As one of the world’s largest companies, Amazon has a vast network of warehouses and facilities, where unfortunately, injuries can happen due to the fast-paced environment and increased staffing to meet holiday demands. If you’ve been injured working at Amazon, seek help from an experienced Amazon work injury lawyer. Our workers’ compensation lawyers can help make sure you get full and fair compensation that covers all your medical treatment and that your benefit checks don’t unexpectedly stop.
Are Amazon Workers Covered by Illinois’ Workers’ Compensation Program?
Yes. Amazon workers in Illinois are eligible for workers’ compensation, which offers financial benefits like partial replacement of lost wages and medical treatment benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, (820 ILCS 305/1) nearly all employees can file a claim, regardless of fault, if the injury occurs during employment.
Are Amazon Seasonal Workers Covered by Illinois’ Workers’ Compensation Program?
Yes, seasonal workers at Amazon in Illinois are eligible for workers’ comp benefits. Amazon Flex drivers, however, are independent contractors and ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Injured Workers?
As described in Illinois Workers’ Compensation Handbook benefits for injured workers include:
- Necessary medical care to treat or alleviate the employee’s injury effects.
- Temporary total disability (TTD) during employee’s recovery period.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) provided to employees recovering from an injury while working on light duty for reduced pay.
- Vocational rehabilitation and maintenance benefits are provided to injured employees enrolled in an approved vocational rehabilitation program.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) for an employee who sustains some permanent disability or disfigurement, but can work.
- Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits are provided to employees who are permanently unable to work.
- Death benefits for surviving family members.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Suffered by Amazon Workers?
Due to the physically demanding and fast-paced nature of the job, Amazon warehouse workers are susceptible to a variety of injuries. Some common injuries include:
- Sprains and strains from lifting or repetitive movements
- Back and neck injuries from heavy lifting
- Hand, wrist, and arm injuries from using equipment such as scanners or hand trucks
- Slip and fall accidents due to wet floors or cluttered aisles
- Head injuries from objects falling off shelves in the warehouse
What Should I Do After an Injury at Amazon?
If you’ve been injured while working at Amazon, it is crucial to take immediate and appropriate actions to protect your health and your rights. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Report the injury to your supervisor promptly—in no more than 45 days—to ensure documentation and an appropriate response.
- Seek immediate medical care for your injury to protect your well-being and obtain necessary documentation.
- Document everything with records of your injury details, including circumstances, witnesses, and communications with the company, for potential Amazon workers’ comp claims.
- File an Amazon workers’ compensation claim. The employer must inform the insurance carrier or workers’ compensation administrator, even if they dispute the employee’s workers’ comp claim.
- Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to understand your rights for Amazon workers compensation settlements.
How Can an Amazon Work Injury Lawyer Help?
An experienced Amazon work injury lawyer at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers can assist an injured worker with Amazon workers’ compensation claims by negotiating with the insurance company, representing you in hearings, and ensuring accurate workers’ compensation claim paperwork.
If a party other than Amazon caused your injuries, we can consider a personal injury lawsuit with a third party claim. Contact us for a free consultation.