Amazon employs several thousand employees in its distribution bases and warehouses across the country. Conditions are not always safe and every day Amazon warehouse workers are injured, sometimes seriously. The company, like many other large companies, has workers’ compensation insurance to cover the possibility of an employee becoming injured in a warehouse workplace injury. Workers compensation can help pay for the cost of medical treatment and any lost earnings that result from the injury. It can help to have legal advice from a workers’ compensation attorney before filing a claim. Company Profile: Amazon.com Amazon started off in a small way as an online bookseller, but because of the growth of the internet and the simplicity of online shopping, it has now become a massive enterprise, with international bases as well as the main headquarters in Seattle, Washington. Amazon’s CEO, Jeff Bezos, is now the world’s richest individual. There are thousands of employees working across America in warehouses and distribution centers as well as many more in Amazon’s international centers. Injuries are Common in Amazon Warehouses Amazon workplaces are usually very busy 24/7, with items constantly being received from their various sources, packed up, labeled and distributed. Amazon warehouse workers are often exposed to workplace related accidents, particularly slip, trip and fall accidents. Common injuries are cuts, bruises, scrapes, sprains and strains, dislocated joints, broken bones and sometimes more serious injuries. Back injuries from heavy lifting may include herniated discs and spinal injury. Serious falls or impact from falling heavy goods or tools can lead to head injuries. Filing a Warehouse Workers’ Compensation Claim After an Injury at Amazon Although Amazon as a company has workers’ compensation insurance, the claim process follows the relevant state rules for workers’ compensation. These are all fairly similar. There is no need to prove fault, but the injury must be shown to have happened while at work. Some claims are denied when insurers claim that the injury did not happen at work but was pre-existing. Claims are for the cost of medical treatment and a portion (typically around two thirds of average previous earnings) of lost earnings. Permanent disability and retraining if the same job cannot be performed may also be included. It is important that after a warehouse injury that the Amazon supervisor is informed and that an Amazon preferred or stipulated medical provider is used if this is what is required. A Workers’ Comp. Attorney Can be Useful Some claims can be quite straightforward after a warehouse accident, as long as the correct procedure is followed. However, it can help to get initial advice from an experienced workers’ comp. attorney before filing a claim to make sure that all relevant information is submitted. If the claim is denied for any reason, it will be difficult to appeal the decision without help from an attorney. Additional Resources Hurt Working for Amazon? Will You Need a Lawyer If You're Hurt Working For Amazon? *Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Amazon, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
