Warehouse Worker Injuries

Warehouse work is a physically demanding and often high-risk occupation where employees face hazards daily, such as those created by falling objects and heavy machinery. It is not surprising, then, that warehouse worker injuries are common, causing not only physical pain but also financial losses. Fortunately, in Maryland, warehouse workers injured on the job are often eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, which can help cover the costs of medical care and lost wages while they recover. If you were injured while working in a warehouse, it is critical to assess your options, and you should talk to an attorney. The experienced Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A., understand what it takes to achieve favorable outcomes in claims for benefits, and if you hire us, we will develop compelling arguments on our behalf.

Warehouse worker injuries often result from the fast-paced and strenuous nature of the job, which can include lifting heavy items, operating forklifts or other machinery, and working at significant heights. Common injuries include musculoskeletal strains, fractures, cuts, and back injuries from repetitive lifting or awkward positions. Warehouse workers are also at risk for slip-and-fall accidents due to spills, uneven flooring, or poor lighting, which can lead to severe injuries such as concussions, broken bones, or spinal injuries.

In addition to physical strain and slip-and-fall risks, warehouse workers are frequently exposed to hazards related to equipment and machinery. Forklift accidents, for instance, are a serious concern, as improper handling or malfunction can result in severe crush injuries or even fatalities. Exposure to loud noises, high temperatures, and heavy machinery poses additional risks, including hearing damage, heat stress, and respiratory issues. These conditions can lead to chronic health issues, long-term disability, or require ongoing medical treatment. For warehouse workers injured on the job, the consequences of these injuries can impact not only their health but also their financial stability, making workers’ compensation benefits essential.

Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation Act provides workers’ compensation benefits for employees injured on the job, including warehouse workers.

The benefits recoverable include medical benefits, which cover the total costs of necessary medical treatments related to the injury, including surgeries, physical therapy, hospital stays, medication, and any other required care. Medical benefits are generally available without out-of-pocket expenses, allowing injured workers to focus on recovery without financial stress from medical bills.

In addition to medical benefits, workers who cannot return to their duties immediately after an injury may be eligible to recover wage replacement benefits. Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are granted to workers who are entirely unable to work during their recovery period. TTD benefits are determined at two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, within statutory limits, and are paid until the worker can return to work or reaches maximum medical improvement.

Warehouse workers injured on the job who can return to work but in a reduced capacity due to their injuries may be eligible for temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits. These benefits provide partial income replacement, calculated as 50% of the difference between the worker’s pre-injury earnings and their reduced earnings, and are designed to help bridge the income gap during recovery. If a warehouse injury results in a permanent impairment, such as lasting back or joint issues, the worker may qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) or permanent total disability (PTD) benefits, which provide long-term financial assistance based on the nature and severity of the impairment.

Maryland law requires workers to report injuries promptly and follow specific procedures to file a workers’ compensation claim. Failing to meet these requirements may result in denied benefits, which is why it’s critical for injured warehouse workers to understand their rights and follow the appropriate steps in the claims process.

Workplace accidents can cause critical harm, but luckily, many people dealing with warehouse worker injuries can recover benefits to offset their losses. If you were hurt while working in a warehouse, you may be able to pursue a claim for benefits, and you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our trusted Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial strain that warehouse worker injuries can impose, and if you hire us, we can help you navigate the complexities of the claims process. We have an office in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we routinely represent people in workers’ compensation claims in Hyattsville, Bowie, Waldorf, Rockville, Upper Marlboro, Silver Spring, La Plata, and other cities in Prince George’s County, Charles County, Montgomery County, and all counties in the State of Maryland. You can arrange a confidential and complimentary consultation by using our form online or by calling us at (301) 441-2022.