Store workers are routinely exposed to certain types of hazards because of their environment. The busier the store, the more likely that they will be injured because of some sort of obstacle left lying around on the floor of the store. Even working in an office supplies store can be hazardous. Back strain and pain is a common complaint in such a store as OfficeMax. Because many of the items sold are quite heavy when they arrive in cartons from their origin. OfficeMax: Company Profile OfficeMax is a well known office supplies chain, merged with Office Depot since 2013. It was first established as a company in 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio. Its current headquarters are in Boca Raton, Florida. For a time when K-Mart’s fortunes were better than they are today, OfficeMax was a subsidiary company to K-Mart. OfficeMax is still used as a brand name and the merger has created the largest office supply retail chain in North America with stores across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico and Mexico as well. Through much of its history, the company has been involved in a series of mergers and acquisitions as well as a certain amount of experimentation with the types of supplies and goods that the stores should sell most profitably. Potential Dangers / Injuries Working For OfficeMax Slip, trip and fall accidents are probably the most common in OfficeMax stores. Also common are accidents involving stock that falls off suddenly from a shelf or rack above the store worker, strains from heavy lifting and repetitive strains from office work stuck behind a computer for long periods. Here are some common injuries expected from an OfficeMax workplace accident: sprains and strains from a light fall; dislocated elbows, knees, fingers and toe joints, as well as hip and shoulder joints; cuts, gashes and bruises from impact with something sharp or hard during the fall; brain or spinal injury if the worst comes to the worst in an OfficeMax store accident; bones broken on impact with the ground, especially outstretched arms, wrists and hands. Talk to a Lawyer It can be difficult at times obtaining compensation through a workers’ compensation claim. Insurers who handle these sorts of claims on behalf of their corporate clients are never very happy parting with cash to compensate for a workplace injury. They have a tendency to try and discredit the claim or allege that the injury happened while away from the workplace. This can be contested and legal advice provided by a workers’ compensation attorney. If the claim is denied for any reason, usually because the insurer is not convinced that an injury was not workplace related, you can appeal but make sure you get an attorney’s help before proceeding. To consult with a lawyer, complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page. *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 OfficeMax, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation. Additional Resources Do You Need a Lawyer For Your Claim? How Long Do I Need to Be Out of Work For Workers’ Comp.?
