Injured Working for Amazon in Texas
Learn your options if you have been injured while working for Amazon in Texas.
Hurt While Working at an Amazon Warehouse?
In Texas, delivery, warehouse and shipping injuries for Amazon and it's sub-contractor's is very high as illustrated in this article by Gizmodo and this report by the SOC.
Generally speaking employees of Amazon or sub-contractors in Texas are hired as non-subscribers (no workers compensation coverage). The impact of this is that you most likely do not have benefits provided under workers compensation law. However you still have legal options if you have been hurt while working for Amazon or a sub-contractor.
Common Type of Warehouse and Shipping Work Injuries
The most common type of warehouse injuries are listed below. Remember, a physical and or mental injury, acute or chronic may be considered a occupational, or work injury.
- Overexertion, typically from lifting and may be acute (less than three months) or chronic injuries.
- Repetitive stress injuries (most commonly chronic in nature).
- Equipment accidents, involving conveyor belts, forklifts or other machinery.
- Slips, trips and falls.
- Heat or cold exposure
How to Verify Your Insurance Coverage
To check the coverage status of your employer you may call the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-7031.
Or, you can check your coverage status online.
The following chart from the Texas Department of Insurance shows the types of coverage scenarios in Texas.
No Workers Compensation Coverage
If the sub-contractor, or subsidiary for Amazon you are working for at the time is a non-subscriber (no workers compensation coverage) you still have options if you are injured on the job.
In Texas, non-subscribers (unless stated otherwise in your contract) generally have the right to 'sue' or file suite against their employer. This can to be recover damages for medical care and expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
However this may take months to years and will require an attorney. Always verify your coverage status after an injury and keep all receipts and documentation related to your injury.
Buy the guidebook, Injured on the Job - Texas, to learn information on what to do if you are hurt at work. The easy to use guide includes information on what documentation to keep, tips on communicating with your insurance company and information on OSHA in Texas.
