Work injuries can vary from from simple cuts and bruises to a variety of severe wounds. In especially unfortunate cases, work injuries can leave employees with hospital bills and lost wages that can severely impact their lifestyle. If this is the case for you, then don’t worry — there may be another option available. Thanks to Workers’ compensation law, most workers who sustain injuries while working for companies like PriceSmart qualify for compensation through their employer’s insurance. History of PriceSmart PriceSmart is currently the largest membership warehouse club in Central America and the Caribbean, and has a large membership base in the US as well. It supports over 1 million cardholders at its 39 warehouse locations with one of the lowest-priced membership fees of any warehouse chain in the world. By adhering to their “no frills” policy of packaging and distribution, members get fresh products from every department at low, wholesale prices. Potential Hazards of Working at PriceSmart PriceSmart warehouses are large and packed with an enormous variety of products. This means that employees can carry out a variety of duties while working — which, in turn, exposes them to the variety of hazards that each duty carries. The most common injuries at PriceSmart are caused by: Hard-to-reach product. In an effort to maintain simplicity, all products at PriceSmart are stored in bulk on tall steel shelving. While most customers are only shopping for items within reach, employees are tasked with organizing and retrieving these stacked items. Machinery can be used to access the especially heavy pieces, but even lighter products can cause problems. Employees can fall from ladders, or easily get injured from product that topples over. Slip and falls. Warehouses like PriceSmart require thorough daily cleaning. Because the majority of flooring is kept to simple cement, it can be difficult to spot slick areas, especially in low-light areas, storage areas or employee-only parts of the store. Slips can result in sprains, broken bones, or severe head/neck/back injuries. Machinery. As with any store, there is always a risk involved when working with large machines. Even with proper warehouse safety training, stacking machines and hand pallet trucks can hurt both the user or fellow surrounding employees if they are not properly handled or stored. After a work injury, the first step should always be to stop what you are doing and relocate to a safe area. Alert a fellow employee or supervisor of the incident, and arrange to leave work and be seen by a doctor. Make sure you save copies of all medical bills to include later on your workers’ comp claim. Try to write down everything you know about the moments before and during the incident, including pictures and testimonies from any coworkers who witnessed the event. The more you can provide, the more likely you will build a strong case that results in prompt, full compensation from PriceSmart. Workers’ Comp Attorneys Filing for workers’ compensation can be tough, especially without prior legal experience. A successful claim relies a great deal on the official formatting of paperwork, evidence, and testimony, so it is vital to do it correctly. The best way to make sure your claim is mistake-free is by speaking with a workers’ comp attorney. They can take care of the tough stuff for you, filing paperwork, organizing your case, and negotiating with PriceSmart’s insurance to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Consider scheduling a free consultation with a workers’ comp attorney near you before you begin the workers’ compensation process. Additional Resources Applying After a Fall at Work Connecting With 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 PriceSmart, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
