As many Americans increase their shopping toward the end of the year, the need for products becomes much higher, and many workers are at risk of becoming injured as they rush to fulfill orders. If you are a warehouse worker and you become injured, your employer might not want you to file a workers' compensation claim because they may fear their premium going up.
Injuries Suffered at a Warehouse
Warehouses can be very dangerous places, and it's common for injuries to occur. You might be required to lift and carry heavy packages, and you may suffer from a muscle strain as a result. Packages can fall and injure you, and you may also be struck by a forklift. Also, the repetitive motions you must perform can lead to injuries.
Once you discover that you're injured, you must notify your manager as soon as possible regardless of whether you believe you're at fault or not. A workers' compensation insurance program is a no-fault system, and it won't matter if you, your employer, or anyone else is at fault. The only exception is if a third party outside the company causes your injury, such as the manufacturer of a defective forklift. Then, you may be able to also file a lawsuit against the third party on top of filing a workers' compensation claim.
Your Right to Compensation
Through the workers' compensation insurance program, you are entitled to compensation for your medical bills. For the time that you missed from work, you will receive two-thirds of your pay. You will also receive additional benefits based on the part of your body that is injured, how severely injured you are, and whether you are considered to have a permanent disability.
While your employer will not pay for these benefits, the act of filing a claim could lead to your employer's insurance premium increasing. As a result, you might find that your claim is mysteriously delayed or your employer may claim that your injuries were not the result of work-related activities.
When To Hire a Lawyer
If you are struggling to have your case taken seriously, it's important to contact a workers' compensation lawyer. You will need to fully document how your injuries occurred, and you will need medical documentation that will tie your injuries to the workplace incident.
While you will ideally want to have your claim approved, if the insurance provider refuses, you may be able to successfully litigate your workers' compensation claim in court.
