Amazon’s Injury Rates Are Spiking in New York
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Amazon has been busier than ever. Yet with their expansion in New York, worker injuries have skyrocketed. Amazon’s worker injuries rose 64 percent in New York, compared to the 20 percent rise nationally. 89 percent of those injuries were serious enough to require time off or a change of job.
While workers’ compensation covers costs associated with on-the-job injuries, when a third party is responsible for injuries and accidents, plaintiffs can pursue legal action against them. If you’ve been harmed while working at an Amazon warehouse, a personal injury attorney can explain your options.
Staggering rise in warehouse injuries
OSHA’s Amazon report indicates that there’s a serious problem. In 2021, one out of every 11 Amazon warehouse workers were injured on the job—and evidence suggests that New York state injuries are underreported. On top of that, injury rates at Amazon warehouses and fulfillment centers are 40 percent higher than non-Amazon facilities nationwide. The study above cites lax workplace safety and high pressure environments as the top causes of injury.
Third party liability
Third party liability applies when a third party is responsible for an on-the-job injury. For instance, defective warehouse equipment might malfunction. Vendors and subcontractors may also be responsible for workplace accidents.
Workers’ compensation typically covers medical expenses and disability benefits. Filing a suit against a third party allows plaintiffs to pursue additional damages, like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and more. In rare cases, punitive damages may be available.
The type of third-party claim filed depends on who is responsible for the accident. Defective equipment requires a products liability lawsuit, whereas a subcontractor might be sued for simple negligence. Your personal injury attorney will review your case and let you know what kind of suit should be filed, and whether a third party claim is likely to be successful.
While not every workplace injury involves third party liability, it’s wise to consult with a lawyer. Call the seasoned personal injury attorneys at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP today.