Amazon is undoubtedly the most successful retailer in the world, and its warehouses are a big part of that success. But these days, Amazon’s warehouses are also making headlines for a very different reason: the deaths of workers.
In the last few months, three Amazon warehouse workers in New Jersey lost their lives in separate accidents.
- In July, a male worker from Amazon’s EWR9 fulfillment center was rushed to the hospital after an undisclosed accident and later died.
- Later that month, another male worker at the PNE5 Amazon facility died three days after an undisclosed accident there.
- Then in August, an Amazon employee at the DEY6 delivery station facility died, again due to an accident.
The cause of death for each worker has not been made public since OSHA investigations are still ongoing.
Although the exact circumstances surrounding these accidents are still unclear, they highlight a very real problem: working in an Amazon warehouse is dangerous. If you work in one of these warehouses and you are injured, you need to know your rights.
What To Do If You Are Hurt Working At Amazon
If you are hurt while working in an Amazon warehouse, here’s what you need to do:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
This is obviously the most important thing to do if you are injured. But it’s also important to remember that you should see a doctor of your choice, not necessarily the one that Amazon or your employer suggests.
Documenting your injuries as soon as possible is important for two reasons. First, it will help you get the treatment you need to recover. Second, it will create a record of your injuries that can be used if you need to file a workers’ compensation claim or take legal action against Amazon.
2. Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job. Benefits can include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.
In most states, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. But just because your employer has insurance doesn’t mean that they will automatically give you the benefits you are entitled to.
The Amazon workers’ compensation lawyers at Schibell Law will make sure you get the full benefits you deserve under the law. We will also help you navigate the workers’ compensation system and deal with any roadblocks that your employer or the insurance company tries to put in your way.
3. Consider Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
In some cases, you may also have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against Amazon. This is usually the case if your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, such as a defective product or a dangerous condition in the warehouse.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether you have a case against Amazon and, if so, what kind of compensation you may be entitled to.
The Dangers of Working in an Amazon Warehouse
The recent deaths of Amazon warehouse workers are a tragic reminder of the dangers of working in these facilities. These warehouses are often large and complex, with many different types of products and equipment. They are also fast-paced environments where employees are under constant pressure to meet unrealistic productivity goals.
All of these factors can contribute to a dangerous work environment. And when accidents or injuries do occur, Amazon has been known to downplay the seriousness of the incident and try to avoid responsibility.
Hurt At Work? Schibell Law Can Help
If you or someone you love has been injured while working in an Amazon warehouse, the worker’s compensation and personal injury lawyers at Schibell Law can help. We have extensive experience dealing with workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits, and we will fight to get you the full compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at 732-774-1000 to schedule a free consultation.