Home Depot is one of the U.S.’s largest chains of home improvement stores, which employs tens of thousands of employees. Like most large employers it is required to protect its own workers from the financial fall-out from an unexpected workplace injury. With very few exceptions, Home Depot employees are protected by workers’ compensation insurance which is the responsibility of the company. If you have had a genuine workplace accident while working for Home Depot, the medical costs of treatment and some of any lost wages can be recovered by filing a workers’ compensation claim. What is an Average Home Depot WC Claim? There is always the risk of injury when working for Home Depot. Back injuries are common in any part of the store, while slip and fall injuries may occur at any time. Because the range of injuries is so wide, there is no one typical amount that can be used as an example of the average Home Depot workers’ compensation payment. A sprained ankle or wrist could lead to a week or two off work and minor medical treatment and use of painkillers. On the other hand, a forklift injury or crushing injury in a warehouse may mean several months off work and considerable costs for medical treatment. Home Depot Workers’ Compensation Settlement A workers’ compensation settlement must be claimed once the cost of treatment is known. Generally, an employee who has been injured at work might start receiving wages calculated as a percentage of what might have been earned after a few days. Each state determines exactly how workers’ compensation is paid, although there are few major differences across the different states. A settlement may be delayed if there is suspicion by the company’s insurer that the accident did not happen at work or the amount claimed seems excessive. Insurers are less likely to contest a WC claim if documentation is complete and there is sufficient evidence showing how, when and where the injury occurred and why the amount claimed is justified. How a Settlement Might Be Calculated Nearly all states make it compulsory for insured employers to pay all medical costs, including reasonable future medical costs for a serious long term injury. Typically, the wage component is calculated at around two thirds of the wage that would have been earned if the injured employee could have remained at work. Pain and suffering amounts and other non economic payments are not allowed in workers’ compensation settlements and generally an employee cannot resort to filing a personal injury claim if they are protected by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Examples of a Home Depot Workers’ Compensation Settlement A Home Depot employee fell off a step ladder while stocking shelves in a Home Depot store. He dislocated his shoulder and broke his left arm. The resulting injuries needed hospital treatment, physical therapy, antibiotics and painkillers. The employee remained unable to return to work for 7 weeks. Medical costs claimed include: Ambulance: $150; X-rays and scans: $500; Time in hospital: $1,200; Painkillers and bandaging: $200; Physical therapy: $1,700. He had been employed as a store worker for 40 hours a week on an hourly wage of $10 an hour. The loss of wages claimed was calculated at 0.67 of the 7 weeks of wages, i.e. 40 x 7 x 10 x 0.67 = $1,876. Total claimed was $5,626. Tips for Your Home Depot Workers’ Compensation Settlement Tip#1: Make sure you seek immediate medical treatment for your injury; Tip#2: Notify your employer about the injury and how, where and when it happened; Tip#3: Collect and retain as many receipts, invoices, medical treatment statements and reports of tests and scans as possible; Tip#4: File your WC claim within the state’s time limit for such claims, typically two or three years from the date of the injury. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Although it might seem that it is a right to obtain compensation after an injury at work, it can be hard convincing insurers that a claim is justified. It can be advisable to discuss your injury and impending claim with an experienced WC lawyer at any stage of the claim process. Use the free case evaluation form below to find a lawyer near you. 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 Home Depot, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation. Additional Resources How Much is a Claim Against Home Depot Worth?* Is a Settlement in Worker Compensation Determined By FCE? Workers' Compensation After Working At Home Depot Part-Time
