What are Workers’ Compensation Benefits? Have you suffered an injury that occurred while you working your shift at Ace Hardware? If you answered “yes,” you may be eligible to file a workers’ comp claim. In the United States, most employers are required to have workers’ compensation coverage for their employees to cover any injuries or illnesses resulting from their employment. Workers’ compensation’s medical coverage reimburses for medical bills resulting from the accident. A portion of lost wages may also be covered by the insurance plan. Workers’ comp claims are very complicated and require extensive information. Because workers’ comp claims are often denied, you should consult with a workers’ comp attorney to handle the claims process and settlement negotiations for you. Company Profile: Ace Hardware A hardware chain, there are 4,700 stores bearing the Ace Hardware name around the world. However, 4,600 of those stores are independently owned and operated. The stores offer inventories and are designed to meet the needs of the individual communities. A small group of Chicago hardware owners founded Ace in 1924 to enable individual stores to buy merchandise in bulk to get the best possible pricing so they could effectively compete with larger stores. Ace Hardware Corporation is still owned by the local Ace retail entrepreneurs. For 10 years in a row, J.D. Power and Associates has ranked Ace the “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retail Stores”. For additional savings, Ace offers its own private label brand as well as the popular name brands. They offer franchise opportunities all around the world for those wanting to open their own hardware or home improvement store. Hurt on the Job at Ace Hardware? Are you a stock associate as Ace Hardware who was climbing a ladder to get down some inventory when you slipped, fell backwards, and damaged a disc in your back? If you suffered such an injury, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits while you recover. Notify your supervisor as quickly as possible after an accident and get medical care right away. Make sure your manager or the human resources office completes an accident report that details what occurred and how you were injured. Here are some common injuries you might sustain: Deep Lacerations – If you are cutting boards for a customer and the wood slips causing you to hit your hand on the saw and suffer a severe cut that damages the ligaments and tendons, you may have a lengthy recovery and intensive rehabilitation in front of you. Broken Bones – As an associate, if you are helping a customer load building supplies into his truck and a pallet of materials crushes your foot breaking several bones, you may find yourself unable to work for weeks. Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Workers’ compensation claims are complicated, take a long time to settle, and require extensive documentation to back them up. If you have suffered an injury on that job that has left you with medical bills and unable to work, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney even before your file your claim. Your attorney can handle the entire process for you so you can focus on healing instead of negotiating with the insurance adjusters.