Workers’ Compensation From Amazon
Amazon is the largest online retailer in the United States. The appeal of Amazon is the ease of home bound ordering and quick delivery of its products. But, in many instances, Amazon’s speedy delivery comes at a very high human cost.
Amazon’s High Incident Rate
Some reports show that the rate of serious injury at Amazon warehouses is substantially higher than for similar warehouses across the country. The reason for the high numbers of injuries is often linked to the high demands and production quotas placed on Amazon employees. As a result, sometimes the safety of the employee is put on the back burner so that orders can be processed quickly.
Amazon’s system to get orders out quickly works so well, in large part, because of their automation and use of robots to help with the process. But, in addition to the robots, Amazon relies on human workers to maintain and repair the robots as well as do jobs the robots can’t do. Unfortunately, sometimes workers are not repaired as quickly as robots when accidents and injuries happen. When workers have to handle an item every so many seconds, their bodies tend to wear out.
In addition to the fast pace at Amazon, when you add on mandatory overtime and frequent 12 hour shifts, you are looking at a recipe for disaster.
What is Amazon’s response to the high number of incidents?
Amazon’s response to the high number of injuries at its warehouses is that the company strives to accurately report all of its incidents, whereas other companies do not accurately report. But, there federal regulations about how to properly county injuries. All companies are required to follow these regulations. So, as a result of the regulations that apply to everyone, Amazon’s high incident rates may be out of line in comparison to similar warehouse operations.
What do employment Experts Say?
Concerning Amazon’s high numbers, David MIchaels, the former head of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, now a Professor at George Washington University’s public health school, stated “according to Amazon’s own records, the risk of work injuries at fulfillment centers is alarmingly, unacceptably high.”
If You’ve Been Injured At Amazon Or Other Warehouse Talk To An Experienced Virginia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve been injured on the job, it is wise to talk to a lawyer who is experienced in workers’ compensation claims. At the Ritchie Law Firm, you can talk to us for FREE . . . NO STRINGS ATTACHED! We can give you advice on your claim before you make a decision that could damage your case. Check out our article on “How Much Does a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Cost” here.
At the Ritchie Law Firm, we have successfully handled thousands of workers’ compensation claims. We’ve seen injured workers who have trusted the insurance adjuster only to find out that their time to file the paperwork to protect their claim had expired.
Virginia Workers’ compensation is a complex system that can be very difficult to navigate. Be very careful to make certain that your rights are protected before you sign anything. Talking to our workers’ comp lawyers about your claim is free. If we take your case, we don’t get a fee unless we win your case. There is no risk to you to get some information about your case before you make any decision that might negatively affect its outcome.
For more than 45 years, the Ritchie Law Firm has successfully helped thousands of injured workers navigate the complex workers’ compensation process. The Ritchie Law Firm specializes in serving injury victims. We never represent insurance companies or corporations. If your workers’ compensation case is going to hearing, you will want a trial expert on your side. We are board certified trial specialists through the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The attorney you choose for your workers’ compensation case can make all the difference.
Choose wisely. . . you can talk to us for FREE.
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Ritchie Law Firm serves injured workers in all of Virginia while helping clients in cities and surrounding areas of Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Winchester. Check out case studies from some of the cases we’ve handled by clicking here.
