If you were injured while working at Ace Hardware, you may wonder how you will stay afloat financially during your recovery. Workers’ compensation is designed to help injured employees, but many don’t fully understand their right to benefits after a work injury.
Even if your employer has your best interests at heart, they may not give you accurate legal advice. The involved insurance company could use any mistake you make to try to decrease your payout or deny your claim. That’s where an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can help.
At John Foy & Associates, we know how to protect your rights and help you maximize your compensation after getting hurt at work. Don’t leave money on the table after a life-altering accident. Contact us now for a free case evaluation.
Common Injuries Sustained by Ace Hardware Employees
Working at Ace Hardware is more dangerous than most people realize, as it comes with certain occupational hazards that can lead to employee injuries.
Some of the most frequent injuries sustained in the hardware industry include:
- Lacerations: Employees often suffer deep cuts while using box cutters to open packages, handling sharp hardware materials, or operating machinery in stores and warehouses. These lacerations may require stitches and leave scarring.
- Muscle strains: Heavy lifting of stock, moving merchandise, and assisting customers can strain back, neck, shoulder, and leg muscles. Repetitive motions can cause overuse injuries over time.
- Slips and falls: Wet floors, cluttered aisles, and merchandise spills lead to employee slips, trips, and falls on hard floors. These accidents often cause sprains, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and bruising.
- Crushing injuries: Hands, fingers, toes, and feet are vulnerable to crush accidents from dropped inventory, malfunctioning equipment, and merchandise shifting during transport and storage.
- Respiratory issues: Exposure to chemicals, sawdust, fumes from building materials, and other irritants may cause respiratory damage over time for Ace Hardware staff.
Workers’ compensation provides medical, wage, and rehabilitation benefits if you suffer an on-the-job injury. One of our attorneys in Atlanta, GA, can help you file a successful claim and appeal any wrongful denials. Since we handle cases on contingency, you’ll pay nothing upfront or out of pocket.
What Exactly Is Workers’ Compensation?
The workers’ compensation system is designed to benefit both injured employees and employers. It helps injured workers by allowing them to receive compensation for workplace injuries without enduring lengthy, expensive legal battles. It also helps employers by having insurance cover employee injury costs rather than risking financially devastating jury verdicts.
The basic workers’ compensation concept traces back to ancient times but did not gain traction in America until the early 20th century, requiring employers to pay employees for work injuries and lost wages.
Today, Georgia law mandates that businesses with three or more employees carry workers’ compensation insurance to ensure their workers can recover damages if injured on the job.
What Expenses Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Atlanta, GA?
Without an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer advising you, it’s difficult to know the full scope of benefits you may be entitled to. “Workers’ comp” should provide coverage for all costs stemming from a workplace injury.
Typical expenses covered in a Georgia workers’ compensation claim include:
- Doctor visits, hospitalization, tests, and prescription medications
- Lost wages for time taken off to get treatment and recover
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments
- Physical therapy
- Vocational retraining when necessary
- Additional compensation for permanent disabilities
- Partial paycheck replacement while you are unable to work
The above list shows workers’ compensation can provide crucial support following an on-the-job accident. However, insurance providers may try to minimize your claim or deny your benefits. An attorney from John Foy & Associates can help maximize your payout and appeal any unjust denials.
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Injuries Occurring Outside of a Store or Warehouse Location
Workers’ compensation generally covers injuries sustained while actively working. However, some exceptions and gray areas exist. You typically must be injured on your employer’s premises to receive benefits.
But coverage may also apply if you suffer harm while:
- Operating a company vehicle
- Traveling for work
- Attending off-site work meetings
- Running errands for your employer
Injuries that occur during routine commuting to and from the workplace are usually excluded since you are not “on the clock.” However, the parking lot of your place of work may still fall under workers’ compensation, depending on the circumstances.
Given the intricacies involved, consult with a lawyer to determine whether your incident qualifies for workers’ comp benefits. An attorney can help document and build your case and appeal any denials by insurance providers. Don’t miss out on compensation!
Free Consultation Regarding Your Ace Hardware Workers Compensation Claim
Ace Hardware warehouse work is physically demanding, with many safety hazards. If you were injured at work and need help pursuing a claim, John Foy & Associates is here to help. A member of our Atlanta-based legal team can provide the answers you need and help you determine your best course of action.
One of our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can help you obtain the benefits you deserve. Let us evaluate your case and guide you through your next steps. Call now or fill out the online contact form and get your free consultation today.
April 1 2019 
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