If you have been injured while on the job at Walmart, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. While each state sets its own laws regarding workers’ comp, most employers in the United States must maintain the coverage. As the largest company in the country with two million workers, Walmart must maintain the coverage to protect itself and its workers. Where most companies contract with an insurance company, Walmart does not. It self-insures, which means it provides its own insurance coverage. It has set up its own division to act as an insurance provider. The Value of a Walmart Workers' Compensation Claim Workers’ compensation benefits include medical coverage, which will cover the costs of your medical expenses, and coverage to pay a portion of your lost wages. Sometimes a lump sum settlement is made. The injured worker must give up the right to future benefits and claims do this. For example, if the worker has a back injury that is expected to keep him or her out of work for two or three years, a lump sum settlement might look more enticing than weekly payments for the long haul. Also, if physicians say there is a 25% percent chance of back surgery in the future, you might opt for Walmart to include that figure in your lump sum settlement. That means you will be getting that money now, not when and if you need surgery. The Injuries Play a Big Role in Your Walmart Workers' Comp Claim The value of your claim is dependent on your injuries. As an example, a broken arm is not going to be worth as much as a back injury. A back injury might require more medical care and in-depth treatment, such as surgery and physical therapy. You will be much more likely to miss more work with a back injury. The added medical expenses and the additional lost wages will increase the claim value. A broken arm will result in medical expenses, but you will most likely fully recover in six to eight weeks. Sometimes an injury makes returning to work impossible. In those cases, depending on the laws in your state, you would receive weekly benefits either indefinitely or for a maximum number of years. You might decide to settle for a lump sum amount rather than get the regular payments. The Maximum Payout for a Walmart Workers’ Compensation Claim Temporary disability benefits are paid until a maximum medical improvement has been met, but most states have a set timeframe for how long these benefits can last. As an example, states such as Florida limit temporary disability benefits to 104 weeks, or two years. Usually, these payments are two-thirds of the regular salary, up to a maximum payout. As an example, in Tennessee, the maximum weekly payment for an injury that took place between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017 is $976.80. So, the maximum payout can vary significantly from one state to another and are dependent on the state laws and the kind of injury that you suffered. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney If you have been injured on the job at Walmart, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to learn how an attorney can help you with your claim. Additional Resources Workers' Compensation Help After a Walmart* Work Accident Do I Need a Lawyer If I Am Preparing a Claim Against Walmart*? *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 Walmart or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
