-wracking. It is important to remain calm and composed.
Here are four steps you should take immediately following the accident.
1. Medical Attention
First, seek medical attention if you are hurt during your shift at an Amazon warehouse.
It is especially true if you are severely injured and require immediate medical assistance.
But even if you sustain a minor injury or do not need to call 911 or seek emergency care, still see a doctor. Not all injuries are immediately apparent. Many worsen over time.
Getting looked at by a doctor is not only good for your health, but it will also support your claim for benefits.
2. Report Your Injury
It is crucial to always report your injury to your supervisor or human resources department as soon as possible.
If you fail to timely report your injury, Amazon may not authorize and pay for medical treatment or other benefits.
You will likely be required to complete a First Report of Injury (FROI) report documenting the details of the accident and injuries.
3. Document
You should document the incident insofar as possible. It could be as simple as snapping a few photos with your phone or jotting down what you can recall right before, during, and after your injury.
It is also a good idea to take a mental note of any co-workers or other individuals that may have witnessed the incident.
Be sure to keep all records related to your medical treatment.
4. Speak to a North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Following any injury at an Amazon warehouse, you should discuss the situation with an experienced attorney.
Contact Mehta & McConnell to schedule a time convenient to you to assess your case.
Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for the Injured
If you are an Amazon warehouse employee and were injured at work, you are probably entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ comp was put in place to protect you, and we are here to make sure Amazon follows through on its obligations under the program.
The board-certified workers’ compensation attorneys at Mehta & McConnell are here to assist you.
Our team has over 30 years of collective legal experience helping clients with various workers’ compensation matters.
Don’t let the fear of going up against Amazon discourage you. We have the resources, knowledge, and skill to get you the benefits you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
FAQ
Can Temporary Amazon Injured Workers Collect Workers Comp?
If you were hurt while working a temporary or seasonal job for Amazon, you’re likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and income.
It is common for Amazon to try and deny benefits, so having a skilled workers’ comp attorney advocating and negotiating for you is vital.
What Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits Are There?
North Carolina workers’ comp benefits fall into these four categories:
- Temporary total disability,
- Temporary partial disability,
- Permanent total disability, or
- Permanent partial disability.
Additionally, if the workplace accident results in the employee’s death, their family may be entitled to death benefits.
How Long Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina?
There’s no simple answer to this question because it depends on the circumstances. You may be entitled to receive benefits for weeks, months, or years.
Our workers’ comp attorneys will review your eligibility and what you can expect from benefits.