Helping Retail Workers Pursue Benefits For On-The-Job Injuries

Retail jobs are demanding. Workers in this field face numerous challenges, from juggling odd hours to dealing with high-stress situations. Even more, difficulties can pile up if workplace injuries occur. This is far from uncommon, as the retail sector is one of the primary locations for work accidents in the U.S. At Wertz Law Firm, P.C., we understand how overwhelming it can be for retail workers when they suffer injuries on the job. Our workers’ compensation attorneys are here to help.

Based in Cedar Rapids and serving all of Iowa, our experienced and focused attorneys guide retail workers through pursuing the workers’ compensation benefits they need to cope with the many impacts of work injuries. Contact us at 319-861-3001 or by email to arrange a free consultation to discover what our team can do for you.

How Many Retail Injuries Occur In The U.S.?

Retail injuries are among the most common workplace injuries in the nation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, around 353,900 nonfatal injuries and illnesses were reported in the retail sector in the U.S. This made up over 10% of all the incidents reported across all industries that year. We firmly believe that all workplaces should be safe, and we’re committed to standing up for injured retail workers throughout Iowa.

Common Types Of Workplace Injuries In Retail

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, retail workers can encounter a range of unique hazards on the job. Some of the more common injury risks in this field include:

Slip and falls: Wet floors and cluttered aisles can lead to harmful falls
Falling objects: Items falling from shelves can cause head and body injuries
Cut risk: Handling sharp tools, equipment and products can result in serious lacerations.
Lifting Injuries: Lifting accidents can cause back pain and muscle strains.
Workplace violence: Encounters with aggressive customers or intruders can lead to assault injuries.

Retail injuries vary greatly in severity. Some are truly life-altering such as catastrophic injuries like serious traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

Can You Sue Your Employer For Negligence Over A Retail Injury?

Generally, no. Under Iowa’s workers’ comp laws, employees are typically barred from bringing injury lawsuits against their employers. Instead, these laws create an alternate route for relief: workers’ compensation claims.

How Are Workers’ Comp Claims Different From Personal Injury Lawsuits?

Workers’ compensation claims differ from personal injury lawsuits in several key ways, including:

No fault: Workers’ compensation is no-fault, meaning you don’t have to prove negligence like you would in a personal injury suit. Rather, you need to show that the injury is work-related.
Process differences: Workers’ comp is a claim you file with your employer and its insurer, not a lawsuit in court.
Available relief: In workers’ comp claims, rather than pursuing damages, you pursue benefits. Types of benefits available include medical treatment and disability payments

Our team exclusively practices workers’ compensation law and is ready to help retail workers with all aspects of their claims.

How To File For Workers’ Compensation In A Retail Setting

For retail workers, filing for workers’ compensation involves several steps:

Gather documentation: Collect medical records and information about the accident/incident to support your claim.
Talk to your manager and human resources: Inform them about the injury and your intent to file a claim. This generally needs to be done within 90 days of your injury.
File: Complete and file all necessary paperwork related to your claim.
Review your benefits offer: Having an attorney carefully look over the offer can help you gauge whether it will meet your needs.
Get medical care: Your employer will generally select the doctor who will provide you with treatment under your workers’ comp claim.

Our retail injury lawyers can guide you through every stage of the workers’ compensation process. We are also here to stand up for your rights should any disputes arise or if your claim is denied.

Get Experienced Workers’ Compensation Support

You don’t have to pursue relief for your retail injury alone. Put our seasoned and knowledgeable attorneys at your side. Under our contingency fee structure, we charge you nothing unless we secure benefits for you. Set up a free case evaluation with us today by getting in touch through our contact form or calling 319-861-3001.