Workplace accidents are always a possibility even in seemingly benign places like Walmart department stores. As a shift manager, you do need to move around a lot and there is always the potential for an untimely accident. If you do find yourself visiting your doctor or you end the day on a hospital bed awaiting surgery it can be a relief to know that your employer has workers’ compensation insurance to help you financially. A workers’ comp. claim, properly prepared, should pay all medical costs of a workplace related injury and a part of lost earnings, typically around two thirds. If you do have an injury at work, whatever your job, it is advisable to talk to a WC attorney before submitting a claim. Possible Workplace Injuries if You Work as a Walmart Shift Manager A Walmart shift manager has a varied job description, but has overall responsibility for staff working on any one shift. The job means a good appreciation of how the store operates and what each employee is expected to be doing. Shift managers are not confined to an office or desk as they do need to be out and about in the store checking that everything is going to schedule and addressing problems faced by employees and customers as they arise. Typical accidents involve slipping on slippery surfaces, tripping over and awkward falls. Injuries include cuts, bruises, sprains, strains, dislocated hips and shoulders, broken bones and occasionally more serious inquiries like those affecting the spine and brain. A Walmart Shift Manager Workers Compensation Payment After a Workplace Accident Workers’ compensation is divided into two main components: the first is for medical treatment while the second is for lost earnings, wages and salary while the employee remains away from work. Normally, the medical component is calculated quite easily as long as documentation is complete and it shows that the costs directly relate to an injury at work. The earnings component is calculated at two thirds (in most states) of what might have been earned if the employee had been at work. A shift manager at Walmart is usually on a salary. The average salary for this position is between $60,000 and $65,000 annually. A one week’s absence from work would be awarded with two thirds of a normal week’s salary equivalent, i.e. two thirds of $1,160 (based on a $60,000 annual salary). That equates to $765 for the one week’s absence plus any medical expenses. Why it Makes Sense to Use a WC Attorney Insurers are never keen to release compensation payments in a hurry. All claims are thoroughly checked to ensure they are valid. Claims are routinely challenged and denied. If this happens to you, you should make sure you use a WC attorney who can provide valuable legal advice and negotiating power, especially if you are forced to appeal a decision about your claim. Additional Resources Slip and Fall While Working at Walmart? Workers’ Compensation Help after a Walmart Work Accident *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 Walmart or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
