Retail work is often a much more physical job than most people imagine, and it’s an industry that pays out tens of millions of dollars to injured employees every year. And with the holiday shopping season soon upon us, working retail only becomes more complex and hectic. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the most common injuries that plague retail workers, and we share some tips for collecting compensation.
Common Retail Injuries
Here’s a look at some of the most common types of injuries suffered by retail workers.
Cuts and Punctures – If you’re tasked with using a box cutter to break down boxes or using objects like industrial tape dispensers that have built in sharp edges, it’s not uncommon to suffer a puncture or cut on your hands.
Repetitive Stress Injuries – Performing the same motions or standing on your feet for 8-10 hours a day can lead to repetitive strain injuries. Over time, this can also lead to gillette injuries, which develop slowly over the years as a result of performing the same task over and over again. Cashiers may develop gillette injuries in their wrists or elbows, for example.
Crush Injuries – If a heavy box or piece of equipment lands on your feet, you can end up suffering broken bones or a crush injury. This can also occur if equipment falls off a piece of machinery or storage shelf.
Lifting Injuries – If you’re working retail, you probably have to stock shelves or help load or unload freight. If you lift items that are too heavy, or you have poor lifting posture throughout repeated lifts, you can suffer a spine or shoulder injury.
Falls – Falls are common, especially in the winter months when customers track snow and ice into the store, which can make for slippery spots for employees. Falls from a height can also occur if a ladder shifts while you’re working on it.
Getting Compensation For Retail Injuries
If you suffer an injury while you’re working retail, or there is reason to believe that your injury was caused in part by your work duties, it’s in your best interest to reach out to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer like Dean Margolis. At Margolis Law Office, we’ve helped a number of retail workers get the compensation they deserve after an on-the-job injury.
If your injury required medical treatment or rendered you unable to work for a period of time, you absolutely have compensation options. It can seem intimidating going up against a large corporation, but this is exactly why workers’ compensation exists. Employees are protected and can receive compensation to help offset medical costs or lost wages stemming from a work injury. It’s also worth noting that an employer cannot retaliate against an employee for filing for workers’ compensation, so don’t shy away from filing for workers’ compensation because you think your employer may fire you or restrict your hours as a result.
Not only can a workers’ compensation lawyer help you get compensation, but they can help ensure you maximize your award and get a fair deal from the insurance company. Many workers mistakenly jump at the first offer they receive, and that may not be a fair representation of what their case is actually worth. Talk with a lawyer, assess the extent of your injuries and fight to get a fair deal from your employer’s insurance company.
If you have any questions about the process, or you’re wondering what to do now that you’ve suffered an injury while working retail, reach out to Dean to learn more about your options and to get the ball rolling on your claim today.
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