If you have had a hernia while working at Starbucks and think that it is the pressure of the job that caused it, you should be able to claim workers’ compensation using your employer’s insurance cover. Many jobs require quite a lot of physical activity. If you work at Starbucks, for instance, you will be required to keep the coffee shop clean, lift and carry used cups and plates, do the washing up, carry cartons of supplies into the shop and take out the trash. And that’s all in addition to serving customers with coffee and snacks! Any demanding physical work can lead to certain workplace related injuries, including a hernia, which can prevent you from working while recovering. State rules make it mandatory for large corporate employers like Starbucks to have workers’ compensation insurance. A successful claim can help pay all medical costs and a good proportion of lost wages. It can be useful to have a workers’ compensation attorney’s help when considering filing a claim. Causes of Hernias and Treatment Hernias occur mostly because of the bending and lifting that occurs in some jobs. Some people are more prone to hernias than others, but it could occur in anyone who does quite demanding, physical work. In a hernia, part of the abdominal contents gets squeezed out in a gap in the muscular lining of the abdomen. The protrusion can come under quite a lot of pressure and it can be very painful, even excruciating. Once a hernia has been diagnosed, treatment will be recommended by your doctor. This will include taking painkillers, rest while the hernia recovers naturally and often pressure bands to try and encourage the abdominal tissue to re-enter the abdomen, leaving the gap in the muscle layer to fully repair itself. This process can take time, sometimes weeks. Sometimes, surgery is recommended. Filing a WC Claim For a Hernia Against the Starbucks You should inform your employer, or the Starbucks manager where you were working about your injury and how you think it happened. This information should be officially recorded and, in some states, passed on directly to a state workers’ compensation agency or board. Make sure you get your hernia diagnosed by a doctor. Some employers’ insurers insist on a preferred doctor or medical facility so make sure you find out whether this is the case. Get everything you have to pay for because of the hernia documented as you will need to submit all evidence of costs to the insurer with your claim. Note the state’s time limit for filing a claim. Usually, you have 2 or 3 years from the date your hernia was diagnosed, but this does vary from state to state. A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help You With Your Claim It is not always straightforward filing a workers’ compensation claim. It can be an intimidating experience claiming for the cost of your workplace injury. It can help getting advice from a workers’ comp. attorney. If your claim is denied for any reason, you may find professional legal help indispensable. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation today to get in touch with a participating, independent attorney who subscribes to the website. *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 Starbucks, or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation. Additional Resources Do You Need a Lawyer if You Were Hurt Working at Starbucks*? How To Appeal Denied Starbucks Workers’ Compensation Claim
