Workers’ compensation is mandatory in most states, but is not compulsory in Texas. The Costco Wholesale Group has its base in Washington state, but has a workforce of about 245,000, spread over most states and in other countries overseas. It provides workers’ compensation insurance for any of its employees who have been injured while at work. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance carried by most employers which means if you were even partly to blame for your accident and injury at Costco you are still eligible for workers’ compensation payments. Injuries That Could Occur at Costco Slip and fall accidents at Costco that cause serious injuries to workers are surprisingly commonplace. As it is a high turnover store workers are constantly moving heavy cartons onto shelves and at times hazards are left behind for employees to trip, slip and fall on. This can cause some quite serious injuries like: head injuries shoulder injuries hip fractures sprains and fractures to limbs life changing back and spinal cord injuries. Sometimes the injuries are so serious that victims may not completely recover and can never return to work. Filing a WC Claim for an Injury at Costco Costco does have strict guidelines for filing workers’ compensation claims. One of the most important ones is reporting the injury to your supervisor within 24 hours of the injury taking place. Also, if you were under the influence of drugs and alcohol when the accident took place, Costco will not allow any workers’ comp. payments. If you require medical treatment and you want this included in your WC claim, you have to use a doctor or medical facility that is approved by Costco. You are required to get your first round of medical treatment within 2 weeks of your injury and Costco states that you must not miss any doctor’s appointments. Calculating What a WC Claim Might be Worth Against Costco As soon as Costco’s workers’ comp. insurer has approved your claim, your benefits should start. Anyone working at Costco is eligible to receive the cost of all medical treatment and 85 percent of your weekly pay as long as you are unable to work for at least 120 weeks. The amount you receive in total will depend on what your particular job at Costco’s pays you and how much your medical treatment costs. A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help You With Your Claim Receiving workers’ compensation benefits appears to be a right but not all insurers including Costco’s willingly pays the benefit. To ensure you get, entitlement you should talk to a workers’ comp. attorney who will help you with your claim. Additional Resources Help! I was Hurt Working for Costco! Who is Covered Under Costco’s Workers’ Compensation? *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.
