Understand your right to benefits and how to file a claim for maximum compensation
in Atlanta
With three different locations across Georgia, Costco is a popular place to shop and work. And while the idea of stacking mountains of cereal may seem fun, the reality is that warehouse and retail jobs like those at Costco come with hidden hazards.
If you’re injured working at a Costco in the Atlanta area, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the financial remedies available to you through a workers’ compensation claim. In this article, we’ll delve into what steps you should take immediately following an injury on the job, how to file a workers’ comp claim in Georgia, and the types of benefits you might expect.
If you have questions or want to learn more about your rights after reading this article, schedule a free consultation with the knowledgeable Atlanta work injury attorneys at Gerber & Holder to discuss your case.
Did you know?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2022, grocery store workers saw a significant rise in respiratory illness rates, reaching 190.4 cases per 10,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, up from only 66.8 cases in 2021.
What are the most common injuries and illnesses among Costco workers?
Grocery store workers, particularly those at large warehouse stores like Costco, face a unique set of risks due to the physical demands, fast-paced environment, and potential exposure to various hazards.
Here’s a breakdown of common occupational injuries, illnesses, and diseases they might encounter:
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Cashiers scanning items, stockers lifting heavy boxes, and bakery staff performing repetitive tasks are all susceptible to RSIs like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis.
- Burns. Contact with hot surfaces in the bakery, deli, or prepared food sections can cause burns.
- Slip, trip, and fall injuries. Wet floors, spills, uneven surfaces, and merchandise misplaced on the ground can all contribute to slips, trips, and falls, resulting in fractures, sprains, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
- Skin conditions. Contact with irritants like cleaning products, chemicals, and certain foods can cause dermatitis and other skin problems.
- Respiratory issues. Dust from bakery flour or cleaning products can irritate the lungs and contribute to asthma and other respiratory problems over time. Grocery store workers are also among the frontline workers who face an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other infections due to their interactions with the public.
- Mental health. The fast-paced, demanding environment and potential for customer interactions can contribute to stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even depression in some workers.
- Hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to loud noise from machinery or certain chemicals can damage hearing over time.
- Cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds. Meat department workers and bakery staff are particularly at risk for cuts and lacerations from knives and slicers. Additionally, handling glass containers and bottles can lead to cuts and punctures, especially during restocking or cleaning.
- Cold stress. Working in cold storage areas can lead to hypothermia and frostbite.
- Overexertion injuries. Lifting heavy items, pushing carts, and maneuvering around large stockpiles can lead to back, neck, and shoulder strains, as well as sprains and tears.
It’s crucial for employers to prioritize safety measures, provide proper training, and ensure workers have access to personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of injuries and illnesses.
How does workers’ compensation work in Georgia?
In Georgia, workers’ compensation operates as no-fault insurance, meaning that employees can receive benefits for work-related injuries, illnesses, or diseases without needing to prove their employer was at fault.
Most employers with 3 or more workers are required to provide this insurance, covering medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and partial wage replacement for employees who suffer from job-related health issues.
To qualify for benefits, workers only need to be able to prove that their injury or health condition is directly related to their job.
Common defenses insurers & employers use to deny claims
Protect your workers’ comp claim by watching out for these denial tactics.
How much is a workers’ comp settlement in Georgia?
The amount of compensation an injured worker is entitled to depends on the type and severity of their injury, illness, or disease. Common benefits include the following:
- Medical benefits. These cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the work injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation services.
- Lost wage benefits. These benefits replace a portion of your income while you’re unable to work due to the injury. The amount is calculated as a percentage of your average weekly wage (typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage).
- Death benefits. These benefits are available to certain family members if a worker dies from a work-related injury or health condition. They include funeral expenses and lost income replacement.
Consulting with an experienced attorney specializing in workers’ compensation is highly recommended, especially for serious injuries or complex cases.
What steps do I need to take if I’m injured while working at a Costco in Georgia?
If you’re injured while working at a Costco in Georgia, there are several steps you need to take to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits:
- Report the injury. This is a crucial step. In most cases, if you don’t report your injury within 30 days, your workers’ comp claim will be denied. For occupational diseases that take time to manifest, you’re required to report them to your employer within 30 days of receiving a diagnosis.
- Obtain medical treatment. Seek medical treatment from an employer-approved physician. This should be done as soon as possible to provide medical documentation linking your injury or illness to your job.
- File a claim. Fill out Form WC-14 as completely as possible and submit it to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
- Follow up. After filing, you should receive notification from your employer’s insurance claims office regarding the approval of benefits. If you disagree with the approved benefits or if your claim was denied, you have the right to request a hearing from the SBWC to appeal the denied claim.
It may also be beneficial to consult with a lawyer before submitting a claim to understand your rights and the best course of action.
Do I need a workers’ compensation attorney to help with my claim if I’m injured working at Costco?
It depends. Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney can be particularly beneficial if you’re dealing with a catastrophic injury or occupational disease.
Because occupational diseases develop over time, it can be difficult to definitively tie them to your job. Additionally, both serious injuries and occupational illnesses can have long-term effects on your earning potential and future health care needs, making it crucial for you to understand the full value of your claim before accepting a settlement offer.
A work injury attorney can give you an accurate estimate of your claim’s worth, help you gather the necessary evidence, and negotiate with the insurer so you can secure maximum compensation.
Moreover, working with a large corporation like Costco may involve complexities in navigating their insurance policies and procedures, and an attorney experienced in dealing with such companies can be invaluable.
Looking for the best Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney after an injury at Costco?
If you’re an injured Costco worker navigating the complexities of a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia, consider reaching out to Gerber & Holder Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for assistance.
