Many people choose to work in a grocery store environment because of the opportunity to have flexible scheduling. However, most grocery stores hire entry level workers and these workers often live paycheck to paycheck. If you were hurt on the job, could you still support your family? How would you pay the rent? Could you continue to pay the premium on your health insurance? Getting hurt on the job isn’t something that most people plan. When it happens, it has the potential of turning your life upside down. A Safety Net for Hurt Workers If you’re hurt during your shift at Food Lion, there is a safety net in place that can help you with the expenses associated with the injury. All states require most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This form of insurance is paid for by the employer. When hurt workers file a claim, they do not have to pay a copayment or a deductible to qualify for benefits. Workers’ compensation is a safety net for hurt workers. When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you will be entitled to certain benefits. However, the benefits that you qualify to receive will depend on your injury. You may be entitled to assistance with your medical expenses (including visits to the doctor and medication) and a portion of your lost wages if you are unable to work either temporarily or permanently. There are other benefits provided by workers’ compensation. However, to access any of the benefits, you must first file a workers’ compensation claim. Company Profile: Food Lion Food Lion is a grocery store chain that is headquartered in Salisbury, North Carolina. They have more than 1,000 locations in ten states. Food Lion employs around 66,000 people. Risks to Food Lion Employees No one plans to go to work and get hurt. Yet, it happens to people usually when the least expect it. Your risk of being hurt during your shift at Food Lion largely depends on your job responsibilities. Here are some of the most common on-the-job injuries: Bakery and deli employees – Employees who work in the bakery or the deli are at risk of being injured. Hot ovens, sharp knives, and meat cutters are just a few of the necessary tools that can also cause severe injuries. A slip and fall because of a slick floor is also a very real concern. Stockers – Employees who stock the shelves are at risk of hurting their neck, back, knees, and shoulders as they pull heavy pallets and lift goods onto shelves. Those who use ladders to stock goods on top shelves face the risk of losing their balance and falling from the ladder. Cashiers and baggers – Employees who run the registers and help bag groceries perform the same small motions every day. This can lead to the development of repetitive stress injury in the arms, hands, shoulders, and even elbows. Bending and lifting can also hurt your lower back or your knees. Baggers who help take groceries outside for customers may slip and fall in the parking lot because of bad weather. Although these injuries may seem minor, they can be quite severe. Questions About Workers’ Compensation? If you have questions about workers’ compensation, you should take the time to speak with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney. You can learn more about your rights under the law and make sure that you’re getting the benefits that you deserve. *The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Food Lion, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
