What You Need to Know If You Were Hurt As a Coca-Cola Employee

Many Coca-Cola employees work long shifts, sometimes staying clocked in for long hours both day and night. In addition, you may have frequent overtime and safety training that you have to go through that only adds to your time away from family and friends. This type of lifestyle takes a toll on workers both physically and emotionally.  

Eventually, employee fatigue may lead to an on-the-job injury. Do you know what you should do if you’re hurt while working for Coca-Cola? If not, don’t worry. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers can help guide you through the basics.

Workers’ Compensation and Coca-Cola Workers

Coca-Cola is a huge company that employs thousands of workers across the country. Under Georgia law and the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, companies such as Coca-Cola are required to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage for all their employees. 

Employees at Coca-Cola have every right to get workers’ comp benefits if they get hurt on the job as any other type of employee. However, it may not seem like it because of the strong focus on safety and having an “injury-free” workplace. 

Regardless of what your coworkers or supervisor tells you, you need to report your injury and get medical care if you need it. Some of the most common injuries that occur at Coke plants and distribution centers include:

• Risk of explosion and breathing problems from improperly stored compressed gas
• Improper training related to equipment, including forklifts and conveyor-based machines
• Slip and fall or trip and fall injuries
• Damage related to repetitive movement
• Injuries from falls from a height or falling objects
• Injuries sustained while making deliveries, including problems with lifting and the potential for car accidents as well

These injuries could haunt you for the rest of your life, especially in cases that lead to chronic pain. Therefore, it is essential to get medical attention right away to minimize the long-term impact that your accident may have on your life. Despite suffering severe injuries, there’s still a standard process you have to follow when applying to receive workers’ compensation benefits for your damages. 

What to Do When You Get Hurt as a Coca-Cola Employee

The first thing you should do is get emergency medical care if you need it. If you don’t have an emergency, start by talking to your supervisor or manager about your injury. They will be able to help you get your claim started by doing two essential things.

File an Accident Report

Your accident report will describe how your injury occurred. It is critical to be thorough and truthful in this report, as it will become an exhibit in your work comp case if you have trouble getting the benefits you deserve. If you are injured while driving or while delivering outside of Coca-Cola’s property, call the police so they can make an accident report for you.

Get Connected With an Approved Doctor

Coke has the right to choose who you see for medical care to a certain extent. They will provide you with a list of no less than six doctors for you to use to get medical care. You can choose from that list who you would like to see. 

In most cases, you will be able to set the appointment during a time that works for you, but Coke may also set the appointment for you. Any time you must take off work to go to the doctor for your work injury should be reimbursed by your employer, at least in part. 

Finding Proper Medical Treatment

If your manager or supervisor refuses to help, you can often get medical care independently. There should be a list of doctors available in a common location, such as in the break room. You can make an appointment yourself by contacting one of these doctors.  

But, it may be more effective if you contact a workers’ compensation attorney to help you with your claim. John Foy & Associates is available to help you get the ball moving in your workers’ compensation case against Coca-Cola.

What Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Do for You 

Virtually all workers’ compensation claims settle out of court. This may leave you wondering why you would even need to hire a lawyer in the first place. However, unlike most people believe, a lawyer can do a lot more to help your workers’ compensation claim than you think. 

Just because you don’t have to go to court doesn’t mean you don’t have options available to you if Coca-Cola or their insurance company is uncooperative. Our lawyers can help you: 

• Collect evidence that supports your workers’ compensation claim
• Help you file your workers’ compensation claim 
• Handle all your communications with other parties and represent your best interests at all times 
• Provide you with other legal options should negotiations not go smoothly 

Overall, a lawyer is an invaluable resource to have when getting financial compensation for your injuries. This is especially true against giant corporations like Coca-Cola that have lots of resources and legal power at their disposal to challenge your claims. 

Statute of Limitations for Workers’ Compensation Cases

Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 34-9-82, there is a general statute of limitations for workers’ compensation cases of one year. This is half the time generally allowed for standard personal injury claims. 

However, regardless of how long you may have, it’s never good to sit on a workplace injury for too long. The best time to file for workers’ compensation is right after receiving medical treatment. 

Get Help From Our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today

John Foy & Associates has been helping workers just like you for nearly 20 years. If you were hurt as a Coca-Cola employee, let us examine your situation to determine whether you have a workers’ compensation case and provide some guidance on what you should do next. Fill out our online contact form or call us to get your free consultation today.