If you ask people which jobs frequently result in work injuries, many people think about industries such as construction or farming. Although construction jobs generally rank highest in workplace injuries each year, the retail industry has the 4th highest rate of non-fatal work injuries that require days off of work, according to a report by The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR).
There are nearly 18 thousand retail establishments in Montana, many of which are big-box stores like Walmart, Target, Costco and Home Depot. These mega stores employ more than 182 thousand workers in Montana, performing a wide range of duties that can result in various injuries.
Common big-box hazards for workers
Workers in big-box stores face a number of hazards, including:
- Slippery floors
- Loose shelving
- Falling merchandise or other objects
- Cluttered aisles that can cause tripping hazards
- Heavy and oversized items that require lifting
- Toxic chemicals
- Motor vehicles
- Ladders and scaffolding
- Workplace violence from coworkers
Most common retail injuries
As a result of these hazards, the most common injuries suffered by workers in a retail setting included:
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Muscle strains
- Head or body injuries from being hit by a vehicle or falling object
- Burns from chemicals, fires or explosions
What to do if you’re injured at work
If you’re injured while working in a retail store, it’s crucial that you take the following steps:
- Report your injury to management immediately and file a work accident report.
- Take note of any available witnesses
- If your injury allows, take pictures of the area where you got hurt
- Seek immediate medical care
- Follow through with all medical follow-ups and recommended treatments
Once you report your injury to your employer, it’s their responsibility to file a First Report of Injury Form. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider then has 30 days to accept or deny your claim. If the claim is denied, you should seek the advice of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your right to compensation is protected.
In this post, we are going to share with you the 3 best tips that will help you to maximize your accident at work claim money. We will also unveil a few tips that will help you to make a successful claim against your employer no matter how complicated your case is.
Montana workers’ compensation benefits
In Montana, an injured worker can receive different types of benefits under a workers’ compensation claim. These benefits include compensation for medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, surgeries, rehabilitation and medical devices such as crutches and artificial limbs.
You’re also entitled to benefits for lost wages, which are calculated according to the type and severity of your injury:
Temporary partial disability
If your injury allows you to return to work, but at a diminished capacity, such as part-time instead of full-time or in a less demanding position, workers’ comp will cover two-thirds of the difference in your average weekly wages.
Temporary total disability
If your injury prevents you from working during your recovery, workers’ compensation will pay you two-thirds of your weekly wages, or up to the state limit, until you can return to work or reach your maximum medical improvement.
Permanent partial disability
If your injury is permanent and you cannot return to work at full capacity, you’re entitled to receive partial disability payments for up to 400 weeks. You may also be eligible for paid vocational rehabilitation to train you for different work that will accommodate your disability.
Permanent total disability
If your injury has caused a permanent total disability, you’re entitled to receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage (up to a state maximum) until you reach an age where you can claim Social Security benefits. Recipients can also file for a cost of living adjustment after receiving benefits for 104 weeks.
Consult a Montana workers’ comp attorney if you’ve been injured on the job
Workers’ compensation cases can be very challenging for the injured employee. Employers and insurers will often push the employee to return to work, even if it’s not in their best interest. It’s also not unusual for workers’ claims to be denied without a valid reason. Protect yourself by speaking with an experienced Montana workers’ compensation attorney about your case.