Retail workers can be at an increased risk for injuries at their workplace due to unsafe work conditions, hazards, long hours, and the strenuous requirement of the job. If you are a retail worker and have been injured on the job, speak to a workers’ compensation attorney to determine if you are eligible to file a claim and recover compensation for your injuries and time off work.
Common Types of Retail Accidents and Injuries
Workplace accidents can happen at any location, and retail establishments are no exception. Whether it is a clothing store, grocery store, or restaurant, retail workers are at risk of being injured on the job due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Repetitive strain injuries. Retail workers can experience repetitive strain injuries due to the amount of time they are required to do the same task each time they are at work. From scanning items at checkout to stocking shelves, injuries such as an elbow strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, an inflammation, or injury to a tendon can happen.
- Broken bones and fractures. A slip and fall at a retail store can lead to broken bones. Workers are at risk for fractures and broken bones if they trip over merchandise or a spill on the floor is not cleaned up properly. They may need to use a ladder to reach objects placed up high and fall from the ladder. Broken bones can also result from an object falling off a shelf and hitting the employee.
- Cuts and lacerations. Retail workers often use sharp instruments such as box cutters or knives to open packages of merchandise. If the worker is inexperienced or forced to rush when opening a package, deep cuts or lacerations can occur on the hands and fingers.
- Respiratory issues. If an employee is continuously exposed to a chemical or toxin such as mold while working at a retail location, it can cause respiratory issues, asthma attacks, rashes, and other issues.
In addition, serious injuries can occur if a retail worker is a victim of a robbery or attack, which is common at retail locations that are open late at night or are located in a more secluded area. Injuries can also occur at work due to faulty equipment or machinery being used at the retail location.
Workers’ Compensation Recovery in Iowa
If you suffered a job-related injury while working at a retail location, there are several things to do to ensure your legal rights stay protected and you get a fair settlement, such as:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Alert your employer of the injury and file an incident report. Your employer may request that you see a doctor that they choose to assess the type and severity of your injury.
- Gather evidence from the accident scene, including photos of your injury and what caused your accident, witness testimony, and anything else that can be used to support your case.
- Obtain legal advice from a trusted workers’ compensation attorney.
An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help your claim by:
- Investigating the cause of your workplace accident
- Determining if you are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim and calculate the value of your case
- Negotiate with your employer’s insurance company and review any settlements that are proposed
- Represent you if the case goes to court and fight for a fair settlement
In Iowa, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the following as part of a workers’ compensation claim:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Other expenses such as mileage, vocation training, etc
- Death benefits if your loved one died as a result of the injury
Contact an Iowa Workers Comp Attorney
If you are a retail worker and have been injured in an accident at work, contact Hupy & Abraham for a free consultation. Our team of experienced lawyers have a successful track record of getting our clients the fair recovery they deserve. To schedule an appointment at one of our Iowa offices located in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, or Davenport, fill out our convenient contact form online or call us at 1-800-800-5678.
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