If you were working at Amazon and you suffered a back injury, you can pursue a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are more than 600,000 workers who suffer back injuries each year**, and those claims cost about $50 billion per year. While you might have great management at Amazon and you may have a strong work ethic with great reviews over the years, when you file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits the insurance company is in control. Insurance companies are in business to make money, and not pay out claims, so you need to enlist the help of a workers’ compensation attorney. Causes of Workplace Back Injuries You can suffer a back injury in almost any role at Amazon, especially if you work in stock, loading or delivery. Most back injuries on the job are caused by either twisting or overextending the spine while pushing, pulling, or lifting. It can even be caused from poor posture after extended sitting. Work-related back injuries are often painful and require extended recovery after extensive treatment Here are some of the more common work-related back injuries: Pinched nerves Lower back strain Herniated, slipped or bulging discs Fractured vertebrae Spinal cord damage Every year, there are thousands of workers – just like you – who suffer back injuries from lifting. There aren’t any federal regulations regarding lifting on the job, so that is something that individual employers must take responsibility for when it comes to safety guidelines and procedures regarding lifting. What to Do If You Hurt Your Back at Work Working at an Amazon Fulfillment Center can be a rewarding career, as well as one that places a considerable amount of physical demands on the body. This is especially true for your back because of the lifting and walking required daily. Let’s review the answer to the question, “What do I do if I hurt my back at work.” The first thing to do is seek immediate medical care. If not treated right away, a back injury can result in several months of treatments, and after that, more time in physical therapy to mitigate the painful symptoms. Even if you feel well enough to continue working, you should address the symptoms of an injured back as quickly as possible after a workplace injury incident. After taking care of urgent medical issues, you must report the workplace injury to your manager. Your employer needs to know about the incident for you to file a valid workers’ compensation claim. You submit an incident report that includes a detailed description of how you hurt your back, as well as the names and contact information for every witness to the incident. Make sure to collect evidence, which includes photographs of the area where you injured your back. Before filing a workers’ compensation claim, you may want to consider speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney. Although employers in every state except Texas are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance, this does not mean your employer will not contest the validity of the claim. The Claims Process As soon as you realize that you have suffered a back injury, notify your employer. Make your supervisor aware of what happened so an accident report can be completed. Seek medical care right away. If your injury is serious, call for an ambulance. Nerve damage or a broken vertebra should be treated with care, so the condition doesn’t lead to further problems, so be sure you proceed with caution. If you aren’t going by ambulance to the hospital, then you will need to see a physician on the approved list. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer is contracted with physicians to provide care in such situations. Maintain copies of all documentation and follow the doctor’s orders. Keep your managers informed about how long you will be out of work and of recent medical visits. You don’t want to give your employer a reason to deny your claim, but if your claim is denied you can file an appeal. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer If you have suffered a back injury while working at Amazon, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Workers’ compensation insurers are in the business to make money, so they are not going to want to pay out anymore than they absolutely must. You need to make sure you have a lawyer experienced in workplace accidents representing you and ensuring that your claim gets the attention it deserves. Get your Free Case Evaluation today. *The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Amazon, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation. **osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_vii/otm_vii_1.html Additional Resources Amazon Workers Compensation FAQ Back Pain and Workers' Compensation Claims Do I Need A Lawyer If I Am Hurt Working at Amazon*?
