Amazon Workers’ Compensation Claims in Minnesota

When you go to work, you expect a safe environment that allows for productivity and growth. Unfortunately, accidents and injuries can occur, sometimes altering the trajectory of your life and career. If you’ve been injured at an Amazon facility in Minnesota, you are not alone, and it’s essential to understand your rights and the avenues available for support and compensation.

Your Rights After a Workplace Injury at Amazon

Workplace injuries at Amazon can arise in various scenarios—be it a slip and fall in the warehouse, an equipment-related accident, or an unfortunate collision during delivery rounds. Disturbingly, there have been accusations against Amazon of not adequately acknowledging the prevalence of such incidents. In some cases, it’s even been suggested that employees are discouraged from reporting work-related injuries.

It’s not only the warehouse workers at risk. Amazon delivery drivers often navigate demanding routes and tight schedules, leading to an increased risk of auto collisions or getting struck when delivering a package.

Minnesota has established workers’ compensation laws to safeguard employees. These laws make sure that injured workers are compensated without having to demonstrate that the employer was at fault. However, this system also means employees cannot pursue their employers in court for job-related injuries. Generally, Amazon workers seeking compensation for on-the-job injuries will file a workers’ compensation claim, although certain exceptions may allow claims against the employer or a third party.

What Should You Do First When Injured on the Job?

The steps that you take immediately after the accident can significantly affect the outcome of your workers’ compensation claim. After sustaining an injury at Amazon, it’s crucial first to inform your supervisor and then promptly seek medical care. It’s important to report all workplace injuries, no matter how minor. 

Once informed, Amazon is obligated to complete the First Report of Injury form, a copy of which should be provided to you alongside the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation System Employee Information Sheet. Then, your claim will proceed through the workers’ compensation insurance process.

What Amazon Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available?

By filing a workers’ compensation claim, you have the right to recover certain benefits that are intended to pay for your medical care and replace any wage losses. Benefits can vary based on the nature of the injury, but may include:

• Temporary Total Disability Benefits: If you’re wholly incapacitated temporarily, you can receive two-thirds of your average weekly pre-injury wage.
• Temporary Partial Disability Benefits: If you can work but earn less due to your injury, you’ll receive two-thirds of the difference between your previous and current wages.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: Depending on the level of impairment post-recovery, you may be eligible for permanent partial or total disability benefits for as long as the disability lasts.

Other benefits cover necessary medical treatment, travel mileage for medical care, vocational rehabilitation, and in unfortunate events, death and burial benefits.

Do You Need a Lawyer to File an Amazon Workers’ Comp Claim?

While you have the right to file a workers’ comp claim, the process of securing benefits can be challenging. From completing paperwork and gathering evidence to appealing a denial, navigating an Amazon workers’ compensation case can be difficult alone. Working with an attorney can simplify the process and protect your rights.

If you are injured while working at Amazon, seek medical care as soon as you can. Then, schedule a free case consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Minneapolis to plan your next steps.