If you were hurt while working at Amazon, you are eligible to file a claim for workers' compensation benefits. While the laws regarding workers' compensation benefits vary from state to state, most employers are required to maintain the special insurance coverage to protect workers who are hurt on the job. Workers' comp includes medical benefits and covers a portion of lost wages for injured workers. Supporting Documentation and Evidence for Your Workers' Comp Claim As an example of a work accident scenario, you were working your shift at Amazon in the distribution center where you operate a forklift when you went to pick up some boxes and the load shifted causing boxes to fall on top of you. You were knocked off the forklift. You suffered a head injury and a broken arm. You need to gather up all the documentation to support your workers' comp claim. Here are some documents that you need to gather: Ask witnesses for written statements. Have them detail what they saw as well as how and why it happened. They should include the date and time of the accident as well as their names and contact details. Keep medical records and documentation supporting your injuries. This means get copies of any ER reports, surgical notes, physician notes, x-rays and labs, and physical therapy. Keep prescription records and orders for medical devices such as a back brace or crutches. Prepare your own written statement and what you recall about the accident. If you do this while your memory is fresh it will be more accurate and provide more details. Tell what you were doing, if you have done that task before, who you were working with, and what happened. This is needed to support your claim. Detail any medical care you have received as well. Get a copy of the accident report completed by your place of work. This is required for a workers' comp claim to be filed. If 911 was called, get copies of any incident report completed by responders as well. Take all the documentation that you have gathered and create a timeline that details your accident and what happened. Use it to show your employer and their insurance company what went wrong and how you were hurt. Giving a Deposition When an agreement cannot be reached or a claim cannot be settled, you will be required to give a deposition. A deposition involves detailed questioning by the attorneys for your employer, which in this case is Amazon. They will ask about your background and past, your work training, your work duties, your injuries and medical treatment, and the accident itself. You should be very professional, honest, and straightforward in your responses. Consult With a Workers' Compensation Attorney If you have been injured while working at Amazon, you should consult with a workers' compensation attorney before attempting to file a benefits claim on your own. Workers' compensation claims are complicated, so you need to make sure your rights are protected and that everything is in order so you can be awarded the benefits that you deserve. Because workers' compensation attorneys don't get paid until you get a judgment or a settlement, there is no out of pocket expense. Schedule a free case evaluation today. Additional Resources Hurt Working for Amazon? Will You Need a Lawyer If You're Hurt Working For Amazon? Disclaimer: 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 another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
