Workers’ Comp at Amazon
Amazon workers’ compensation claims can help you get benefits to pay for all your accident-related medical expenses as well as lost wages, disability, and more.
Who Is Responsible for Injuries in Amazon Warehouses?
Amazon is responsible for providing a safe working environment for employees. If an on-the-job accident occurs, they must cover workplace injuries through workers’ compensation insurance.
However, there may be situations where injuries occur due to third parties. That may include an Amazon worker car accident or injury due to faulty equipment. In those circumstances, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit on top of your workman’s comp claim to get even more financial compensation.
Were You Injured working at Amazon?
Amazon has dozens of fulfillment centers in California, including several in Los Angeles County, Riverside County, Fresno County, and San Bernardino County. The closest Amazon warehouse to Los Angeles is in Long Beach on Carson Street.
Amazon employs thousands of people throughout California, including in Los Angeles. There are warehouse workers as well as many delivery workers in the area. Unfortunately, workplace accidents are common for people who work at Amazon.
If you were injured while working for Amazon, you can get workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical losses, a portion of your lost wages, and more. You can file a claim on Amazon workers’ compensation insurance.
Common Amazon Workplace Injuries and Accidents
The majority of injuries suffered by Amazon workers involve overexertion. Amazon forces employees to work quickly in harsh environments. They even have extreme quotas for employees in warehouses. Some of the most common injuries and accidents experienced by Amazon employees include:
- Forklift Accidents
- Muscle and Tendon Strains and Tears
- Nerve Injuries
- Loading Dock Accidents
- Slips, Trips and Falls
- Truck Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Hit By an Object
- Caught Between Objects
- Hazardous Materials
- Repetitive Stress Injuries
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires Amazon to take measures to protect employees from common injuries with proper safety equipment and health protocols. They must also provide appropriate training to prevent injuries. However, Amazon does not always comply with OSHA regulations and people can get hurt as a result.
Dangers of Working for Amazon
Like many jobs, there are inherent dangers in working for Amazon. You should be aware of those risks and avoid situations where you may become injured.
If you are an Amazon fulfillment center, some dangers of working in the warehouse environment include:
- Working around heavy equipment
- Robotic machines that move without human interaction
- Repetitive tasks like bending, lifting, and packaging
- Sharp objects used for cutting
- Hazardous materials in products
- Spilled liquids, powders, and oils on the floor
- Uneven floors, mats, and carpets
- Extension cords across walkways
Amazon drivers also face serious dangers as well. They may not be forced to work inside the Amazon warehouse, but they face the following risks on the job:
- Car accidents with third parties
- Unacceptably heavy packages
- Delivery to dangerous locations
- Dog bites when delivering packages
- Slips, trips, and falls in parking lots and at customer locations
- Confrontation with demanding customers
These risks can result in serious injuries to Amazon workers who deserve to get their medical expenses paid for, lost wages covered, and other benefits.
Amazon Makes Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim Difficult
It’s important to get medical attention right away if you are injured on the job. However, Amazon has been known to require employees to finish a shift before they are allowed to leave – even if they are hurt. This can significantly impact the validity of your claim and may cause your injuries to become more severe.
Amazon will also delay processing workers’ compensation claims. In California, you will complete the first portion of a DWC 1 form to begin your workers’ comp claim. Then, Amazon should finalize the form. However, it is common for the company to take their time hoping the employee will drop the claim or quit their job.
Amazon often sends injured employees to clinics that are available at warehouse locations. The medical professionals at those clinics will treat employees, but not encourage them to file a workers’ comp claim. In fact, employees will often be forced to go back to work after being treated.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured at Amazon?
There are specific steps you should always take if you are injured on the job, regardless of whether it is at Amazon or any other employer.
- Step 1: Get medical attention
- Step 2: Report the accident to your employer, Amazon
- Step 3: Complete a DWC 1 Form
- Step 4: Keep track of your damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.)
- Step 5: Contact an Amazon workers’ compensation lawyer
To ensure you get the most compensation possible, you should always get ongoing medical attention as it is recommended by your doctors. Failure to see specialists, physical therapists and other doctors will put your claim at risk of denial or delay.
Call a Lawyer, Free Consultation
Amazon is a large corporation that is looking out for its own bottom line. They will not help you with your workers’ compensation claim against them. If you are injured on the job, then you need to contact an Amazon workers’ comp attorney as soon as possible. They will protect your rights and help you get the benefits you deserve.
California employment cases can be complex. Your employer will likely fight back. You need someone on your side to protect your rights and get the money you deserve.
Call Setyan Law at (213)-618-3655 for a consultation.
