Dollar General is a busy general merchandise retailer which stocks a huge variety of goods at lower prices than other stores. This means workers are constantly filling shelves from cartons which they often have to carry themselves because the goods are sold so quickly. Lifting cartons without assistance can cause over time a hernia to develop. Sometimes it is only minor and not much treatment is required while other times it is necessary to take time off work as a hernia can be painful until it has been treated. Most states insist that businesses take out WC insurance to cover workers for sicknesses and injuries that happen at work. As it is a no-fault insurance, most of Dollar General’s workers should be covered, as long as the hernia is due to workplace activity. It is always advisable to consult a worker’s comp. attorney when filing a WC claim. How Hernias can Occur at Work and Treatment Options Most hernias are caused by repetitive lifting actions but people who are overweight are more likely to be victims. When a hernia becomes obvious, one of the victim’s organs protrudes outwards from between the tissue and muscle which keeps it in place. This is normally the abdominal wall. If the hernia is minor the victim may be able to push it back into place. However, if the pain is constant and a physician cannot reposition the bulge, surgery may be necessary. Before your treatment commences you need to check with Dollar General’s insurer that you can use your own physician and chosen medical facility. Sometimes employers allocate their own medical professionals to treat their employees. Filing a WC Claim For a Hernia Against Dollar General Before any WC claim can be filed the process can only commence if your Dollar General supervisor has been told within 24 hours of you leaving work to get medical treatment. The next step is compiling the claim which has to contain proof that the hernia is due to the work you do at Dollar General. Your physician is the best person to provide the diagnosis, the cause of the hernia and the treatment being given. Once you have the evidence at your fingertips you need to check the statute of limitations for your state and you need to ensure you file your claim within that period which is typically 2 years. If Dollar General’s insurer accepts your WC claim you can expect to receive all your medical treatment and around two thirds of your weekly earnings. A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help You With Your Claim As you can never be sure whether Dollar General’s insurer is going to accept your WC claim, having help from a worker’s compensation attorney gives you a better chance of winning. Also, if your claim is rejected, your attorney can file an appeal on your behalf. 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 Dollar General, or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation. Additional Resources How Much is a Dollar General Claim Worth?* Tips for Getting Workers’ Comp After an Injury at Dollar General* Filing a Dollar General* Workers’ Compensation Claim in California
