Work injuries can be debilitating and stressful. It can be difficult to think of how you will get back on your feet, especially when worrying about the financial strain of your injury. While it is safe to assume that UFCW will help you to get compensation for this injury, they will not be able to do everything for you. In order to get repayment for your injury, you will have to file for workers’ comp. Continue below to learn more about what you can do to get the compensation you need. The United Food and Commercial Workers Founded in 1979, UFCW is rather young compared to other labor unions. However, in just under 40 years, it has amassed almost 1.3 million members. The union works hard to fight for the rights of American and Canadian workers in a variety of fields such as agriculture, healthcare, food packing and processing, manufacturing, and retail. Its current goals center on supporting the health and wellness of all workers, especially immigrant workers who face deportation. It has also gone to court with various big names like Walmart and Tesco in an effort to help employees unionize and protect themselves against unfair wages and working hours. Potential Injuries UFCW also works to protect employees from the potential consequences of work injuries. Because many UFCW members work in physically-demanding jobs, there are a variety of work injuries that can occur, such as: Broken bones, sprains, or bruising.These injuries can be caused by any number of farming machines, factory equipment, or even slips and falls from slick or uneven surfaces. Animal- or food-borne illnesses. Working with meat and animals exposes workers to illness and disease that can be severely debilitating if gone untreated. Neck or back pain. This is especially common for those doing repetitive physical work, such as bending over, reaching, or standing without proper support. What to Do After Your Injury There are important steps you should take to preserve evidence from your accident. Even the most solid workers’ comp claims will have trouble getting compensation without thorough support. The best evidence you can provide includes: A personal account of your accident, with great detail explaining what happen before, during, and after the event. If your injury was caused by long-term effects, give as much detail as you can regarding these events over time. Witness statements from any other workers, supervisors, or customers that saw the accident. Photos of the scene of the accident, any machinery or other objects involved in the incident, and your own injuries. Medical statements detailing your diagnosis as well as any bills you are seeking compensation for. After compiling this evidence, be sure to speak with a representative at the United Food and Commercial Workers to discuss how to move forward. Depending on the union’s relationship with your employer, you may need to take certain steps before filing your workers’ comp claim. Considering a Workers’ Compensation Attorney The workers’ compensation process can be confusing and challenging, even with the help of an established labor union. If you want to ensure you have the best chance at getting compensation for your injury, speak with a workers’ comp attorney. Attorneys can speak with your union and your employer on your behalf, and take away the stress of compiling your claim on your own. Even better, workers’ compensation attorneys work on contingency, meaning you only have to pay them if they win you your case. Additional Resources Workers’ Compensation for Injuries at Food Manufacturers Injured Working for Walmart Disclaimer: The content of this article is purely informative and should not be construed as official legal advice. If you file a claim against your employer or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.*
