Charlotte Amazon Workers’ Compensation

Amazon is the world’s largest retailer and its second-largest employer. Amazon employs nearly one million workers in the United States. From warehouses to fulfillment centers, several Amazon facilities in the Charlotte area employ thousands of workers.

Although they are crucial to the local economy, Amazon’s labor practices get closely scrutinized as workers report dangerous working conditions in warehouses and other Amazon facilities. In addition, when Amazon workers are injured, they seem to have an inordinate amount of difficulty getting workers’ comp claims approved and paid.

At Stewart Law Offices, we understand that filing a workers’ compensation claim when you work for a company like Amazon can be intimidating. Our Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyers are committed to helping you file a solid claim to seek the benefits you need.

Why Working with an Experienced North Carolina Accident Lawyer Matters

Accessing Amazon workers’ compensation in Charlotte NC can be challenging. Applying for workers’ compensation benefits can feel overwhelming. Keeping on top of the process to help ensure you get the money you need can feel like a full-time job when you should be focusing on your recovery. Working with an experienced Charlotte personal injury lawyer matters.

At Stewart Law Offices, we have more than 25 years of legal experience helping injured Charlotte workers fight for the benefits they are entitled to, from workers’ compensation medical benefits to temporary total disability benefits and rehabilitation services. We understand the intricacies of the various North Carolina laws that may impact your claim and can manage the benefits application process as smoothly as possible for you.

Our results speak for themselves. We have a long track record of helping our clients achieve the most favorable outcome possible for their situation. We can review your claim, collect and preserve evidence about how your injury affects your work, and build a compelling workers’ compensation claim. Let our knowledgeable team help you fight for every penny you deserve.

North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Rules for Amazon Workers

The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act gives employees access to no-fault workers’ compensation insurance benefits. Nearly all employers in the state with three or more employees are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance benefits to their employees. These benefits help cover medical expenses and a portion of an employee’s lost wages when they’re hurt on the job, no matter who caused the accident. Amazon employees injured at work can typically apply for workers’ compensation benefits to cover their medical bills and part of their lost wages. However, there are some exceptions.

In North Carolina, independent contractors and freelancers are not covered by workers’ compensation. Suppose Amazon categorizes a worker as an independent contractor or subcontractor. In that case, they may not be eligible to apply for workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, some companies purposely misclassify employees to shield themselves from giving these individuals the same benefits as other employees. The North Carolina Industrial Commission can determine worker classification on a case-by-case basis. However, the process can be time-consuming and complicated.

What benefits does workers’ compensation extend to injured Amazon warehouse employees? Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, an employee could be entitled to seek the following:

Reasonable and necessary medical care to receive medical treatment after a work-related accident
Temporary total disability benefits (TTD) equal to two-thirds of the injured employee’s average weekly wage up to 500 weeks
Temporary partial disability benefits (TPD) equal to two-thirds of the difference between the employee’s wages earned after the injury (such as while on light duty) and their average weekly wage
Permanent partial disability benefits (PPD), which provide benefits based on the injury rating
Permanent total disability benefits payable in limited circumstances for the injured worker’s life

Some injured workers may also recover:

Vocational rehabilitation services benefits
Travel mileage reimbursement benefits
Disfigurement compensation
Death benefits

The North Carolina Industrial Commission provides a benefits calendar outlining an employee’s maximum potential weekly benefit amount. For 2023, the maximum compensation rate cap is $1,254 per week. Typically, wage replacement benefits equal 66 2/3 percent of an individual’s average weekly wage. Employees can receive benefits until their doctor releases them to return to work. The length of time an individual can claim disability benefits through workers’ compensation varies. However, there is a 500-week cap on weekly temporary total disability payments. If an injured worker is permanently and totally disabled, it’s possible for them to receive weekly payments beyond the 500-week limit.

How Common Are Amazon Workplace Injuries?

All employers, including Amazon, must maintain a reasonably safe work environment for their employees. Unfortunately, emerging news reports indicate that Amazon warehouse workers may be pushed to the point where the need for speed outweighs safety concerns.

Amazon’s injury rates are higher than many other workplaces. Some reports indicate Amazon reported 39,000 total injuries at their U.S. facilities in a recent year. That’s up from 38,300 total injuries in the prior year. Amazon is now responsible for more than half of all serious injuries in the warehousing industry. Injured employees at Amazon warehouses and other facilities have the same rights as other injured workers to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

Some of the most common Amazon workplace injuries include:

Concussions
Broken bones
Lacerations
Contusions
Repetitive motion injuries
Neck and back injuries
Soft tissue damage

These injuries and others may be covered under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation program.

What to Do After a Workplace Accident

What should you do after a workplace injury at an Amazon facility? Protect yourself and strengthen your workers’ comp claim by following these steps:

Report the accident to a manager or supervisor.
Seek medical attention immediately.
Contact a skilled Charlotte workers’ compensation attorney.
File your claim with the help of your attorney.
Avoid posting on social media.
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
Seek a second opinion if you disagree with your doctor’s findings.

North Carolina gives you up to 30 days from the accident date to notify your employer. However, it is best to report the incident as soon as possible.

Contact an Experienced Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Attorney Now

Navigating the workers’ compensation claim process can be complicated. Appealing workers’ compensation claim denials can be even more challenging. After an injury at an Amazon warehouse or other facility, we do not recommend attempting to move forward with this process alone. Get the legal representation you need from the skilled Charlotte work injury lawyers at Stewart Law Offices. We are ready to stand up for you and aggressively fight to recover the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.

Contact our Charlotte office today and discuss your situation with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney during a free consultation.