Injured Working at a Fort Lauderdale Fulfillment Center? Your Rights in a Florida Workers’ Compensation Claim
Amazon and other fulfillment centers dot the South Florida landscape. They provide steady work for many Broward County residents, but it’s a physically demanding way to make a living.
Reaching for objects, heavy lifting, and constant pressure to meet quotas increase the risks of on-the-job injuries. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer explains common types of injuries, why they happen, and how to protect your rights to benefits.
Fulfillment Center Injuries in South Florida: How They Often Happen
The Center for Urban Economic Development conducted a study focusing specifically on injuries at Amazon fulfillment centers. In a survey of nearly 500 facilities spanning 42 states, they found that roughly 40 percent of workers suffered on-the-job injuries.
While Amazon and other companies are quick to dispute these cases, Section 440.09 of the Florida Statutes says you’re covered for any injury that happens because of your job, full stop. That includes things like:
Back and shoulder injuries from repetitive lifting.
- Wrist and hand injuries from scanning, packing, and sorting thousands of items per shift.
- Slip and fall injuries on facility floors, especially around loading docks and high-traffic areas.
- Getting struck by objects or stuck in machinery and conveyor systems.
- Chronic foot and leg pain from standing or walking miles per shift on hard concrete floors.
Unfortunately, high quotas and stiff competition for jobs can cause fulfillment center workers to spend weeks trying to push through these injuries. In addition to jeopardizing your health, this can impact your rights in a Florida workers’ compensation claim.
How To Protect Your Rights to Workers’ Comp Benefits in Fort Lauderdale
Fulfillment centers must provide workers’ compensation for employees. The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) oversees the program, but benefits are distributed through insurers, who are quick to deny claims.
They may dispute whether the injury happened on the job or downplay the severity and impact they have on your ability to work. To protect your rights in a South Florida workers’ compensation claim, take these steps:
- Report injuries to your supervisor immediately and request medical care.
- Large fulfillment centers often have their own on-site medical clinics or designated providers, but get a second opinion if you doubt their diagnosis.
- Make a note of how your injuries happened and the type of work you were performing.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep records of your medical care and any lost income.
Keep in mind that insurers look for reasons to deny or dispute claims. Get professional legal help before making any statements.
Request a Consultation With An Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Injuries are common in fulfillment centers, but insurers representing Amazon and other large companies are quick to deny claims. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer serves as a strong ally and provides the trusted legal help you need to protect your rights.
To request a consultation, contact us today at The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. We serve clients at our Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach offices.
Sources:
cued.uic.edu/pain-points/
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440.html