Can You Get Workers’ Comp if You Are Injured in an Amazon Warehouse in Pennsylvania?
The nature of warehouse work can be highly dangerous. For instance, an Amazon warehouse worker may be hurt because they were lifting heavy items or because they were struck by a falling object. Further, many injuries occur while Amazon warehouse workers are operating potentially harmful machinery.
Additionally, Amazon warehouse workers regularly endure grueling conditions that involve long shifts, intense physical demands, and high pressure to meet production quotas. Thankfully, you may receive payment for an injury or illness that you incurred while working in an Amazon warehouse. After reviewing the specifics of your case, the team at our firm can guide you on the proper path to compensation.
Seek guidance from our Certified Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation attorneys today by calling Cardamone Law at (267) 651-7945.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available to Injured Amazon Warehouse Workers in Pennsylvania
There are multiple types of Workers’ Compensation benefits that you may recover if you are hurt while working in an Amazon warehouse. After your free case evaluation, our experienced Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation attorneys can explain which of the following may be sought:
Payments for Lost Wages
First, you may be eligible to recover payment for lost wages incurred as a result of your on-the-job injury. You may recover “total disability benefits” if you are entirely unable to work because of your injury. On the other hand, if you are injured but still able to work, then you may receive “partial disability benefits.” Both types of benefits intend to compensate you for diminished earning capacity.
Medical Care
You may also obtain payment for the medical care required to treat your Amazon warehouse injury. For instance, your covered medical expenses may include the cost of emergency care, surgical operations, prescribed medications, hospital treatments, orthopedic appliances, physical therapy, and more.
Specific Loss Benefits
Furthermore, if you suffered an amputation or the permanent loss of function in a body part, then you may qualify for specific loss benefits. For example, these benefits may be awarded to a claimant who loses a digit or suffers a form of permanent paralysis.
Death Benefits
Lastly, in the unfortunate event of a work-related fatality, dependents of the deceased Amazon employee may be entitled to receive death benefits. These benefits exist to provide compensation to surviving family members who relied on the deceased for income.
When Do Injuries at an Amazon Warehouse Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania?
Workers’ Compensation benefits are generally only available for injuries that occur while an employee is performing job-related duties or activities directly related to their employment.
Unfortunately, you cannot typically receive Workers’ Compensation benefits for injuries sustained while commuting to an Amazon warehouse. Commuting to and from work is typically considered outside the scope of employment, and therefore injuries sustained during this time are not typically covered under Workers’ Compensation.
However, there may be exceptions to this rule depending on the specific circumstances of the commute at issue. For instance, an injury sustained while commuting may be covered if the employee was running a work-related errand or traveling between job sites at the time.
Do You Need to Prove Fault to Recover Workers’ Compensation for an Amazon Warehouse Injury in Pennsylvania?
No, you do not need to prove fault in order to recover Workers’ Compensation for an injury sustained in an Amazon warehouse. Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault insurance system designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, regardless of who is at fault. This means that even if your injury was caused by your own mistake or negligence, you may still be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits as long as the injury occurred during the course of your employment.
How to Get Workers’ Compensation After an Injury at an Amazon Warehouse in Pennsylvania
Suffering an injury at an Amazon warehouse can be a painful and traumatic experience. To help ensure you recover the Workers’ Compensation benefits you are owed, there are certain actions you should take after your workplace accident:
Report the Injury Promptly
After your accident, it is crucial to report it to your employer as soon as possible. Failure to report the injury quickly could jeopardize your ability to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After reporting the injury, seek immediate medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, it is essential to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to document the extent of your injuries and receive appropriate treatment.
For the first 90 days after suffering your on-the-job injury, you will be required to seek care from one of the “panel physicians” that should be conspicuously listed by your employer in an easily accessible workplace area. After that 90-day period has passed, you will then be permitted to visit any healthcare provider you want.
Document the Incident
Additionally, documenting the details of your workplace accident can be essential for recovering Workers’ Compensation benefits. Take notes of how your injury occurred, including the date, time, location, and any contributing factors. If possible, you may gather contact information from any witnesses who can provide testimony regarding the accident at issue.
Follow Medical Advice
You should continue to follow the medical advice provided by your healthcare provider to ensure a smooth recovery process. Attend all scheduled appointments, adhere to prescribed treatment plans, and refrain from engaging in activities that could exacerbate your injuries.
Consult with Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Finally, it may benefit you to contact our legal team as quickly as possible after being injured in an Amazon warehouse. We are ready to guide you through the claims process and ensure your interests are protected. We can also provide valuable assistance in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and appealing denied claims if necessary.
Call Our Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Support After an Amazon Warehouse Accident
Get help from our Certified Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Cardamone Law by calling (267) 651-7945 today.