Recreational Equipment, Inc., which does business as REI, is a U.S.-based outdoor recreational and retail services company. Organized as a consumer cooperative, REI sells camping gear, sporting goods, clothing, and travel equipment. In addition to offering retail goods, it offers services such as outdoors courses and vacations. Most employers, including REI, are required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. This insurance provides medical benefits and covers a portion of lost wages while the worker is recovering from the on-the-job incident. About REI REI was founded in 1938 by Lloyd and Mary Anderson. It had grown to 154 locations by June 2017. The company’s annual revenue was $2.38 billion by 2015 with an operating income of $136 million as of 2012. The company’s net come was $29 million during 2012. As a cooperative, there are 17 million members and as of 2015, REI has 12,000 employees. While membership was $1 per person in 1938, it is now $20 per person for lifetime membership along with a $10 purchase during the given calendar year. Risks While Working at REI With dozens of job roles at REI, any employee faces his or her own risks daily. For example, a store manager could suffer a back injury while unloading a truck. A tour guide could be stung by bees and suffer an allergic reaction. A delivery driver could suffer whiplash after being in a truck that was rear-ended. A district manager could suffer broken bones in a car crash while traveling from one store to another. Any of these injuries will result in mounting medical expenses and extensive time off from work. Workers’ compensation can help with those aspects. Workers’ Compensation Claim Against REI You were working your shift as a sales associate with REI when you slipped on a wet floor. When you fell, you landed on your back and tailbone on the concrete floor. You suffered sharp pains in your back and neck along with burning and tingling sensations in your legs. Your spinal injuries will require ongoing care. Workers’ compensation benefits will reimburse you about two-thirds of your regular salary. It will cover your medical expenses to ensure you get the care that you need while you are healing. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer If you were hurt working at REI, you should consult with a workers’ compensation in your area. You want a lawyer licensed in your state, so they are familiar with the state laws and can ensure all documents are completely properly and filed in a timely manner. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form so an attorney in your area can review the details of your case and determine how to proceed. Remember, a statute of limitations applies. *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 REI, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation. Additional Resources How Does an Attorney Determine the Amount of Damages? Why Should I Get a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
