Workers’ Compensation for Retail Employees

Working in a retail store environment presents its own set of challenges and risks, from heavy lifting to slips and falls. If you have been injured while working in a retail store and find yourself unable to perform your job duties, it is essential to protect your rights.

Call us today at 215.587.8400 for a FREE consultation on your work injury.

How can an attorney help me with my work injury?

• Claim Assistance: Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be complicated. We will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We conduct thorough investigations including collecting witness statements, reviewing surveillance footage, and collaborating with industry experts to support each element of your claim.
• Appeals and Denials: If your claim is denied, do not lose hope. Our experienced team will navigate the appeals process to secure the compensation to which you are entitled.
• Medical Advocacy: We work with healthcare professionals to establish the extent of your injuries and the necessary treatments for recovery.
• Compensation Maximization: We will explore all avenues, from medical expenses and lost wages to rehabilitation costs. One out of every three cases we see has a miscalculated average weekly wage by the insurance company which leads to underpayment to the worker, we will ensure that you receive the full benefits available.

What You Need to Know

There are parameters that define an “employee” in the workplace, which we can help you clarify. If you are considered an employee, retail store workers are typically eligible for workers’ compensation coverage. The coverage can encompass injuries and illnesses arising during, and even after, employment. Benefit amounts and duration may vary depending on the severity of the injury and local regulations. Temporary disability benefits are available during the recovery period, while permanent disability benefits may be accessible if the injury results in lasting impairment affecting job performance.

Often, an employee’s claims will be denied, and challenges will arise during the workers’ compensation process. Employees have a right to seek legal representation with an experienced professional to ensure the claims process is navigated effectively.

Call us today at 215.587.8400 for a FREE consultation on your work injury.

Following your injury, it is imperative that you report your injury promptly to your supervisor. This is crucial to creating a timeline for your injury and building evidence for your claim. There are specific time limits, called the Statute of Limitations, for filing workers’ compensation claims, which vary by jurisdiction. Adhering to these deadlines is crucial for injured workers seeking benefits.

 If you receive medical treatment for your injury, you are entitled to coverage of that treatment. This includes, but is not limited to doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, and rehabilitative services. Employers or insurance carriers may request independent medical examinations (IME) to evaluate the extent of injuries and determine ongoing benefit needs.

Knowing your rights and understanding each aspect of the process can ensure that retail workers are protected in the event of a workplace injury or illness. Let us help you navigate the workers’ compensation process to provide support in many ways including securing the benefits to which you are entitled.

Common Retail Store Accidents

Whether you are employed by a large chain or a small boutique, accidents happen everywhere, and we are here to help you pursue the compensation you are entitled to for your injury.

Common accidents in retail stores include, but are not limited to:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Lifting injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Struck by objects.
• Overexertion
• Workplace violence
• Burns

This list encompasses the most common injuries, but the specific risks can vary depending on the environment and tasks involved. Your employer is responsible for covering your medical expenses and lost wages resulting from your injury. Unfortunately, retail companies and their insurers may sometimes deny valid claims. That is where we come in and we will explore the possibility of pursuing legal action against third parties, such as equipment manufacturers, for negligence.

Do not assume you are fully covered in the event of a workplace injury. Turn to experienced legal professionals who will advocate for your rights. We have offices conveniently located across Pennsylvania.

FAQs About Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation and Retail Workers

Q: If I am injured while working in a retail store in Pennsylvania, am I eligible for workers’ compensation benefits?

A: Yes, under Pennsylvania law, an employee who suffer injuries or illnesses while on the job is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, including those in the retail sector. There are many steps that you can take to maximize your benefits including reporting the injury immediately to your employer.

Q: What types of injuries are commonly associated with working in retail?

A: Retail workers can have a range of different job duties putting them at risk of various injuries. Some common injuries include lifting injuries, repetitive strain injuries, cuts, and lacerations, strikes from falling objects, overexertion, etc. For more information, check out our blog post on the topic.

Q: How should I report a work-related injury in a retail store to my employer?

A: Notify your employer, supervisor, manager, anyone above you, of the injury promptly. Include written notice detailing the incident to document the injury. Seek any necessary medical attention and keep a record of your visits. All these steps will be evidence and strengthen your case.

Q: What benefits are covered under workers’ compensation for injured retail workers in Pennsylvania?

A: Workers’ compensation benefits typically can include medical expenses, wage replacement, specific loss benefits, and vocational rehabilitation depending on the work injury.

Q: Can I select my own doctor for a work-related injury, or does my employer determine medical care?

A: The short answer is yes. You can see your own doctor for treatment. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law provides that the employer can direct your treatment for the first 90 days from the injury. Thus, they could deny payment if you treat outside the panel of physicians directed by the employer. If they deny the case or after 90 days, you can treat with your own physician. You may want to consult with your attorney, as they should be able to let you know if the doctor will testify on your behalf and/or if they will wait for payment while your case is in litigation.

Q: What should I do if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?

A: If your claim is denied, you can file a petition with the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication and you should highly consider consulting an attorney experienced in workers’ compensation cases.

Q: Can I sue my employer for a work-related injury in Pennsylvania?

A: In Pennsylvania, you cannot sue your employer due to a work injury, however, there may be exceptions, such as cases involving your employer lacking workers’ compensation insurance or causing intentional harm. Typically, both things would be your employer directly breaking the law. Instead, you are suing your employer’s insurance company. Workers’ compensation laws are put in place to protect both workers and employees.

Q: Are there time limits for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania?

A: Yes, statutes of limitations are specific time limits for reporting your injury and filing a claim. These time limits are extremely important and failure to adhere to them can jeopardize your benefits. Given the complexity, seek legal help to understand your rights and the different time limits in reference to your work injury.

Q: Can I receive both workers’ compensation benefits and pursue a third-party lawsuit for a retail-related injury in Pennsylvania?

A: In some cases, you may be able to file a civil suit against a third party responsible for your work injury. The attorneys at Martin Law can investigate the conditions of your claim to determine all negligence present during your work injury. Examples may include suing a manufacturing company for a defective product that resulted in your work injury or illness.