Asheville Amazon Work Injury Lawyer

Asheville Amazon Work Injury Attorney

Amazon is one of the biggest employers in North Carolina, with jobs in fulfillment centers, warehouses, and delivery services. In addition to providing employment for thousands of workers, Amazon has come under fire in several states for an elevated number of workplace injuries that occur in its facilities. If you were injured on the job for Amazon, an Asheville Amazon work injury lawyer can explain your rights and help you pursue benefits.

About The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers

Protecting workers in North Carolina and South Carolina is our passion at The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers. Our attorneys have over 45 years of experience and have represented hundreds of injured employees, including those at large corporations such as Amazon.

We are also well-acquainted with the Buncombe County Courthouse in downtown Asheville, where most work injury and workers’ compensation cases are heard. Attorneys who are familiar with the local court and its processes can be a huge advantage to you.

We are happy to serve our community and often work with people who have been referred to us by family members, friends, unions, and even other attorneys. Our initial consultations are always confidential, and we can explain your rights and represent your interests throughout your case.

Common Injuries in Amazon Workplaces

Amazon’s fulfillment centers and delivery stations operate at a high speed. Workers put in long shifts, do repetitive motions, and carry heavy packages, all while trying to meet high quotas. Conditions that can lead to serious injuries include:

• Head injuries from falling boxes or other equipment
• Repetitive stress injuries from continuous motions
• Strain from constant lifting and twisting
• Slips and falls from slippery floors or floor obstructions
• Vehicle accidents in company semi-trucks or delivery vehicles

Some of these work injuries requiring surgery may appear minor at first, but they can worsen over time, especially if they are not examined and treated. Others, such as spinal cord injuries or an amputation injury, can permanently alter a worker’s life and ability to return to their job. This can prevent employees from keeping up with the demanding requirements of Amazon’s warehouses.

Vernon Sumwalt

Free Consultation Today 704-565-0621

Contact Us

Amazon Work Injury Laws and Rights

In North Carolina, like most employees in the state, Amazon employees are covered by the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act. North Carolina law requires an employer to provide certain benefits when an employee is injured on the job, no matter who is at fault. The act provides coverage for medical expenses, along with partial wage replacement and permanent disability compensation.

However, Amazon work injury cases can also become more complex. Some workers have their claims denied or delayed. Others have been pressured to return to work before they are fully healed. Injured workers must notify their employer of the injury as soon as reasonably possible. They also have two years from the date of the injury to file a workers’ comp claim. Failure to meet these time limits can put benefits at risk.

When a third party, like a subcontractor or an equipment manufacturer, causes or contributes to an accident, you might pursue a personal injury claim. This enables you to recover damages such as pain and suffering, which workers’ comp does not cover.

The serious injury rate for Amazon warehouse workers surpassed twice that of similar facilities during 2022. That year, Amazon had 6.6 serious injuries per 100 workers. The company’s serious injury rate dropped by about 3% from 2021 to 2022. Amazon reported 6.8 serious injuries per 100 workers in 2021, representing an increase from the 5.9 rate seen in 2020.

Why Hire an Amazon Work Injury Lawyer?

Suffering an injury while working at an Amazon warehouse can make you feel lost. Amazon is a large corporation with vast resources, complex policies, and procedures that are designed to serve Amazon’s interests, not necessarily those of injured workers.

An experienced Asheville Amazon work injury attorney can give you a fair chance of obtaining compensation. They can guide you through North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system and thoroughly explore all opportunities for valid third-party claims. Your attorney can collect medical evidence and negotiate with insurance providers to fight for the highest possible benefits you deserve.

Legal representation can protect you from unjust claim rejections and being forced back into work before full recovery. In short, hiring an Amazon work injury lawyer gives you the greatest chance to secure the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on your recovery.

FAQs

Can I File a Claim Against Amazon for an Injury at Work?

In most cases, if an Amazon employee is injured at work, they cannot file a legal claim against them. Instead, they can obtain workers’ compensation benefits for their injuries. In some cases, the injured party could file a legal claim against a third party, such as a subcontractor, if they contributed to or caused their injuries.

What Should I Not Say to an Injury Lawyer?

When speaking with an injury lawyer, the main thing you should not say is anything that is not true. Avoid telling lies or exaggerating claims. Additionally, do not downplay your injuries or claim that you are fine when you are not. Give factual information, and be as honest as possible. This allows your attorney to build the most appropriate case for you and gives you the greatest chance of success.

What Is Considered a Common Injury at Amazon?

A common injury at Amazon is a back strain and other injuries that affect the muscles, bones, nerves, and tendons. These are typically caused by performing repetitive motions on a regular basis, which can strain the body. These can cause musculoskeletal issues, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Additional injuries include slips and falls and head injuries.

How Much Can I File a Claim for a Work Injury in Asheville, NC?

In Asheville, NC, the value of a work injury case varies depending on the medical bills, lost wages, severity of the injury, and long-term effects on your life. Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical costs and some portion of earnings. However, legal action may procure compensation for pain and suffering and loss of life enjoyment, with punitive damages available in extreme cases.

Contact The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers Today

If you were injured while working at Amazon, hire an Amazon work injury lawyer at The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers today. Contact us to begin your consultation.