Whether you work at a distribution center as your full-time job or have a part-time job during the holidays, you need to know what to do if you are injured. The holiday delivery rush can increase the risk of distribution center injuries. Companies like Amazon promise prompt delivery, which puts employees in a position to work faster than usual as orders increase during the holidays.
In this blog, our Savannah and Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney discusses distribution center injuries during the holiday delivery rush. He explains what you should do if you are injured working in a distribution center to protect your rights.
Accident Risks Increase at Distribution Centers During the Holiday Rush
Amazon and other retailers are flooded with orders during the holidays. The period between Black Friday and Christmas is the peak holiday shopping season.
As the holiday draws closer, last-minute shoppers scramble to place last-minute online orders for fast delivery. That means distribution center workers are required to work extra shifts and at a faster pace.
Workers increase their hours, performing repetitive tasks for longer hours. Doing so can increase the risk of repetitive motion injuries. Slip and fall accidents also increase as workers rush from one place to another to pull orders. Rushing to pick stock can result in falls from ladders.
Forklift accidents may also increase in distribution centers as drivers rush to move orders to trucks and inventory around the center. The drivers may not pay enough attention to other workers in the area.
Extra inventory means more boxes in the distribution center, creating tripping hazards if the boxes are left in the aisles. Extra inventory may be added, which could increase the risk of being struck by a falling item.
What Should I Do After a Distribution Center Accident in Georgia?
Workers’ compensation insurance should cover you if you work at a large company like Amazon. Distribution center injuries must be reported to your employer or supervisor within 30 days, or you could lose your workers’ compensation benefits.
Seek immediate medical treatment for distribution center injuries. Your employer is required to post a Traditional Panel of Physicians or the name of the Workers’ Compensation Managed Care Organization. You must choose a doctor from the list of approved physicians for workers’ compensation to pay your medical bills.
If you cannot work because of your injuries, you can receive temporary disability benefits. These benefits equal two-thirds of your average weekly wages up to the state maximum amount. You can receive weekly benefits for up to 400 weeks. Catastrophic injuries could result in lifetime benefits.
Distribution center injuries that result in permanent impairments may qualify for permanent disability benefits. The benefits you receive depend on the type of injury you sustain and your average weekly wages.
You have the right to consult an attorney at any time during your workers’ compensation case. It is wise to talk with an attorney to ensure you understand your rights after a workplace injury, especially if you sustain a severe injury.
Call for a Free Consultation With Our Savannah Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
At Parsons Law Group, we handle all types of distribution center injury claims. Contact our office to schedule a free case review with an experienced Georgia workers’ compensation attorney. Let us help you receive the benefits you need and deserve.