While every job presents its fair share of risks to employees, few occupations are as dangerous as warehouse jobs. Warehouse injuries are extremely common.
According to the most recently available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, four out of every 100 warehouse workers suffered some type of injury in 2020.
At the Texas personal injury law firm of Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we proudly represent injured warehouse workers, helping connect them with meaningful compensation.
The Dangers of Working in a Warehouse
Warehouse workers face a wide range of hazards every day they work. Some of the most common warehouse injuries stem from the following accidents:
Forklift Accidents
Forklifts are necessary in most warehouses. They allow workers to move, lift, and stack heavy objects. However, forklifts can also be incredibly dangerous.
According to the National Safety Council, there were more than 7,200 non-fatal forklift accidents in 2020 alone.
Falls
Many warehouse workers spend a lot of time near loading docks. While the four-foot drop from a loading dock to the ground may not seem dangerous, these falls often result in serious injuries.
Other common causes of warehouse falls include cluttered or slick floors, exposed extension cords, inadequate lighting, and uneven flooring.
Being Struck by an Object
Warehouses, by definition, store goods. Often, these goods are stacked high up in the air on pallets.
If a stack is not lined up properly or a pallet becomes compromised, the entire stack can fall on a worker, causing serious—if not fatal—injuries.
Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries
Working in a warehouse is physically exhausting. Over time, this work takes a toll on your body.
An overexertion injury occurs when the body’s soft tissues are damaged as the result of lifting or carrying heavy objects.
Repetitive stress injuries are similar; however, these injuries develop slowly over time, usually in relation to small, repetitive movements.
Exposure to Hazardous Material
Some warehouse workers deal with hazardous material that, if spilled, may cause a wide range of damage. In some cases, exposure results in immediately recognizable symptoms, such as burns or rashes.
In other cases, exposure to toxic chemicals causes serious problems down the road, such as cancer or organ damage.
Warehouse workers injured in an on-the-job accident can pursue a claim for financial compensation for their injuries.
Depending on the situation, injured warehouse workers can pursue either a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury claim, or both.
What Are Your Rights as a Warehouse Worker in Texas?
Did You Suffer Warehouse Injuries at Work? We Can Help
If you suffered warehouse injuries due to your employment, reach out to the dedicated Texas personal injury lawyers at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP.
We draw on a solid and diverse body of experience and knowledge. Our attorneys are both skilled negotiators and seasoned litigators.
We are not afraid to take a case to trial, and we prepare every case as though it’s going in front of the jury. We take the time to evaluate and give an honest assessment of every case that walks through our doors.
To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with a Texas warehouse injury lawyer today, contact us through our online contact form.
Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf. In the process, he has recovered millions for his clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely nothing. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you owe us nothing unless we win your case, whether that’s in the form of a settlement or a judgment. We offer a free consultation to anyone who thinks they might have a personal injury case.
We suggest speaking with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury. Something to keep in mind is that all personal injury cases need evidence, and that evidence often degrades over time. As a result, many jurisdictions have a strict statute of limitations (or time limit) for filing a claim. In Texas, most victims have only two years from the date of injury to file, so it is important to start building your case immediately.
In the state of Texas, employers have the option of filing for workers’ compensation insurance. This policy covers them in case an employee suffers an injury on the job. However, some employers choose to be non-subscribers, which means they opt out of this coverage and lose certain legal protections. This means that if an injured employee sues them after a work injury, they may end up paying more damages. In addition, they may be liable for pain and suffering, punitive damages, and medical benefits. Learn more about non-subscriber injuries here.
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) keeps track of employers that report their non-subscriber status. Currently, you can find a spreadsheet of every reported non-subscriber business in Texas under TDI’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage verification page. This includes the business address, business name, and filing dates. Learn more here.
There are a few different ways to manage your bills while waiting for your case to settle. For medical treatment, it is common to arrange a lien with the doctor’s office or hospital. A medical lien is essentially an agreement to pay back your treatment costs with a portion of your potential settlement. Another option for miscellaneous bills, such as rent, utilities, or other essential expenses, is lawsuit funding. Much like a lien, you pay these loans back with a portion of your settlement or judgment. However, these loans have high interest rates and fees, so be sure to discuss this option with your attorney.