Costco is a chain of discounted warehouse style retail stores which operate on a club members’ only basis. The club membership ensures brand loyalty for the company and cheaper prices for the customer. Costco is now spread all over the western world, although still firmly based in the U.S. with its headquarters in Issaquah, just East of Seattle in Washington State. There are around 770 Costco warehouses operating to date. Who is Covered Under Costco’s Workers’ Compensation? Costco employs about a quarter of a million employees, some of whom are part time; others are full time. Although states vary a little in workers’ compensation rules, basically if you work in any capacity at a Costco you should be covered by workers’ compensation. The only possible people who may not be covered are those who work on contract to Costco and are not directly employed by them. Texas, alone amongst the states, does not specifically make it compulsory for employers to provide workers’ compensation, but Costco, like many other employers, still provides workers’ compensation insurance for its Texas based employees. Basically, as long as a Costco employee genuinely becomes sick because of their job, or has an accident while at work and is injured, he or she should have the right to claim workers’ compensation. This right does not necessarily mean that they receive a payment and there are good reasons to use a workers’ compensation lawyer to provide help during what can be a stressful experience. Who is not Covered Under Costco’s Workers’ Compensation? Workers’ compensation is a no-fault type of insurance. That means that as long as the employee was not being deliberately irresponsible, he or she may have been partly or wholly at fault for their own injury or illness, but can still file a claim against Costco. One of the most common reasons for denying a claim is because the employee forgot or just did not bother to let their employer know that they were injured. The golden rule is to do so as soon as you can, whatever the state’s time limits for filing a claim are. Other reasons for a denial include: arriving at work drunk or under the influence of illegal drugs; claiming for an injury or illness that did not occur at the warehouse, but when not at work; failing to stick to safety rules, e.g. using a hard hat, high visibility vest or steel capped shoes when told to do so. Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer It can really make a difference using a workers’ compensation lawyer when you need one the most. If your claim is denied, it can be very difficult contemplating just what has to be done to fight the decision and make an appeal. A workers’ compensation lawyer will have trod this route many times before and could mean the difference between ending up with huge bills to pay and obtaining fair compensation for a workplace injury or illness. Complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page 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 Costco, or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation. Additional Resources Help! I was Hurt Working for Costco!* Slipped and Fell from Melted Snow at Costco*
