Receiving workers’ compensation after an injury in an Amazon warehouse
Amazon is one of the largest private employers in the world, second only to Walmart.
The report stated that Amazon’s rate per 100 full-time workers was almost 10, while other companies average 4.
In addition, there have been reports that on-site medical staff fails to properly address injuries. One report at a Phoenix location stated that a man with dangerously low glucose was kept in the company clinic for over 2 hours and given oral glucose when medical protocol stated that he should have been sent by ambulance to the hospital.
Common work-related injuries in Amazon warehouses
Many injuries at the warehouse centers are minor, including cuts, scrapes or bruises. However, the warehouses also have a higher incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, back and neck strain, broken bones, hernias and other repetitive stress injuries compared to other warehouse-based occupations.
There have been reports of miscarriages when pregnant women are required to lift heavy packages as well as heat-related injuries due to temperatures inside the warehouses that are higher than normal.
Amazon employee rights in Arizona
Workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” insurance system which means you qualify for coverage no matter who was at fault for the accident. There are a few exceptions to the no-fault rule; if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if you intentionally injured yourself, you may not be eligible.
Amazon may require you to see a doctor that they choose, but that can only be required once. After that, you have the right to see the physician of your choosing (in most cases). However, because Amazon is self-insured, they could require you to see a specific physician under Arizona law.
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal your case with the Industrial Commission of Arizona.
Questions and answers about compensation for a job-related accident, injury or illness in Arizona
What to do if you are injured as an Amazon employee
If you are injured on the job while working at an Amazon warehouse, the first thing you need to do is to file an injury claim with the company, even if you think the injury is minor. Often, what appears to be a minor injury initially can become serious over a few days or even weeks.
If your Amazon location has a wellness clinic, visit the clinic immediately to document any injury you have received. Also, contact your personal doctor to get additional documentation of your injury. Follow the instructions of the clinic and your doctor explicitly. Often, workers’ compensation claims are denied because the employee did not follow instructions and made the injury worse.
There have been reports that Amazon has hired private detectives to confirm that employees are actually injured, so if your injury improves, it is important that you do not “fake” its seriousness.
When to contact an Arizona workers’ compensation attorney
If you file a workers’ compensation claim that is denied, it is critical that you contact an attorney who will fight for your rights. It’s important to remember that hiring a lawyer does not mean you plan to sue Amazon. An attorney will simply look out for you in the process, making sure you receive the compensation you deserve while you recover from your injury or illness.
If your injury is serious and could lead to lifelong pain or mobility problems, you may also be entitled to permanent disability benefits under workers’ compensation. However, it can be very difficult for the average person to successfully argue that they are permanently disabled. Our Arizona workers’ compensation attorneys can help you achieve that goal so you can live without financial distress, allowing you to focus on healing from your injury as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one works in an Amazon warehouse and have suffered an injury on the job, contact the Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski today to learn how we can help. You can arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling or filling out the online form to get more information.
We will work to get you lost wages, coverage for your medical expenses, reimbursement for travel to and from doctors or therapy as well as other costs you may have incurred as a result of your injury. We will fight for your rights and work to get you the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law.