Help! I was hurt working for Chevy!*

Working in a Chevy manufacturing and assembly plant provides a good living for many people. However, even with good pay and insurance, a lot of people don’t have a savings account that can support their family if something unexpected happens.

If you were to get injured during your shift at Chevy, what would happen to you? What would happen to your family? Are you prepared to deal with a catastrophic injury?

The States Protect Injured Workers

Every state legally requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This acts as a safety net for injured workers.

If you get hurt or sick on the job, workers’ compensation can help you get the medical care that you need. For workers who can’t continue to work in any capacity, workers’ comp may also help provide a portion of your lost wages.

Chevy Workers' Compensation

Company Profile: Chevy

Chevy is owned by General Motors (GM). They produce a variety of car brands and models; they also produce parts for their vehicles. There are 12 active GM plants that assemble Chevy products. As a whole, GM employs around 77,000 workers in the United States. The corporate headquarters for Chevy is located in Detroit, Michigan.

Risks to Chevy Employees

Chevy plants are technologically advanced. Although machines do a lot of the work, people still handle tools and even work with the machines. Individuals who paint cars and trucks are at risk of developing lung problems because of their exposure to paint fumes and other chemicals. Welders on the assembly line are at risk for burns or repetitive stress injury from repeating the same movements over and over. Slip and falls, injuries caused by faulty machines, and getting hurt from moving heavy items are also common risks.

Know What to Do if Injured

If you’re hurt on the job, it’s likely that you feel confused. First, you should stop whatever it is that you’re doing. Do not continue to work. Continuing to work can cause even minor injuries to become severe. Tell your supervisor right away so that your accident can be documented and so that faulty equipment, spills, or other dangers may be dealt with before anyone else gets hurts.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911. A police officer will respond and complete an accident report. Get the report number and get a copy of the police report in a few days. If you don’t have an emergency situation, ask your supervisor what you should do to start your workers’ compensation claim. This will involve completing an accident report.

You should make an appointment for medical care. Ask how you can make an appointment with the doctor listed on the workers’ comp policy. Usually, this is free for people who are hurt on the job. You can also see your personal physician, but you may be required to pay out of policy.

Get Legal Advice From an Attorney

Chevy’s parent company, GM, may not play fair when it comes to your claim. According to Business Insurance, in 2011, the Michigan Court of Appeals determined that GM had improperly reduced the amount of workers’ comp benefits going out to retired workers. To protect yourself, you need to get legal advice. Learn more about your rights by talking to a workers’ compensation attorney.

*The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Chevy, you may not be entitled to any compensation.