Los Angeles residents may have read about the San Bernardino warehouse worker that was hospitalized after her hand was caught in a conveyor belt’s roller. The workplace injury occurred at the Amazon distribution center, located east of Los Angeles County. The facility has been open for just over a year. A Cal/OSHA representative said the incident happened in early December.
The incident is mentioned on OSHA’s website. The Amazon worker received treatment at a hospital emergency room and was eventually admitted. The worker was fortunate enough to not lose her hand, however, she did require a skin treatment. Since the woman was hurt on the job, she should be entitled to receive workers’ compensation, particularly if the liability is found with the distribution center.
While a representative for Amazon claimed that safety is their number one priority, the timing of this injury is likely to raise concern. Less than a week prior to this incident, another Amazon worker in New Jersey was crushed and killed by warehouse equipment.
OSHA is currently investigating both the California and New Jersey workplace accidents. The California incident is an example of a workplace injury in which the injured worker could receive compensation. Even if the employer denies the initial claim, it is still possible that the worker may be entitled to, and ultimately rewarded benefits. In the New Jersey incident, there is potential the family will receive death benefits as well.
The process of filing a claim in California can seem arduous. Filing with the intention of obtaining compensation for a workplace injury means a worker will need to inform the employer of the injury and seek medical care along with proper documentation. Local Los Angeles attorneys can advocate for employees and families of employees involved in workplace accidents.
Source: Re/code, “Amazon Worker Was Hospitalized After Warehouse Accident,” Jason Del Rey, Feb. 7, 2014
