Learn what benefits are available to injured Home Depot workers
The Home Depot is a chain of home improvement stores located throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico known for selling building materials, lawn and garden products and construction tools. Workers in these warehouse-style centers perform various duties that expose them to many potential hazards on the job, making injuries at work fairly common.
Common accidents and injuries at Home Depot
It’s not uncommon for workplace accidents and injuries to occur at the Home Depot. Employee hazards can include:
- Falls from heights
- Slips and falls caused by debris or wet flooring
- Back and shoulder injuries due to lifting
- Falling objects, such as improperly-secured overhead displays or poorly-stacked lumber
- Burn injuries due to dangerous chemicals and materials
- Respiratory irritants, such as dust, fibers and chemicals
- Heavy equipment injuries
- Ergonomic damage, such as repetitive motion injuries and serious strains
Workers’ comp claims for injuries that result from sudden traumatic accidents (like a broken leg after falling off a ladder) are often approved without any major hiccups. However, it’s common for repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) like back and shoulder injuries that occur over time to be initially denied. In such cases, it’s crucial to contact a workers’ compensation or shoulder injury lawyer with experience in RSI claims for help with an appeal.
North Carolina workers’ compensation laws
North Carolina’s workers’ compensation benefits provide reimbursement for medical treatment and lost wages to injured workers. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means that you don’t have to prove your employer was at fault for your injuries in order to recover compensation.
Workers’ compensation is an exclusive remedy that reimburses an injured worker for monetary losses for medical treatment and lost wages but does not cover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, which can only be recovered through a personal injury case.
You may be able to file a personal injury case against a 3rd party in some instances—for example, if you believe a defective product contributed to your injury. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help you determine which parties may be at fault in your injury case.
What workers’ comp benefits are available to Home Depot workers in North Carolina?
If you get injured while working at Home Depot in North Carolina, you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover the cost of your injuries. Workers’ comp benefits may include:
- Medical expenses. Workers’ comp provides reimbursement for medical costs, including surgery, physical therapy, hospital and emergency room visits, follow-up treatments, doctor’s appointments, medications and medical-related devices (such as a wheelchair). As long as the medical care has to do with your injury, workers’ compensation should cover the cost.
- Weekly wage replacement. Workers’ comp covers a portion of your average weekly wage while you recover from your injuries and cannot work. Benefits are generally two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to a maximum amount.
- Permanent disability If your injury permanently prevents you from returning to work or limits your capacity to work indefinitely, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of future income as well.
What to do if you’re injured while working at Home Depot
If you’re injured on the job at Home Depot, the following steps must be taken to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina.
Seek immediate medical attention
Unless you were rushed to the hospital for severe or life-threatening injuries, you’ll likely need to make arrangements to be seen by a physician. Unless you’re receiving emergency treatment, you’ll have to see a physician approved by your employer in order to be reimbursed for your expenses.
Keep in mind that some injuries don’t show up for days or weeks after an accident, so be sure to see a doctor even if you’re not in any immediate pain after your injury. A doctor can assess your injuries, document the extent of the damage, and recommend treatment based on their findings.
In addition to receiving treatment that may alleviate your injuries, a doctor’s evaluation can be used as crucial evidence of your workplace injury. Be sure to follow any doctor’s orders, including activity restrictions, as failure to do so could prohibit you from receiving full compensation.
Report your injury to your employer
Inform your supervisor in writing of your injury as soon as possible, and be sure to keep a copy for your records. In most instances, you must file a written report of your injury to your employer within 30 days to receive compensation.
Employer must file an insurance claim
After you notify your employer of your injury, they must file a claim with their workers’ comp insurance company. Their insurance company will then review your case and will either accept or deny your claim. Some common reasons that an insurance company might deny a claim include:
- They don’t believe your injury happened in the scope of work.
- They received incomplete information about your injury.
- You waited too long to seek medical treatment.
- They believe your injury resulted from a pre-existing condition.
Contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney
If your employer’s insurance company denies your benefits, you will need to request a hearing to dispute the denial of your claim. The appeals process can be complicated, so it’s always best to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help with your case.
Injured workers often misunderstand their rights and receive reduced or no compensation for any number of reasons. Working with an experienced attorney ensures your case will be thoroughly investigated and all necessary filing rules and deadlines will be followed. Having a lawyer by your side will ensure your rights are protected.
When to contact a North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney
North Carolina workers’ compensation laws are meant to help people who are injured at work receive compensation for medical expenses and lost wages while recovering. Unfortunately, legitimate claims are denied every day. If you’ve been injured at work and denied compensation, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help you get the money you deserve.