Durham Amazon Work Injury Lawyer

Amazon Work Injury Attorney in Durham, NC

Amazon workplaces are notorious for neglecting and mistreating employees. If you’ve suffered an injury on the clock, reach out to a knowledgeable Durham Amazon work injury lawyer to understand your rights and any legal options available in your unique situation.

Work With Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in North Carolina

When you work with the team at The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers, you’re working with lawyers who are passionate about workers’ rights. We have a niche focus on workers’ compensation law and have helped hundreds of North Carolina employees get the justice they deserve after their rights have been violated.

When facing pushback over your workers’ compensation claim, you need a lawyer with extensive knowledge of state law. With over 45 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys are the obvious choice to represent your case. We offer case consultations to new clients at our Charlotte office.

Vernon Sumwalt

Free Consultation Today 704-565-0621

Contact Us

The Reality of Injuries in Amazon Workplaces

In 2023, a survey was conducted of 1,484 Amazon workers across 42 states. In the final report, 41% of workers reported suffering a workplace injury.

In 2024, Amazon was the 11th largest employer in Durham, North Carolina. Amazon is known for its’ dangerous work environments, reporting in 2023 30% more workplace injuries than the industry’s average. Despite having safety procedures in place, Amazon pressures workers to ignore them in order to meet their work quotas.

When facing such a high risk of injury, knowing your rights as a North Carolina employee is vital to your legal protection.

Workers’ Compensation Laws in North Carolina

In North Carolina, most employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover workplace injuries or illnesses. Regardless of who was at fault for the incident, you’re entitled to benefits. However, because employees don’t have to prove fault, they generally can’t file a legal claim against their employer unless the incident was caused by their reckless conduct or intentional actions.

You’re entitled to three main benefits after experiencing an injury in the workplace:

1. Partial wages: You can take time off work right away when injured, but wages won’t be paid to you until after seven days off work. These payments will be made weekly and are two-thirds of your average weekly wage. During that first week, you can use PTO, vacation time, and sick days. If you’re out of work for over 21 days, those first seven days will be reimbursed.
2. Medical treatment: including surgeries, medications, and mobility aid devices
3. Rehabilitation services: if applicable

These benefits will continue until you’re able to go back to work in full capacity. If you suffer permanent disability from the injury, you may be entitled to receive permanent partial disability payments. Workers can keep seeking medical treatment for two years after receiving the last partial wage payment.

What to Do if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied

Amazon is known for pressuring workers not to seek medical care after workplace injuries. They often blame employees for their injuries and refuse to get them outside medical treatment. If your workers’ compensation claim is denied by your employer, you’ll be notified of this in writing.

You’ll then be able to request a hearing to appeal the denial.

During this time, you can still seek medical treatment for your injury. Your doctor will only bill you if your appeal results in a final denial. It’s crucial to hire an Amazon work injury lawyer to advocate on your behalf during your hearing. They’ll have the experience needed to make the most favorable case.

FAQs

How Long After an Injury in the Workplace Can I Claim Workers’ Compensation?

You can claim workers’ compensation no more than 14 days after informing your employer of your injury. After experiencing an incident in the workplace, you’ll need to notify your employer of it as soon as possible. This has to be done within 30 days, both verbally and in writing. If you fail to do so, you may not be able to claim your workers’ compensation benefits.

What Should I Do if a Third-Party Was Responsible for My Injury?

If a third party caused your injury, such as an independent contractor, you should still follow the workers’ compensation process. You can also file a personal injury case against the third party. If you win your case, you’ll be able to get compensation, minus any workers’ compensation benefits. You’ll have a year to file your case. While this timeline may seem long, it’s important to file as soon as possible to have a higher chance of success in your case.

How Does Medical Treatment Work When Using My Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

When using workers’ compensation benefits, medical treatment works in a specific way. You can seek medical treatment right away after experiencing a workplace injury. Be sure to mention your situation to your doctor so they can note the injury happened at work. Your doctor is then typically chosen for you by your employer’s insurer. If you want a different doctor or a second opinion, you can request a change.

What Safety Laws Do North Carolina Employers Have to Follow?

North Carolina employers have to follow the safety laws outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Act. This act was designed to ensure employee health and safety in the workplace. Employers must provide a workplace free of serious hazards that can cause injuries, illness, or death. They have to follow health and safety standards and allow workplace inspections.

Can Amazon Fire Me for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Durham, NC?

In Durham, NC, you can’t be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim. You also can’t be fired for using the benefits you’re entitled to. However, North Carolina is an “at-will” state, meaning that you can be fired for almost any reason at any time. If you’re fired after filing your workers’ compensation claim or right after starting your benefits, this may count as wrongful termination. If this happens to you, seek counsel from a lawyer.

Hire an Amazon Work Injury Lawyer

Contact The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers today to schedule your consultation with one of our attorneys. During your consultation, you’ll be able to ask questions about your situation and discuss whether to pursue a legal case, if needed. We provide clients with full legal services and never back down from a fight.