Amazon has forever changed the way we shop online by providing convenient access to a large variety of products. To fulfill customer orders quickly and efficiently, the company operates warehouses worldwide in which workers handle billions of items that are shipped out each year.

Amazon runs multiple facilities across Illinois, including distribution and fulfillment centers in Chicago, Joliet, Waukegan and Naperville, among other locations. Over the years, the company’s Chicago warehouses have been in the news with accounts of workplace accidents that have resulted from high-pressure working conditions and employee overexertion.

Warehouse work is risky by nature even when workers are performing simple, day-to-day tasks. Amazon workers are often handling heavy loads and lifting boxes, which can lead to back injuries. Accidents can occur due to falling objects, forklift mishaps, spilled inventory and faulty equipment.

The dangers of working in a warehouse are compounded when employees are working long hours in a busy, demanding environment that values efficiency over safety. Amazon warehouse workers are required to work quickly in order to meet delivery deadlines, which makes them vulnerable to accidents that result from fatigue and exhaustion.

Illinois law gives workers the legal right to obtain benefits for their on-the-job injuries by filing a workers’ compensation claim. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg handles work injury claims for Amazon employees in and around Chicago. If you were hurt while working at an Amazon fulfillment or distribution center, our lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Hazards of Working in an Amazon Warehouse

Back injuries are common among Amazon warehouse workers as their job duties involve packing and moving boxes all day. Many employees also report injuries that arise over time from repetitive motions.

There are many other types of accidents that occur. For instance, slipping and falling on a wet concrete floor can result in broken limbs or head trauma. Here are some other scenarios in which Amazon warehouse workers may get seriously injured:

• Being hit by objects when loads fall or equipment malfunctions.
• Tripping and falling over empty pallets, containers, debris or spilled inventory.
• Using forklifts to load and unload trucks can create dangerous situations when employees work without any protection.
• Manual lifting of heavy objects places significant stress on the body and can lead to overexertion injuries.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Amazon Employees

Under Illinois law, large corporations like Amazon are required to participate in the state’s workers’ compensation insurance program. The program protects the health and wellbeing of employees who are injured in a workplace accident or suffer a job-related illness.

If you are an Amazon warehouse employee who has been injured in the workplace or during the course of your employment, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation to aid your recovery. Depending on the circumstances and extent of your injuries, you may be qualified to receive one or more of the following benefits:

• Medical care
• Rehabilitation
• Temporary disability payments
• Permanent disability payments
• Lost income when missing work due to injuries
• Vocational retraining

Amazon Workers and Third-Party Claims

An injured worker does not need to prove fault when filing a workers’ compensation claim. However, when seeking benefits, an employee typically cannot file a lawsuit against their employer for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium and other damages.

In some cases, it may be possible to sue another person or business who is at fault for your workplace accident. A third party like an outside vendor, forklift manufacturer or janitorial company may have been partially or completely responsible for causing a hazardous condition that resulted in your injury.

While workers’ compensation benefits are limited to economic losses, a personal injury lawsuit allows you to recover noneconomic benefits that address the full scope of your losses. It is best to discuss your case with a knowledgeable work injury lawyer to determine the best course of legal action.

Steps to Take After Getting Injured in an Amazon Warehouse

• Notify your employer about the work accident and injury as soon as possible. Get a copy of the accident report.
• Write down the names of anyone who witnessed the accident.
• Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Ask a coworker or friend for help if you are unable to do so.
• Get medical attention right away. Make sure to follow the doctor’s orders.
• Talk to an Amazon work injury lawyer about your legal right to compensation.

Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Today

At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we understand the workplace risks you face as an Amazon warehouse worker. Our work injury lawyers are experienced at negotiating with insurance companies and obtaining the financial support you need for recovery. We will investigate your Amazon work injury and make sure you meet all the deadlines for filing a claim.

If you were injured while working at an Amazon warehouse, call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg at 1-877-595-HURT (4878) for a free consultation with an attorney.