Automated Warehouse Injuries: What Amazon Workers Need to Know

Automation has sped up the packing process in many Amazon warehouses across the United States. But that doesn’t mean these warehouses are safer for workers. You may be one of many people who have suffered serious injuries because of the robots involved in automation. 

If you’ve suffered an automated warehouse injury as an Amazon worker, you need to know that you have options to recover benefits. If you’re concerned about getting your workers comp benefits, or if you’ve already been denied your benefits, reach out to a Virginia workers comp lawyer to see about getting compensated fairly. 

How Do Automated Warehouse Injuries Happen? 

Amazon’s automated warehouses rely heavily on robots to pick items, pack boxes, and fill many of the roles human workers once filled for the company. While this has reduced the time it takes to package and ship items, it has also led to an increase in warehouse injuries. 

For years, Amazon has received complaints and fines for the many injuries its workers suffer. These injuries include falls, electrical injuries, traumatic amputations, and other severe losses. 

Liability for Your Warehouse Injuries 

When you’re hurt on the job, it’s typically your employer’s responsibility to pay for your recovery. If you’re considered an employee for Amazon, the company is typically liable for your injuries. However, Amazon also outsources many of its personnel needs to staffing agencies, so just because you get hurt working for Amazon does not necessarily mean you will receive compensation from Amazon.

In addition, Amazon may try to downplay the severity of your injuries, or the company may claim you were injured elsewhere or that for some legal reason your accident does not qualify you for compensation. In these situations, they may try to shift the liability back to you. 

Because of this, it’s important to bring the facts to a workers comp lawyer who can help you protect your workers comp claim and seek the benefits you’re due. 

Benefits for Injured Amazon Workers 

Luckily, you don’t have to recover from your accident without help. You may have grounds for workers comp benefits that cover your losses after a machine or robot injured you in an Amazon warehouse accident. These benefits should cover the costs of your recovery such as medical bills, as well as covering a percentage of the wages you received before the accident. 

If you’re unsure what benefits you’re due, talk to your workers compensation lawyer about your injuries and the costs of your care. Below are some of the workers comp benefits you may be due: 

• Medical care coverage
• Partial disability benefits 
• Total disability benefits 
• Mileage reimbursement
• Death benefits in the case of a fatally injured loved one, including funeral expenses and loss of income benefits

Talk to a Work Comp Lawyer After a Robot-Related Injury

When you’re hurt in one of Virginia’s Amazon warehouses, you may be due workers compensation for your injuries. Long hours, heavy machinery, and automated tools can all turn dangerous quickly. Unfortunately, that can leave you with severe injuries your employer may try to avoid covering. 

If you’re struggling to get compensated after an automated warehouse injury or other robot-related injury, you may need a lawyer from Pathfinder Injury Law. We can guide you to the benefits you’re due so you can focus less on your legal claim and more on your health and family. To get started with a free consultation, reach out by calling 804-505-0633 or by completing the online contact form below.