As a Walmart employee, you might expect the giant retailer will do everything they can to keep you safe while at work. Even still, on-the-job accidents happen every day in retail settings. If you are hurt while working, you shouldn’t have to pay expensive medical bills or miss out on pay because of a workplace accident. Instead, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. This special insurance is meant to compensate you in case you are injured in a work accident or become sick after being exposed to certain work conditions. Work-related injuries can keep you off of your feet and may even require expensive, long-term medical treatment. As an employee, you may file a workers’ compensation claim against your employer so you can receive payments for lost wages and medical bills. This gives you a chance to focus on your recovery without worrying about your finances. Work Hazards at Walmart Walmart is one of the nation’s largest employers. In fact, more than 1 million Americans work at the big-box retailer. Some of the hundreds of positions available at any one of their 4,000+ U.S. stores include: Cashier Stocker Cart attendant Inventory receiver Sales floor associate There are many different Walmart positions eligible for workers' compensation. Although these titles come with different job descriptions, they all require employees to handle a number of products every day while spending a lot of time on their feet. As a result, you may be vulnerable to a number of injuries as a Walmart employee like: Strains Sprains Back pain Carpal tunnel syndrome Because retail workers often step in to perform tasks outside of their standard job duties, they may be at an increased risk for injury. Repetitive movements, lifting heavy objects and prolonged standing on hard surfaces can increase the likelihood of joint, back, and neck pain, stiffness, and soreness. For more information about what to do if you're injured while working at Walmart, check out our blog: What to Do When Injured Working at Walmart For more information about specific injuries while working at a Walmart, please see our pages: Ambulance Bills After a Walmart Injury What is the Maximum Value of a Walmart Workers' Compensation Claim? Workers' Comp After a High Fall at Walmart Workers' Comp for an Ankle Injury at Walmart Workers’ Comp for Bursitis at Walmart Workers’ Comp for a Concussion at Walmart Workers' Comp for a Cracked Rib at Walmart Workers' Comp for a Crushed Hand at Walmart Workers' Comp for a Dislocated Shoulder at Walmart Workers' Comp For a Fall in a Walmart Workers’ Comp for a Hernia Injury Working at Walmart Workers' Comp for a Pinched Nerve at Walmart Workers' Comp for a Pulled Muscle at Walmart Workers' Comp for a Pulled Tendon at Walmart Workers' Comp for a Torn Ligament in Walmart Worker’s Compensation for a Burn Injury at Walmart Walmart Must Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance In case employees are hurt while working, large retailers like Walmart are required to carry a Workers’ Compensation policy. In fact, almost all companies must have these policies so they can help cover their employees’ lost wages and medical expenses if they’re hurt on the job. If you are a Walmart employee and were injured in a workplace accident, you may be able to prepare a claim under Walmart's workers’ compensation program, even if the accident was partially your fault. This gives you a chance to receive the medical care you need and get paid for lost wages if you are unable to work. Walmart Workers’ Compensation Case After ten years working at her local Minnesota Walmart, Anne Pearce-West began experiencing extreme hand and wrist pain in early 2015. Eventually, she was diagnosed as having advanced carpal tunnel syndrome. Her condition was severe enough that doctors recommended she have surgery to correct the problem. According to Inforum.com, Pearce-West filed a workers’ compensation claim against Walmart to cover her medical expenses and lost wages for the the entire time she was out of work. Receive Workers’ Compensation Claim Help If you’re a Walmart employee and hurt on the job, you may have the option to file a workers’ compensation claim. Ideally, Walmart will do everything they can to support you, as an employee, so you can recover the compensation you need. Unfortunately, large retailers like Walmart, don’t always cooperate when their employees file workers’ compensation claims. In these cases, valid claims may be initially denied and require you to file an appeal. You may also be denied if you do not report the workplace injury to Walmart within your state's time limit. To reach a settlement quickly, work with a lawyer. It can days or even weeks to settle a Walmart workers' compensation claim. An attorney will help you keep the claim on track for a quick settlement. You will have to follow a certain process for filing workers' comp. at Walmart, which a lawyer will know. Before giving up on your claim, contact a workers’ compensation attorney for assistance. He or she can help you file an appeal and navigate these often complex cases. With a workers’ compensation attorney on your side, he or she can help you win your claim and ensure you get a fair settlement amount. For more information on applying for workers' compensation with Walmart, check out our tips page. Additional Resources What to Do When Injured Working at Walmart *The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Walmart, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
