Working in a warehouse, factory, or distribution center can be a very risky and physically-demanding job.
Large amounts of goods are moved through these facilities daily, if not hourly, increasing the chances of accidents in Charlotte, NC.
These goods, along with the machinery used to transport them, are often heavy and large. These conditions create dangerous work environments.
The Charlotte area is home to many large distribution and fulfillment centers operated by companies such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.
North Carolina was historically a manufacturing hub, and many large facilities still remain.
Large manufacturers in the Charlotte area include Freightliner/Daimler Trucks North America, Wastequip, and Trane Technologies.
Even large retailers in the area such as Costco, Walmart, Delhaize, and Harris Teeter have large receiving and distribution facilities.
These sites employ large numbers of workers in stressful and fast-paced environments.
Types of Warehouse, Factory, and Distribution Center Accidents in Charlotte, NC
Due to numerous workers, goods, and equipment present, there are many potential causes of warehouse, factory, and distribution center injuries.
Some examples are:
- Injuries while operating forklifts and pallet jacks,
- Injuries while loading and unloading freight,
- Slip and falls,
- Lifting injuries,
- Injuries from falling objects,
- Falls from heights, ramps, and other uneven surfaces,
- Injuries from using box cutters and scissors,
- Assaults,
- Repetitive motion injuries, and
- Occupational diseases.
The types of injuries can also vary in mechanism and severity. Some examples are:
- Back strains,
- Torn rotator cuffs,
- Lacerations and wounds,
- Knee injuries,
- Nerve injuries,
- Head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and concussions,
- Carpal tunnel syndrome,
- Wrist strains, and
- Ankle sprains.
Delivery drivers for these companies are at risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident while driving for work.
Drivers involved in a car accident while making a delivery will be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits even if their fault caused the accident.
If the other driver was at fault, the delivery driver may have an auto claim along with their workers’ compensation claim.
Our attorneys have experience representing injured drivers with both their auto and workers’ compensation claims.
Delivery drivers may sustain other types of injuries. Drivers may slip and fall on a customer’s premises or on an unloading ramp.
Drivers may also be bitten by dogs. If a third party’s negligence caused their injury, the driver will likely have a personal injury claim in addition to a workers’ compensation claim.
Why Hire a North Carolina Warehouse and Factory Accidents Attorney?
The large corporations that operate warehouses, factories, and distribution centers often have multiple layers of bureaucracy.
You may have to prepare a written report of your injury, or you may have to sign a report prepared by your supervisor.
This report will then go to a risk manager, who will then forward documentation about your injury to an outside company that handles your employer’s workers’ compensation claims.
As you can imagine, this will lead to delays in your medical treatment and the payment of your lost wages.
Large companies tend to have formal return-to-work programs. However, it may not be medically ready to return to work in a physically demanding environment.
We will help you analyze whether it makes sense to return to work.
If so, we will make the employer and its insurance company produce the documentation necessary to verify that the position you are offered is within your work restrictions.
Warehouses, factories, and distribution centers can offer stable high-paying jobs. As a result, it is stressful for both you and your family when you are injured and out of work.
You need medical treatment to recover from your injury, and you need disability benefits for your lost wages.
We will aggressively work to obtain the medical treatment and disability compensation you are entitled to receive under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act.
The advantage of working with a small firm like Mehta & McConnell is you will be able to speak with the attorney handling your claim.
Your case will not be transferred to a case manager or paralegal, only to never hear from your attorney again.
Case Summary:
A Line Lead Operator at a warehouse had his left foot crushed by a forklift driven by a coworker. The injured worker received extensive medical treatment, including multiple surgeries. The injured worker was unable to return to his pre-injury position due to his permanent work restrictions. The injured worker was over 65 years old, so a Medicare Set-Aside was required as part of the settlement. We counseled the injured worker through the process of obtaining the Medicare Set-Aside and the appeal of the initial determination made by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The Result:
At mediation, we were able to recover a total settlement amount of $140,000.00 for our client. This amount includes the funding of a Medicare Set-Aside.
Reach Out to Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
We will take the time to understand the individual circumstances surrounding your claim, and we will help you chart the best course of action for you and your family.
We offer a free initial consultation. You aren’t committed to anything by speaking with us to see if we can help you.
Contact us to schedule a time to discuss your work injury.