An injury at work can be devastating regardless of where you work. If you were injured on the job, you may be eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Most U.S. employers have workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees. This is designed to offer medical benefits and cover a portion of lost wages when an employee is hurt while working. Workers’ comp benefits can help you recoup those medical costs and lost wages. You should consult with a workers’ comp attorney to ensure your claim is filed properly and your rights are protected. Company Profile: Winn-Dixie Founded in 1925, Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. is an American supermarket chain that is based in Jacksonville, Florida. It has ranked as number 24 in the “Top 75 North American Food Retailers” during 2010 by Supermarket News based on FY 2009 sales of $7.3 billion. It was ranked the 45th largest retailer in the U.S. during 2012 based on revenues by Stores magazine. The company currently has 513 stores spanning across Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi. The food chain is a subsidiary of BI-LO Holdings, which is another Southeast supermarket chain. The Winn-Dixie chain’s annual revenue is now about $10 billion and the company has about 41,000 employees. Did You Suffer an On-the-Job Injury? If you were cleaning during your shift at Winn-Dixie and you suffered serious burns or lung problems resulting from your contact with cleaning chemicals, such as ammonia, bleach, and mixtures, you may have had to be hospitalized for treatment. This is a work-related illness that may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If you have been hurt or become sick because of chemical exposure while at work, notify your supervisor so an accident report can be completed. Make sure you give a detailed account of what occurred and make sure they are aware of any witnesses to the event. Seek immediate medical care. Here are a few more injuries that might be covered under a workers' comp claim: Slip and Fall – Did you slip and fall on crushed fruit in the produce department while you were at work? This could cause serious back injuries that require ongoing medical care. Burns – Did you suffer second-degree burns on your hands while cooking in the bakery or deli? If so, you may find a long recovery lies ahead of you. Cuts – Was your hand cut because a knife slipped while you were cutting meat? This is a painful injury that requires time to heal. Consult with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney If you have been hurt while at work at Winn-Dixie or if you have suffered an illness because of work-related exposure, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney as quickly as possible. Your attorney can file the claim, compile all the required evidence to support your claim, and work to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf so you can focus on getting better and getting back to work. *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 Winn-Dixie, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
