Workers in home improvement stores spend their days stocking shelves, moving materials, unloading trucks, watering plants, cutting lumber, and assisting customers with purchases. Two of the larger home improvement stores in Pennsylvania are Home Depot and Lowes. Unfortunately, workers in home improvement stores face hazards on the job each day that can result in workplace accidents.
The Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys at Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers assist injured workers with workers’ compensation claims. Our personal injury law firm has worked with clients in the greater Philadelphia area since 1985. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
If you were injured while working at Lowes or another home improvement store, contact our office at 215-875-7030 for a free consultation with one of our workers’ compensation lawyers in Philadelphia, PA.
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How Our Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Help You With a Workers’ Comp Claim
Our lawyers have over 80 years of combined legal experience. They use their resources, skills, expertise to help you get the maximum compensation available for Lowes workers’ compensation claim. We fight to get you the workers’ comp benefits you deserve.
When you hire our Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers to handle your case, you can expect us to:
- Explain your legal rights and the workers’ compensation system in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Investigate the cause of your accident and analyze whether you might have a claim against another party for financial compensation
- File all insurance claims and handle all matters with the workers’ compensation insurance company
- Document your injuries and damages by working with you and your doctor
- Consult medical experts and other expert witnesses as necessary
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company for permanent impairments
- File appeals and pursue all legal avenues of compensation
If you suffered an injury working at Lowes, do not allow the company or its insurance provider to bully you into accepting a settlement that is not in your best interest. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia at our office to discuss your case with a Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer.
Hazards Employees Face When Working at Lowes
The home improvement industry has grown quickly over the past two decades. Homeowners and contractors rely on stores like Lowes for ideas, supplies, and equipment. The low prices and convenience make it easy for homeowners to complete home improvement projects without hiring a professional.
Because many people purchase their supplies at Lowes and other home improvement stores, Lowes must keep items in stock. However, many items are heavy and require a forklift to move the items.
Furthermore, the “store” is a working warehouse. Therefore, all of the hazards you would expect in a warehouse are generally present in a Lowes location.
Examples of hazards and risks Lowes employees include:
- Falling from ladders and platforms
- Forklift injuries
- Being pinned between items
- Items falling from shelves
- Lifting heavy objects
- Electrical accidents and electrocutions
- Injuries caused by using motorized machines and tools
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Injuries from fires and explosions
- Slipping and falling on slick surfaces
- Tripping over items or damaged flooring
- Poor lighting and inadequate security
Lowes owes a duty of care to ensure the safety of customers in the retail section of the store. However, the company also owes a duty to employees to provide a safe working environment. OSHA has cited Lowes for violations in the past.
Therefore, the company should provide safety training and safety equipment for its employees. Also, the company should have a safety policy that clearly defines the procedures used by employees to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Can I Sue Lowes for a Workplace Injury?
Workers’ compensation covers most injuries and illnesses occurring on the job in Pennsylvania. Therefore, you cannot sue your employer for additional compensation and damages. Under workers’ compensation, you can receive benefits for:
- Payment of medical bills for medical care
- A portion of your lost wages and income (temporary or permanent disability)
- Specific benefits for amputations or loss of the use of a body part
- Death benefits for surviving family members
- Settlements for permanent disability claims
In rare cases, an employee might have a claim against the employer for intentional acts or gross negligence. Our Philadelphia workers’ comp attorneys review your case to determine each legal remedy that could result in compensation for damages.
In addition to reviewing your case for a potential lawsuit against your employer, we review the case for third-party claims. A third party claim is a lawsuit against another party for injuries at work.
For example, if a defective chainsaw caused your injury while working at Lowes, you could have a claim against the product manufacturer. A product liability lawsuit could result in additional compensation for damages, economic and non-economic.
After being injured while working at Lowes, it is always wise to seek legal counsel. Your employer and its insurance provider are not the best sources of legal advice after you were hurt at work.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Philadelphia Lowes Workers’ Compensation Injury Lawyers
Fighting for the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve can be overwhelming. Having a trusted attorney on your side can lessen the stress and increase your chance of success.
Call our office to schedule a free consultation with a Lowes workers’ compensation injury lawyer. You deserve to receive all benefits and compensation allowed by law after a workplace injury.
