Were you on the job at Lowe’s when you were involved in an accident that resulted in a dislocated shoulder? If so, you might be able to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a special insurance that most employers are required to have to protect themselves and their workers in the event of a workplace injury or illness. Each state sets its own laws regarding workers’ compensation. However, the coverage includes medical benefits to take care of the cost of treating the injury and it does cover a portion of lost wages while you are recovering from your injuries. Additional benefits might be offered depending on the situation and the laws of your state. Filing a Claim If you have been injured at work, notify your manager or supervisor as soon as you can. You will need to seek care from a doctor on the approved list of providers for workers’ compensation claims. The list is usually displayed in a prominent place, such as by a time clock or in a breakroom. If you don’t see this list, you will need to ask your manager. If you do not choose a physician from the list, your medical care will not be covered by the workers’ compensation insurance. Your supervisor will fill out an accident report. You will need to get a copy of this report. Be sure to give an account of the accident for inclusion in the report. Make sure any witnesses also provide details of what they saw regarding the accident and your injury. How You Were Injured You were working your shift at Lowe’s when you were asked to get down some lumber for a customer. You slipped and fell back, grabbing onto the lumber. When you did this to hold your balance, your shoulder was dislocated or pulled out of socket. This is a painful injury that requires immediate medical attention. Your accident was witnessed by customers and coworkers. Make sure your manager is notified right away. If necessary, call an ambulance for transport to the hospital. Maintain documentation to support your claim, such as proof of lost wages and missed work, copies of medical records, and so forth. Ask witnesses to provide written statements detailing what they saw. Be sure you properly document everything. Ask questions and make sure all paperwork is filed in a timely manner because there are deadlines for pursuing workers’ compensation claims. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Workers’ compensation claims are often denied. Sometimes benefits are stopped. As an example, your employer learned you had a prior shoulder injury. They allege your dislocated shoulder was preexisting and your claim is denied. In this case, you will need an attorney to file an appeal and help you get access to the benefits that you are entitled to receive. Because of the strict timeframe for pursuing benefits, you need to get your claim underway as soon as possible. Schedule your free case evaluation today. *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 Lowe's, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
