Target is a well known major department store found in most larger towns and cities across the U.S. It employs hundreds of thousands of employees who work in the warehouses, as delivery drivers and in the store as cashiers, managers, general store workers and maintenance staff. Injuries are covered by Target’s workers’ compensation insurance, which is a compulsory requirement in nearly every U.S. state. A successful WC claim can help to pay for medical treatment and replace lost wages while being treated or while recovering. What is an Average Target WC Claim? Target employee injuries can vary hugely from very serious traffic accidents sustained by delivery drivers to back injuries and crushing injuries in a Target warehouse and slip and fall injuries while working inside the store. Because of this wide range in severity, it is impossible to give an accurate figure of just what an average Target WC claim might be. A minor slip and fall injury that led to a sprained wrist could mean two weeks off work, doctor’s fees and medication. This might compare to very severe burn injuries or injuries to the brain or spine in a serious warehouse crushing accident or traffic accident. The worst case scenario could mean the employee not being able to work at Target again or even not able to work at all. Target Workers’ Compensation Settlement Employees must seek medical assessment and treatment for any workplace injury as soon as is practicable. No compensation will be paid out in settlement if the injured employee does not get treated. The injury must also be notified to the store supervisor or manager and the injury must also be recorded in the company’s own register. It is advisable to obtain information about state specific requirements for a workers’ compensation claim as this can affect the speed of settlement progress and the amount finally paid out. The company’s insurer is ultimately responsible for assessing the claim and deciding whether the amount claimed is reasonable. Any denied claim can be appealed, but this usually means that a lawyer will be needed to help with this lengthy process. How a Settlement Might Be Calculated Most states have similar workers’ compensation rules. All medical costs related to the workplace injury should be recovered as long as they are regarded as reasonable and documented sufficiently. The other main component is compensation for lost wages. This is a percentage, typically two thirds, of the wage that the injured worker might have earned if able to continue working. Workers’ comp. is unlike personal injury settlements as it does not consider punitive damages or pain and suffering amounts. On the other hand, there is no need to prove that the injury was a result of negligence on the part of the employer. Workers’ comp. is a no-fault type of insurance. Example of a Target Workers’ Compensation Settlement A Target delivery driver is involved in a crash while delivering goods to a store. He suffers from multiple bruises, cuts and bone fractures. He is hospitalized initially while being assessed and given emergency treatment. He spends four weeks off work in total while all medical costs amounted to $21,000. At an hourly wage of $15 an hour and a 40 hour week, the driver should be able to claim 0.67 (two thirds) x 40 x 15 x 4 = $1,800. The total WC claim is therefore $22,800. Tips for Your Target Workers’ Compensation Settlement Tip#1: Get assessed and treated as a matter of priority; Tip#2: Let your immediate supervisor know, even if it is through another co-worker about the accident; Tip#3: Keep a record of doctor’s reports, tests and scan results and copies of anything you have had to pay for; Tip#4: Note any state rules about timelines, especially how long you have to report the injury and within what time you should file a claim. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Many WC claims can take a long time to resolve and may be disputed by the company’s insurer. This can be incredibly frustrating. It is advisable to seek legal advice from an experienced WC lawyer at any stage of the settlement 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 Target, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation. Additional Resources Slip and Fall While Working at Target? I Hurt My Back While Working at Target!
