If you are an employee of Amazon who was involved in a workplace accident, you can pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation includes medical benefits and covers a portion of your lost wages. Depending on the state laws where you work, it might also cover the cost of vocational retraining if you are unable to return to the same line of work or same position at your employer. Workers’ compensation laws do vary from one state to another, but there are many aspects of workers’ comp that are similar across the board. Here are a few tips for filing a workers’ compensation claim against Amazon after a workplace accident. Tips for Getting Your Amazon Workers’ Compensation Claim on Track First, you must report your injury to Amazon right away. Every state has a deadline for a worker to give notice of their injuries, and if you miss the deadline it can affect your ability to pursue a claim for benefits. Be sure you notify a supervisor right away. Seek medical care right away. Prompt medical care is important evidence. Postponing care allows the employer to say that your injuries weren’t as serious as you claim. Consider changing physicians. Many states require that the injured worker to seek treatment from a physician that is selected by the insurance company. Each state has its own regulations regarding changing physicians during a workers’ comp claim, but if you don’t think you are getting the care that you deserve, consider doing this. Understand the Amazon workers’ compensation benefits available to you. There are several different benefits usually available including temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, medical benefits, mileage to cover your transportation to and from medical appointments, and vocational rehabilitation. You will most likely be sent to an independent medical examination. This isn’t to treat your injury but for an independent doctor hired by the insurance company to examine you, review your medical records, and then issue a report regarding your diagnoses, how your injury is work-related, and any work restrictions. Usually these visits are scheduled when the insurer wants to reduce or terminate workers’ comp benefits. If the workers’ compensation insurance questions your credibility, they could hire a private investigator to keep a watch on you. This person will watch you in public places and at home to catch you doing something that contradicts your workers’ compensation claim and to say you are lying about your symptoms and the severity of your injury. Maintain through records. Keep copies of all paperwork that discusses work restrictions, documents from the insurance company and Amazon, and the Amazon accident report. If Amazon workers’ compensation benefits are denied, file an appeal. Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer If you have suffered injuries while working for Amazon, consult with a workers’ compensation attorney who is licensed to practice in your state Workers’ compensation attorneys are familiar with the state laws and will know the best way to proceed with your claim. Get your Free Case Evaluation today. *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 any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation. Additional Resources Can I File a Claim For an Injury Delivering Amazon* Packages? Do I Need A Lawyer If I Am Hurt Working at Amazon*?
