As injured workers’ lawyers with 30+ years of experience, we know that injuries can and do happen – especially when the company has 55,620 associates and 170 retail units in Ohio. A work injury lawyer from Schaffer & Associates can help you determine your next best move following a work-related accident at Walmart.
We have local offices in Findlay and Toledo, ready to serve workers injured at any Walmart store including the Central Avenue location, the Glendale Avenue location, and the West Trenton Ave location in Findlay.
You can be injured in a retail store or distribution center, with common injuries including:
- Back injuries
- Strains and sprains
- Knee injuries
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Many more
Slips and falls, forklift accidents, lifting objects, and even dropped products can cause injuries.
If you’ve been injured as an employee of Walmart, we can help you navigate your next steps carefully.
Click here to schedule a consultation with Schaffer & Associates, LPA.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured on the Job While Working at Walmart?
Walmart employees must report their injuries to their employer as soon as possible. Reporting the incident is a crucial first step because it creates documentation of the incident.
Your steps following injury are:
- Report the accident to your supervisor
- Go to the doctor and seek medical attention, or go to the hospital if necessary
- Document the events that led to your injury in great detail
- Maintain any records that you can, such as time off of work or medical treatments you require
If a claim or treatment is disputed by the self-insured employer, you will need to file a claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and request a hearing. You have one year from the date of the injury to file a claim with the BWC.
Claims can be filed:
- Online
- Fax (866-336-8352)
- Phone (800-644-6292)
As a self-insured entity, Walmart or a third-party will investigate the claim and determine if it’s accepted or not.
If you need to file a Walmart work injury claim, an attorney from Schaffer & Associates can help.
How Can an Attorney Help You Navigate a Walmart Workplace Injury Claim
An attorney provides legal counsel and manages the ins and outs of the claim process with skill that only comes with years of experience. As your attorney, we’ll:
- Assist with the claim filing process
- Fight back against claim or condition denials
- Argue on your behalf at any hearings scheduled
Your attorney will help calculate your workers’ compensation payout and ensure you receive the maximum compensation and benefits available to you.
Do I Have an Ohio Injured Workers’ Case?
Your case requires a medical diagnosis. If you do not have a diagnosis yet, you’ll want to seek one from a medical professional. Proof of your injuries is necessary for your case. You may have a case if you:
- Sustained an acute injury on the job such as a fracture, sprain, laceration, etc.
- Developed an injury over time such as carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated disc, hearing loss, etc.
- Acquired an occupational disease
Remember, you have one year from the date of the injury to file a claim. If a claim is not filed within this timeframe, the statute of limitations has passed.
If you’re unsure if you have a case, we’re happy to discuss it with you.
What If I’m Not Yet Cleared to Return to Work?
If you haven’t been cleared to return to work by your doctor, then do not do so – even if you feel well enough.
Returning to work before you’ve been cleared by your doctor can hinder your recovery and put you at risk of re-injury.
Only your treating doctor is qualified to determine whether you can return to work.
Your doctor may also determine that you can return with some restrictions, such as limiting how much weight you can lift or carry, or standing for long periods of time.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
The state of Ohio permits large businesses to be self-insured if they demonstrate that they have the funds and resources to do so. Walmart is one of those businesses.
However, self-insured employers must still provide coverage for:
- Medical care, including the cost of treatment, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, doctor visits, and other care-related costs associated with the injury.
- Wage replacement if your injury prevents you from working. These benefits are calculated based on your average weekly wage at the time of your injury, but some minimums and caps will apply.
A work injury lawyer can help you understand which benefits you may be entitled to and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
How Long Does It Take for an Injured Workers’ Claim to Be Settled?
Every claim is unique. Many years may go by in a claim before it is in the injured workers’ best interest to settle.
An experienced attorney can help you decide if a settlement is right for you. If so, and a settlement application is submitted, a 30-day waiting period will start once the settlement is approved.
Both parties have the right to change their minds about the settlement during this waiting period. They may propose changes or withdraw entirely.
If you decide to withdraw, you’ll need to provide written notice before the 30-day waiting period expires.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help You Following Your Walmart Workplace Injury
If you were injured while working at Walmart, it’s important to understand your rights and how to navigate the claim process. At Schaffer & Associates, we have many years of experience assisting clients just like you with their work injury claims.
Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable injured workers’ lawyer and schedule a consultation.
