If you were working your shift at Dollar General when you suffered an injury, you should consider filing a claim for workers' compensation benefits. While every state sets its own laws, most U.S. employers are required to maintain workers' compensation insurance to protect themselves and their employees in the event of a work-related injury or illness. Offering medical benefits coverage and paying a portion of lost wages, workers' compensation can help an injured worker. Additional benefits might be available if a worker is disabled because of the injury or if he or she must retrain for a different position. Gathering the Documentation If you were injured working at Dollar General, you need gather all the evidence and documentation that you can to support your claim. These documents are detrimental is showing you were injured, how you were injured and the severity of your injuries. As an example scenario, you were helping unload a truck at your Dollar General location when a pallet jack crushed your foot. Here are some documents you need to gather: Get written statements from any witnesses to the accident. Have them detail what they saw and how the accident happened. This might be coworkers or the truck driver who was there while the truck was being unloaded. Keep all medical records, such as treatment records, copies of prescriptions, copies of orders for medical devices such as orders for a splint or crutches, and any notes from rehabilitation or physical therapy. You should take photos of visible injuries, such as scrapes, bruises, or broken bones. Prepare your own written statement regarding the accident detailing what happened and how it happened. Discuss your injuries and when and where you sought medical care. Do this as soon as you can after the accident while the memory is still fresh in your mind. Get and keep copies of any accident reports. Your employer should complete an accident report. If an ambulance or 911 is called, the law enforcement will complete an accident report. Use all the documentation to create a timeline of events that shows when and how you were injured and what happened since that accident. This timeline can be used to help with your workers' compensation claim. Giving a Deposition If you are unable to reach a settlement for your claim, you will be required to give a deposition. When you are giving your deposition, you should remain calm and act in a professional manner. You should tell the truth and be honest and straightforward throughout your deposition. The attorneys representing Dollar General will ask about your background, how the accident occurred, how you were injured, any medical treatment you received and will continue to need, the severity of your injuries, and how you have been affected. Consult With a Workers' Compensation Attorney If you have been hurt at work, you should consult with an experienced workers' compensation attorney. Because workers' compensation claims are complicated, you need a lawyer to make sure your rights are protected and that you get the benefits that you are entitled to receive. Because workers' compensation attorneys work on a contingency basis, they are not paid until they get you a settlement or a judgment. Schedule a free case evaluation right away because a statute of limitations might apply. *The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Dollar General, or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation. Helpful Articles Were You Hurt Working at Dollar General? Tips for Success With Your Dollar General Claim Filing a Dollar General* Workers’ Compensation Claim in California
