Injured on the Job at Costco

Costco is a popular and well-known brand in the US. There are five locations throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Some of these include Summerlin, Henderson, and Centennial. Shoppers flock to the stores every day to buy a variety of goods and services. Employees of Costco do a wide range of jobs.

Some of these are more physical and demanding than others. Employees of Costco that are injured on the job, are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Each injury will have its own unique set of circumstances.

Costco sells a large selection of merchandise. Products are at a significant savings because they are sold in bulk. Groceries, electronics, and household items are just some of what the store offers. The membership model, quality, and pricing have earned them a loyal base of customers.

Employees are constantly on the go. Shelves are being stocked. Products are continually moving throughout the property. Employees are servicing cars in the automotive department and serving food in the food court. No matter what the job, there is always the risk of injury as an employee at Costco.

After an injury, you will be dealing with pain and other issues. Nevada workers’ compensation laws can be complicated. You may not know what to do next.

If you were injured on the job at Costco, contact the Law Offices of Richard Harris. Call, email, or come by the office in person. Our expert workers’ compensation attorneys will protect your rights and make sure that you receive all the benefits that you are owed.

Steps to Take After an Injury at Costco

There are some important steps that you should take after a Costco injury.

This will help in the process of receiving your Nevada workers’ compensation benefits.

1. Seek Medical Attention: If you are injured at Costco, it is vital that you immediately get medical care. Let them know right away that the injury was work-related. Documentation of this fact is important.
2. Report the Injury: File a written report with management. Your employer must be fully aware that the injury occurred. A report will have proof of the time, date, and other important details related to the injury.
3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Submit a workers’ compensation claim form. This is different from the injury report. Costco should provide this for you. C1 and C4 are some of the common forms that need to be filled out and submitted.
4. Follow Medical Advice: Follow up with appointments and treatments that are provided by your health care professional. Costco may even have doctors of their own, for you to see. Keep up on this.
5. Document Everything: Keep records and receipts, concerning everything related to your injury and recovery. This will include doctor visits, medications, treatments, and other medical items. Keep emails and communications with your employer, insurance, and medical providers as well.
6. Consult with an Attorney: If you have any problems with your claim speak with an attorney. Sometimes there are issues, that can cause the claim to be denied altogether. This can be stressful and confusing. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side is beneficial. We will fight to make sure you are being treated fair and just.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your workers’ compensation claim, give us a call.

Types of Benefits From a Costco Worker’s Compensation Injury

After a Costco injury, it is important to identify the benefits that you are eligible for. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney knows what to look for.

Paperwork and fine print can make it difficult to figure out. We can take a look at your claim and help you determine what benefits you qualify for. Let’s get started.

• Medical Benefits: Expenses can add fast after a Costco injury. Benefits will cover the necessary medical treatment needed. This can include medication, doctor visits, rehabilitation, hospital costs, etc.
• Lost Wages: Injuries will need time to heal. Having to take off time at work is common after an injury. Benefits can help to relieve the financial burdens of lost wages. Claims can receive a percentage of a worker’s paycheck. All injury claims will vary on the amount received.
• Disability Benefits: There are many different types of disability claims. Depending on the severity of the injury, will determine the type of claim. Some claims will seek a form of total, partial, permanent, or temporary disability. This will also vary from claim to claim. Some worker’s injuries may be temporary and they are able to work again. Other injuries, may be long-lasting and seek permanent disability benefits.
• Death Benefits: If a loved one or spouse is fatally injured, you may be able to receive these. An attorney can pursue these benefits on your behalf. There are many different types of assistances that are available to family members and loved ones. Funeral and burial expenses may be available after a Costco worker injury resulting in death.

Work-Related Accidents Causing Injury at Costco

Costco is a large warehouse environment.

There are many ways that an injury can occur to an employee when working.

• Slip, Trip, and Fall: An employee falling to the floor of a Costco can cause serious harm. A wet floor can cause a slip and fall. Spills from water or one of the many chemical products in the store can cause a hazardous condition. Clutter and other debris on the floor can cause a trip and fall to occur.
• Objects Falling: Shelves full of products can fall on employees. This can happen while stocking the shelves. Defective shelves and improper stocking can be dangerous. Customers can move products around on shelves and cause a hazardous situation.
• Repetitive Tasks: Bending over and lifting items can cause injury. The constant repetition of movement on the same muscles and joints over time can do damage. Employees need to be careful when lifting heavy items and use proper techniques when picking things up.
• Equipment Accidents: Pallet jacks, forklifts, ladders, and other pieces of equipment are used to move items around the store. Anytime this type of equipment is used, there is the risk of serious injury. Injuries from equipment accidents can be some of the most damaging.
• Sharp Objects: Employees can be injured by using box cutters or knives on the job. Broken items like glass, and defective products can also do damage to workers. An improperly stored item can cause injury to customers and employees. Jagged shelving can cause cuts and lacerations.
• Vehicle Accidents: Working on vehicles can be dangerous. There are many ways that an injury can occur while servicing a vehicle. Changing tires and working under the vehicle can be risky. Employees can also be injured by a car or truck in the parking lot.
• Cart Accidents: Getting hit by a shopping cart can hurt. Cart accidents with customers and employees do happen from time to time. Injuries can be severe.

Ways to Help Prevent a Costco Injury

Preventive measures are vital steps in reducing the chance of an employee injury at Costco.

It is impossible to prevent every injury all together.

• Proper Training: All employees must receive adequate safety training specific to their job. Whether handling sharp tools or driving a forklift, employees must be trained in these safety procedures.
• Safety Equipment: Employees should be provided the necessary safety gear to do their jobs. Protective eyewear, gloves, masks, etc. need to be available for the employees safety in the workplace.
• Inspections: Regular safety checks must be conducted for the safety of everyone. Recognizing and modifying any potential hazard can prevent injury in the future.

Common Workers’ Compensation Injuries at Costco

There are many types of injuries that employees at Costco can get on the job. Having proper legal representation will be beneficial in making sure you receive all your benefits.

• Cuts and Lacerations: Handling products with sharp edges can cause cuts and bruises. Working with sharp tools is risky and causes bleeding from lacerations. These injuries can cause infections and further complications.
• Strains and Sprains: Lifting heavy merchandise can cause these injuries. This is a common injury for Costco employees. Often muscles and tendons can heal up with some rest and a warm shower. More serious cases may need time off and therapy.
• Spinal Injuries: Heavy lifting and machinery can cause back injury. These can be painful and long-term injuries. The most serious spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis.
• Head Injuries: Slip, trip, and fall injuries can cause head trauma. Traumatic brain injury has many symptoms. Depending on the severity will determine the time needed for recovery. In the most severe cases, symptoms can be long-lasting. TBI can cause an employee to be permanently disabled.

If you were injured on the job at Costco, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Report the issue to a supervisor and make sure to get documentation of the injury.

This is critical if you plan on filing a workers’ compensation claim. At the Law Offices of Richard Harris, the first consultation is always free. Call today!