{"id":4921,"date":"2020-05-05T16:46:03","date_gmt":"2020-05-05T20:46:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/?p=4921"},"modified":"2020-05-26T13:41:52","modified_gmt":"2020-05-26T17:41:52","slug":"warehouse-injuries-and-workers-compensation-part-two","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/warehouse-injuries-and-workers-compensation-part-two\/","title":{"rendered":"Warehouse injuries and Workers Compensation \u2013 Part Two"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to injuries caused by forklifts, overexertion, loading dock injuries, being struck by an object, and being pinned \u2013 warehouse workers can suffer slips and falls and other serious accidents. Right now, the country is relying on warehouse workers, medical staff, retail staff, and many others for our survival. Many are deemed \u201cessential\u201d workers and are therefore a heavy burden is placed on them as they serve the needs of the rest of our citizens, who may be confined to their homes. Workers in all these industries have the continuing right to file workers compensation claims if they are injured while doing their job. The right to file for work injury benefits applies to employees in North Carolina and Virginia. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/what-happens-if-i-get-the-corona-virus-because-of-my-job\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click here for a video explaining whether you have a right to workers compensation if you become ill from COVID-19 exposure at work as of May 2, 2020<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> )<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><i>Slip, trip, and fall injuries<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warehouse workers can slip (or trip) and fall for many reasons including the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uneven surfaces\u2014this is particularly common when loading or unloading trucks, where there may be a significant gap or difference in height between the loading dock and inside of the truck.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surfaces that are slippery due to water, snow, oil, ice, and other weather conditions and products. Metal surfaces can also be very slippery.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slips because the worker didn\u2019t have the right footwear for the job<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loose inventory or tools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wires, cords, and other long thin materials that aren\u2019t properly placed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Broken tiles<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loose railings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Torn carpets and rugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor lighting preventing the worker from seeing properly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Falls from ladders, scaffolds or other products that lift a worker above the ground<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stairs where the non-slip tread has worn off from overuse.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Workers who slip for any reason or stumble for any reason can suffer a range of injuries including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Broken limbs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/head-injuries-and-workers-compensation-in-north-carolina-and-virginia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traumatic brain injuries and concussions<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/articles\/death-benefits-in-workers-compensation-cases-in-virginia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatalities<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/articles\/two-common-types-of-spinal-injuries\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spinal cord damage<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/back-pain-and-workers-compensation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">back<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/a-glossary-of-pain-management-terms-and-an-explanation-of-neck-pain\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">neck<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Internal organ damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A loss of balance for many other reasons<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><i>Injuries due to truck accidents<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Part and parcel of every warehouse is having trucking companies drop off their cargo and pick up shipments to be delivered. Trucking accidents, especially backing up accidents, can occur in the loading docks and the parking areas. Injuries can happen to the drivers and to any workers in the path of a truck. Many drivers work long hours which can cause them to make carless mistakes because they\u2019re tired.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warehouse accidents can involve forklifts and trucks. While they often work in tandem \u2013 the forklift operator takes the truck loads and begins to move the load into the warehouse \u2013 accidents can occur if each operator isn\u2019t looking out for the other driver.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><i>Injuries due to chemicals and hazardous materials<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some warehouses work with toxins and other hazardous materials. Any spill can cause serious injuries which can damage a warehouse worker\u2019s lungs or skin. Lung injuries can cause breathing difficulties. Inhaling dangerous chemicals can also cause cancer and other injuries. If the spill comes into contact with the skin, the warehouse worker can suffer severe burns. Chemical injuries require immediate medical attention. Workers may suffer permanent injuries and disfigurement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><i>Treatment by in-house clinics \u2013 an example<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warehouse worker at big companies like Amazon are often required to treat with in-house clinics such as AmCare. According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motherjones.com\/politics\/2019\/03\/amazon-workers-compensation-amcare-clinic-warehouse\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one report,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u201cIn 2014, a National Association of Worksite Health Center study found that 43 percent of surveyed companies had an onsite or near-site clinic in place.\u201d Amazon began using AmCare clinics in 2009. These clinics are generally staffed by licensed EMTs. Amazon\u2019s website claims that one of AmCare\u2019s purpose is to \u201cparticipate in the Worker\u2019s Compensation process.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The EMTs at the company site generally have broad discretion in deciding whether a worker should be sent to see a physician or if they should be treated in-house for 21 days, after which Amazon does require that AmCare refer the employee to an outside physician. AmCare is generally designed for quick relief. Some workers, according to the report, say that &#8211; while AmCare has broad discretion in referring workers to doctors, the company doesn\u2019t have physicians on site \u2013 which is just part of the difficulty warehouse workers face. They claim Amazon has high production pace requirements which affect worker health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All that being said, please understand that under Virginia law, unless and until an injured worker has established an ongoing pattern of care with a particular physician, he or she would be entitled to choose from a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/three-doctor-panels-in-virginia-workers-compensation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">three-doctor panel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of physicians. An employer who simply shuffles an employee off to a \u201ccompany-designated\u201d physician is not following the law. If you have only seen such a physician or other healthcare provider once after a work injury, and for whatever reason, you are not satisfied, you need to file a <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/workcomp.virginia.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/forms\/Claim-Form.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">claim form<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and thereafter also claim your right with the Commission to your three-doctor panel immediately. Do not let time go by wherein you continue to treat with the \u201ccompany doctor,\u201d otherwise, that doctor will be deemed your authorized treating physician. On the other hand, you must not unjustifiably refuse to see a physician being offered you. When asked why you are not seeing the \u201ccompany doctor\u201d you must tell the adjuster you are exercising your right to a three-doctor panel and you would like to choose your doctor from that panel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><i>Treatment by outside physicians<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warehouse workers will seek treatment with many different doctors and therapists depending on the types of injuries they suffer. Some of these health care providers might include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The worker\u2019s family doctor<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pain management physician who may prescribe medications or treatments (such as steroid injections) for their pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neurologists for any type of nerve damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthopedists for any bone fractures or displacements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical therapists<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vocational therapists<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Occupational therapists<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many other healthcare providers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Workers who suffer emotional injuries along with their physical injuries may also need to treat with psychologists and psychiatrists.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><i>Steps warehouse workers should take if they are injured at work<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any North Carolina or Virginia warehouse worker who is injured on the job:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Has the right to seek immediate medical attention.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Typically, this means seeing a company health care provider, nurse or doctor if there is one on staff. In the most serious cases, cases, particular those who must undergo emergency surgery, it means treating with whatever surgeon operated on you in the hospital. In less severe cases, it should mean choosing a doctor from a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/three-doctor-panels-in-virginia-workers-compensation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">three-doctor panel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Should inform their supervisor of the accident and their injuries.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Employees are required to inform their supervisor of any accident or injuries due to an accident as promptly as possible<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>File a <a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/practice-areas\/workers-compensation\/\">workers\u2019 compensation<\/a> case.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Employees shouldn\u2019t rely on the warehouse company to do right by them \u2013 even when they say they\u2019ll pay for your medical bills. The best course of action after any injury is to make an appointment with an experienced workers\u2019 compensation lawyer. The lawyer will help you file a <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/workcomp.virginia.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/forms\/Claim-Form.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">claim form<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. He\u2019ll help you see the right doctors for your injuries. A skilled North Carolina or Virginia warehouse lawyer will also help you obtain work loss benefits, help ensure that you\u2019re not forced back to work too soon, explain and demand your right to have all your medical expenses explained, and guide you through each phase of the workers\u2019 compensation process.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virginia and North Carolina workers\u2019 compensation lawyer Joe Miller Esq. understands how dangerous warehouse jobs are. He\u2019s helped thousands of injured workers get just work injury companies. He explains that there is no need to prove fault. Employees who are injured while working for their employer should generally be compensated for their lost income (up to the amounts allowed by law) and for all their necessary medical expenses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To speak with an experienced workers\u2019 compensation lawyer call Joe Miller, Esq., at <\/span><b><a href=\"tel:\/\/888-694-1671\" title=\"888-694-1671\">888-694-1671<\/a> <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or fill out my online <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/contact-us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contact form<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to schedule an appointment. Cases are handled on a contingency fee basis.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In addition to injuries caused by forklifts, overexertion, loading dock injuries, being struck by an object, and being pinned \u2013 warehouse workers can suffer slips and falls and other serious accidents. Right now, the country is relying on warehouse workers, medical staff, retail staff, and many others for our survival. Many are deemed \u201cessential\u201d workers &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Warehouse injuries and Workers Compensation \u2013 Part Two\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/warehouse-injuries-and-workers-compensation-part-two\/#more-4921\" aria-label=\"Read more about Warehouse injuries and Workers Compensation \u2013 Part Two\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Joe Miller","author_link":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/author\/jmiller\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"In addition to injuries caused by forklifts, overexertion, loading dock injuries, being struck by an object, and being pinned \u2013 warehouse workers can suffer slips and falls and other serious accidents. Right now, the country is relying on warehouse workers, medical staff, retail staff, and many others for our survival. Many are deemed \u201cessential\u201d workers&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4921"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4921"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4921\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4921"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4921"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4921"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}