Macy’s Workers Compensation Claims

Getting hurt on the job affects more than just your health—it can interrupt your daily life, reduce your income, and leave you unsure about your next steps. When that injury happens while working at Macy’s, the process for seeking help may not be what you expected. Macy’s Workers Compensation Claims in Texas don’t follow the usual path through the state’s workers’ comp program. Instead, because Macy’s doesn’t participate in that system, the company may be directly responsible for your injury costs.

At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we help clarify a process that often feels overwhelming. Our team works closely with clients to build strong, clear claims that reflect the full impact of a work-related injury and hold non-subscribing employers accountable.

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What to Do If You’ve Been Injured While Working at Macy’s

The first few days after a workplace injury are critical. Under the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, all employers—whether or not they carry workers’ compensation insurance—must follow specific reporting and notification requirements. If the employer subscribes to workers’ compensation insurance or is self-insured, injured employees may receive reimbursement for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. To be eligible, the injury or illness must be reported within 30 days.

Look for medical attention as soon as possible and document everything. Even if the injury seems small, having a record of what happened and how it affected you is important. After that, collect relevant paperwork like incident reports, witness names, and anything your employer provided about the event.

Review your employee handbook or safety policies if Macy’s failed to follow its own procedures or left hazards unaddressed, which can strengthen your position. Coworkers who saw what happened may also be helpful. This may be your first time dealing with a workplace injury claim. Staying organized can help you feel more in control. 

Am I Considered an Injured Worker in a Non-Subscriber Case?

Injured Macy’s employees may have the ability to bring non-subscriber claims in Texas, depending on the circumstances of their case.

Non-subscriber cases differ significantly from traditional workers’ compensation claims. Since Macy’s opted out of the state program, injured workers aren’t limited to filing for basic benefits. Instead, they may sue their employer directly for damages resulting from workplace negligence.

To determine whether someone qualifies as an injured worker, several factors are considered:

• You must be an employee, not an independent contractor.
• The injury must have happened while you were performing duties related to your job.
• You must demonstrate that Macy’s failure to provide a safe workplace caused or contributed to your injury.

Unlike in traditional workers’ comp systems, Macy’s cannot argue that you were partially at fault if they are even 1% responsible. That strict liability standard puts you in a better legal position, provided you can prove negligence.

Your eligibility isn’t based on your job title. Whether you work full-time, part-time, or seasonal, what matters most is whether the injury happened while doing work that Macy’s assigns.

Common Types of Workplace Injuries at Macy’s

Retail jobs, especially in large department stores like Macy’s, come with their own set of risks. Employees perform various tasks, from unloading trucks to assisting customers on the sales floor, and accidents can happen in any area.

Frequent workplace injuries include:

Slip and falls

Wet floors, misplaced inventory, or uneven surfaces can lead to serious falls. These incidents are especially common during busy retail hours or seasonal rushes when the store is heavily staffed and stocked.

Strains and sprains

Stocking shelves, lifting heavy boxes, or repetitive tasks often lead to joint or soft tissue injuries. These are among the most reported injuries in retail due to the physical nature of the work.

Head injuries

Falling merchandise or low-clearance areas can result in trauma. Even lightweight items can cause significant harm if they land on the head from above.

Cuts and lacerations

Box cutters, broken glass, or sharp fixtures often lead to injuries. Employees handling inventory or assembling displays are particularly at risk.

Chemical exposure

Certain cleaning agents used in restrooms or backrooms can irritate the skin or eyes. Some may even trigger respiratory issues if used in poorly ventilated areas.

Less obvious injuries, like repetitive strain or stress-related conditions, also deserve attention. Over time, repetitive tasks such as tagging merchandise, typing, or folding stock can cause injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Likewise, emotional and psychological strain from poor working conditions, high-pressure sales environments, or lack of proper breaks can sometimes lead to valid claims.

How to Protect Your Legal Rights After a Work Injury at Macy’s

Taking steps to safeguard your claim early on can make a huge difference. Start with medical care, but don’t stop there.

Here’s what we recommend:

1. Document everything: From the injury itself to your communication with Macy’s managers, keep a paper trail.
2. Avoid signing any releases or settlements without legal counsel: Quick offers may restrict the amount you can recover later.
3. Speak with someone who understands non-subscriber claims: Most employees aren’t prepared to navigate this area of Texas law alone.
4. Monitor your symptoms: Some injuries take days or weeks to manifest fully. Keep notes and follow up with your healthcare provider.
5. Know your deadlines. Statutes of limitations may limit claims, so waiting too long could cost you.

You should also maintain consistency in your medical treatment. Gaps between appointments or delays in follow-ups can be used against you. Make sure to attend every visit and follow your doctor’s advice to the letter. If you’re unsatisfied with the care you’re receiving, you have the right to seek a second opinion.

When dealing with Macy’s, try to communicate in writing. Emails, text messages, and written memos can serve as proof if a dispute arises. If a manager or HR representative makes a verbal statement, write down what was said along with the date and time. These details can become powerful tools in your case.

What Types of Compensation Could You Be Entitled To?

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, workers’ compensation benefits include income benefits, which help replace lost wages; medical benefits, which cover necessary treatment; burial benefits, which assist with funeral expenses; and death benefits, which support families after a work-related death. Income benefits may include temporary, impairment, supplemental, or lifetime income benefits. 

However, since Macy’s is a non-subscriber, injured employees may be eligible to pursue additional damages through a personal injury claim. These can include:

• Medical expenses: All related medical treatment, including surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages: Recovery for time missed from work and any future loss in earning ability.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort and emotional distress.
• Disfigurement or disability: Financial recovery for permanent or long-lasting physical harm.
• Punitive damages: When Macy’s conduct reflects gross negligence, additional compensation may be awarded to penalize unsafe practices.

Some claims may also include loss of consortium or future medical costs, especially if the injury affects family life or requires long-term care. Professionals may help estimate the impact so your compensation reflects both current and future needs.

Non-Subscriber Injury Claims Against Macy’s

What makes non-subscriber claims against Macy’s different? You aren’t just filing a claim through a government program—you’re holding the company directly responsible. That opens the door for broader recovery, but also requires you to prove fault. In the context of Macy’s Workers Compensation Claims, these cases rely on showing how the company’s actions, or lack of action, contributed to the harm.

Common examples of Macy’s negligence include failing to clean spills promptly, not training employees in safe lifting techniques, leaving stockroom areas cluttered or unsafe, and overworking staff without adequate breaks.

It’s not enough to prove you were hurt; Macy’s actions must also be shown to have contributed to the injury, whether through ignored safety concerns, poor training, or understaffing. Many cases resolve before trial if the company is presented with strong evidence, making early documentation a key part of building a claim.

Talk to Our Team About Macy’s Workers Compensation Claims

Work injuries can disrupt your daily life and raise difficult questions, especially when your employer doesn’t participate in the standard workers’ compensation system. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, our team is available to discuss your situation and how Texas law applies to non-subscriber employers like Macy’s. Macy’s Workers Compensation Claims deserve careful attention, and we’re here to help you understand your legal options. Contact us at 832-402-6637.

C.J. Baker

C.J. Baker represents victims with serious injuries and he won’t let any corporation or insurance company stop his clients from getting complete justice. He has won millions of dollars for victims of 18-wheeler crashes, oilfield equipment failures, offshore platform explosions, and defective medical devices. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Get in touch with C.J. Baker now.