When you go to work, you likely spend your time thinking about the things you will need to do by the end of your workday. You may need to complete a list of tasks, work on a project or simply meet the needs of the customers that walk through the door. If you work in retail, you probably do not consider your job to be physically dangerous. Even if you are not employed in a high-risk occupation, you could still find yourself injured on the job and unsure of what to do next.
If you are struggling after a work accident, you will benefit from knowing about your rights and the options available to you. Regardless of the nature of your job, you may have the right to seek benefits through your workers’ compensation insurance. This may be an option for you as a retail worker who was injured during the fulfillment of your job requirements.
What hazards are you facing?
You likely are not thinking of your workplace as hazardous or dangerous. If you work in retail, you probably work in a store or in a similar situation that involves the purchase of goods. Your job duties may include stocking shelves, assisting customers or running the registers. While not an inherently dangerous job, you may face the following hazards while you are at work:
- Wet floors, slippery floors or unsecured flooring
- Lifting heavy or unsecured objects
- Merchandise falling from shelves
- Accidents involving heavy machinery, such as forklifts
- Cluttered aisles or tripping hazards
- Use of sharp tools
- Workplace violence
The range of injuries you could face as a Missouri retail worker can include cuts, scrapes, bruises, muscle strains, struck-by injuries, broken bones and more. It is the responsibility of employers to provide a reasonably safe workplace environment, as well as proper training and effective safety equipment, when necessary.
After a workplace accident
You do not have to navigate the aftermath of your workplace accident alone. You could have grounds to pursue recovery through a civil claim, which may allow you the ability to secure compensation for your losses, coverage of your medical bills and even assistance in returning to the workplace. If you are unsure of your rights or uncertain of how to file your claim, you may benefit in seeking guidance regarding the specific legal options available to you.
