You're stocking shelves at your retail job in Cranston when you fall and injure your back. As the painful reality of the situation sinks in, you wonder how you'll manage the medical bills and time off work. Fortunately, Rhode Island workers' compensation laws protect retail employees who are hurt on the job.
The experienced workers' compensation attorneys at Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum help retail workers throughout Rhode Island file claims and secure the benefits they deserve. Whether you're a full-time, part-time, or seasonal employee, our legal team is here to protect your rights.
Common Injuries Among Retail Workers
Retail work is more physically demanding than many people realize. Employees in this industry face a variety of hazards that can lead to serious injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slick floors, cluttered aisles, and spills create slip and fall risks for retail workers. These accidents can result in head injuries, broken bones, back injuries, and more. Retailers are responsible for maintaining safe premises for their employees, but hazards can still arise.
Overexertion Injuries
Actions like lifting heavy boxes and reaching for high shelves can cause overexertion injuries, including sprains and strains. Proper lifting techniques and ergonomic equipment can help reduce the risk, but injuries can still occur.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive tasks like stocking shelves, operating a cash register, or folding clothing can lead to repetitive stress injuries over time. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis are common examples. These injuries develop gradually and can be challenging to link to a specific incident, but they are still covered under workers' comp.
Cuts and Lacerations
Sharp objects like box cutters, broken glass, and metal shelving can cause cuts and lacerations. These injuries may require stitches or even surgery in severe cases. Retailers should provide proper safety equipment and training to minimize these risks.
Falling Object Injuries
Items falling from high shelves or unstable displays can strike retail workers, causing head injuries, neck injuries, and other harm. Proper storage techniques and regular inspections can help prevent these accidents, but they can still happen unexpectedly.
Workers' Compensation Benefits for Injured Retail Employees
Rhode Island law requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. This coverage provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job, including:
Medical Expenses
Workers' comp covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury. This may include doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and more. You have the right to choose your own doctor, but your employer may require you to see a specific provider for the initial visit.
Lost Wages
If your injury prevents you from working, you can receive a portion of your lost wages through workers' comp. These benefits are typically calculated at 75 percent of your average weekly wage. They can continue until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.
Permanent Disability
You may be entitled to additional benefits if your work injury results in a permanent impairment. The amount depends on the severity of your disability and how it impacts your ability to work. These benefits are based on a complex formula and may require the assistance of an attorney to calculate.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, workers' comp may provide vocational rehabilitation services to help you find new employment. This can include job training, education, and job placement assistance. The goal is to help you return to a similar earning capacity as before your injury.
Special Considerations for Part-Time and Seasonal Retail Workers
Many retail employees work part-time or seasonally, which can raise questions about their eligibility for workers' comp benefits. In Rhode Island, these workers have the same rights as full-time employees. If you're injured on the job, you can file a claim regardless of your employment status.
However, calculating benefits for part-time and seasonal workers is less straightforward. Your benefits will be based on your average weekly wage, which may be lower than a full-time employee's. An experienced workers' compensation attorney can help ensure you receive the full amount you're entitled to.
Protecting Your Rights as an Injured Retail Worker
If you're injured on the job as a retail worker, take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Report the injury to your employer immediately, even if it seems minor.
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible and follow your doctor's orders.
- File a workers' compensation claim promptly to meet critical deadlines.
- Keep detailed records of your injury, treatment, expenses, and communications with your employer and the insurance company.
- Consult a knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney to understand your rights and options.
The workers' comp system can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with a painful injury. The legal team at Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum is dedicated to helping injured retail workers in Rhode Island secure the benefits they need to heal and move forward.