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Florida's Workers' Comp Lawyer | 25 Years Of Experience
Americans have embraced online shopping, with e-commerce sales increasing by $244.2 billion dollars in recent years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That 43 percent increase over the previous year has swelled the ranks of warehouse workers, critical players in sorting, picking, packing, and shipping merchandise to customers.
Unfortunately, distribution center work can be dangerous. One study by the Strategic Organizing Center (SOC) found Amazon, one of the country’s largest retailers, deals with injured employees at the rate of 6.5 out of 100. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2.7 million injuries and illnesses befell warehouse employees, with 21 fatalities nationwide.
As a warehouse worker, following safety protocols may not be enough. If you strain your back from excessive lifting, sustain harm in a slip and fall, or are in any type of accident on the job, contact an Orlando warehouse injury lawyer from the Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore to explore how workers’ compensation can benefit you.
Workers’ compensation is an insurance program mandated by each state. Most employers must subscribe, although in some cases, they can self-insure. The system makes employers responsible for paying medical bills and a portion of lost wages when an employee is injured at work or becomes ill because of a work-related condition, such as exposure to toxins.
Unlike a negligence lawsuit, workers’ compensation assigns no blame. However, there are specific rules and procedures an injured worker must follow to ensure they maintain eligibility for their benefits. Trusted Orlando attorney Kevin Moore can help you or your loved one understand and protect your right to worker’s comp after experiencing a warehouse injury and help you meet all applicable requirements.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the four top warehouse accidents stem from forklifts, handling chemicals, electrical wiring, and the design of electrical systems. However, other accidents are prevalent, too. They include:
Any of these conditions can land a warehouse employee in the hospital and out of work for a significant time while recovering. Sometimes injuries are severe enough to disable a worker either temporarily or permanently. Talk to an Orlando warehouse injury attorney to discuss your experience and learn how workers’ comp benefits can help you during your recovery.
Injured workers are eligible for benefits after being off the job for at least seven days. These benefits include medical care to treat work-related injuries, including lab work, prescription drugs, and travel miles to appointments.
After 21 days away from work, temporary disability payments kick in, which are generally two-thirds of the employee’s wages if they cannot perform light duty. If an injury is permanent and disabling, employees can seek permanent disability status. They may be eligible for retraining, which workers’ compensation also pays. If a warehouse worker is killed on the job, death benefits are payable to the family.
Proving your eligibility can be difficult, especially if your injury worsens over time. Our experienced Orlando warehouse injury attorney, Kevin Moore, understands how the workers’ compensation system works and how best to apply for your benefits.
Warehouse jobs have grown exponentially with the popularity of online shopping. But more workers mean more injuries. Fortunately, there is a safety net if you fall, twist your back from heavy lifting, or develop pneumonia working in a cold storage warehouse. Workers’ compensation will pay your medical bills and two-thirds of your wages.
Even though you are entitled to these benefits, getting approved for workers’ comp can be difficult. Your claim can be denied if you miss one filing deadline or forget to notify your employer in time. Additionally, some injuries are trickier to prove, especially if they happened over time or you have a pre-existing condition.
Working with an attorney to apply for your benefits is the best way to ensure you receive the appropriate compensation amount without delay. Orlando warehouse injury lawyer Kevin Moore can help you apply correctly the first time. Reach out today to get started.
