Dec 3, 2024

What Should You Do If You Are Injured at Walmart?

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Walmart is one of the largest employers in Georgia, providing thousands of jobs to workers in retail, logistics, and other roles. Given the physical nature of many Walmart positions—ranging from stocking shelves and lifting heavy objects to operating machinery—workplace injuries are not uncommon.

If you have suffered a workplace injury at Walmart in Georgia, you have rights under Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act (OCGA Title 34, Chapter 9). You should get legal representation from a dedicated workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your claims management is handled with legal precision and you receive the highest compensation you are entitled to.

Steps to Take After Your Workplace Injury at Walmart in Georgia

Report the Injury Immediately

Under Georgia law OCGA § 34-9-80, workers in different industries, including Walmart, must report workplace injuries to their employer as soon as possible but no later than 30 days after the injury occurs. This notification can be verbal or in writing, but it’s vital to inform a supervisor, manager, or HR representative. If you delay reporting, you risk losing eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.

Seek Medical Attention from an Approved Provider

After reporting the injury, you must seek medical treatment from a physician authorized by Walmart. Under OCGA § 34-9-201, employers are required to provide a list of at least six approved physicians or medical facilities from which the injured employee must choose. This list should be prominently posted in the workplace. If workers don’t use approved providers, Walmart may deny their workers’ compensation claims.

Call Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

At Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, our experienced and compassionate workers’ compensation attorneys understand the situation you and your family are going through. During your free consultation, our team will review your case, assist you with proper reporting to your employer if not yet done, and make sure you are receiving the most appropriate medical treatment from an approved provider. We will support you through each step of the claims process to ensure you receive fair compensation.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Once you have reported the injury and received medical care, Walmart will file a Form WC-1 (Employer’s First Report of Injury) with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. While Walmart handles this filing, our lawyers at Hansford McDaniel, LLC will ensure that copies of all your medical records, injury reports, and communications are secured.

If your Walmart workers’ compensation claim is delayed or denied, we will help you file a WC-14 form with the State Board to begin the formal claim process. Under OCGA § 34-9-82, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a claim

Understand the Benefits You May Be Entitled To

Our Walmart workers’ compensation attorneys will explain the benefits you may be entitled to and fight to ensure these benefits are maximized to reflect the full extent of your injuries and losses.

Medical Benefits: Workers’ compensation will cover all necessary and reasonable medical bills related to the workplace injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, and physical therapy.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, you can receive temporary total disability benefits. TTD provides two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $800 per week. You can receive TTD benefits for up to 400 weeks unless your injury is catastrophic, in which case benefits may be extended.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can return to work in a reduced capacity, you may receive temporary partial disability benefits, which cover two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury lost wages, with a cap of $533 per week. TPD benefits can be received for a maximum of 350 weeks from the date of your injury.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If you suffer a permanent disability due to your workplace injury, you may be eligible for compensation based on the percentage of disability, as determined by your physician.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD): For catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis or the loss of limbs, you may qualify for lifetime compensation.

Handle Denied Claims or Disputes

It is not uncommon for Walmart or their insurance provider to dispute the claims of injured Walmart employees. If your claim is denied, you have the right to request a hearing before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation under OCGA § 34-9-102. At this hearing, our attorneys at Hansford McDaniel will present the strongest possible evidence and arguments before an administrative law judge to protect your right to maximum compensation.

Returning to Work After Recovery

After your doctor clears you to return to work, you may be required to perform light-duty work or take on a reduced role as a Walmart employee. Under OCGA § 34-9-240, Walmart must make reasonable accommodations if you have lasting limitations due to your injury. If your previous position is no longer feasible, our lawyers will pursue compensation if you still qualify for temporary partial disability benefits (if your wages are reduced.)

When Do Walmart Employees Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

Straightforward Eligibility Requirements for Walmart Employees

One of the main advantages of workers’ compensation at Walmart is the straightforward eligibility criteria. If you are employed by Walmart and receive a W-2, you likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if you are injured while performing duties related to your job or while in your work environment.

Temporary, Part-Time, and Seasonal Employees are Covered

Both full and part-time Walmart employees qualify for workers’ compensation. Seasonal employees may also be eligible, assuming they are direct employees of the company.

Choose the Leading Workers’ Compensation Walmart Attorneys in Georgia

If you’ve been injured on the job at Walmart, don’t settle for less. At Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys our lawyers, led by Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ Nathaniel F. Hansford and Wesley McDaniel, bring over 60 years of combined experience and legal skills to fight for your rights. With a proven record of achieving multi-million dollar financial recoveries for our clients and a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating, we are positioned to maximize your benefits. To schedule your free case evaluation, call us at 770-922-3660 or contact us online.