Strains and Falls Are Leading Causes of Retail Injuries

Retail Workers Face Serious Injury Risks on the Job

Working in retail might not seem as dangerous as construction or manufacturing, but employees in this industry face serious injury risks every day. A recent report analyzing over 22,000 workplace injury claims found that strains from lifting and falls on the same level are among the most common retail workplace injuries. These injuries can leave workers in pain, unable to work, and struggling with medical expenses.

At Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP, our work injury attorneys represent injured retail workers throughout New York City and help them secure the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. Whether you were hurt lifting heavy merchandise, stocking shelves, or slipping in a store aisle, you have rights – and we’re here to help.

Common Retail Workplace Injuries

Retail jobs in New York require a mix of physical labor, customer service, and fast-paced tasks – all of which increase the risk of workplace injuries. According to recent data, the most frequent injuries among retail and wholesale workers include:

1. Strains from Lifting and Repetitive Motion

Lifting heavy boxes, stocking shelves, and unloading shipments can lead to muscle strains, particularly in the lower back, shoulders, and wrists. Repetitive motion injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, are also common in retail workers who scan items, bag groceries, or perform the same movements repeatedly.

2. Slips, Trips, and Falls

Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered aisles can create hazards that lead to falls. These incidents often result in sprains, fractures, concussions, and serious back injuries. Falls from ladders while reaching for high shelves are also a frequent cause of workplace accidents in retail stores.

3. Falling Objects

Stocking shelves and working in storage areas can put employees at risk of being hit by falling merchandise. Head injuries, broken bones, and lacerations are common when heavy products are not properly secured.

4. Cuts and Lacerations

Retail workers frequently handle box cutters, knives, and sharp objects, leading to deep cuts and serious wounds. If not properly treated, these injuries can result in infections or long-term nerve damage.

5. Workplace Violence

Retail employees, particularly those working late hours or handling cash, face a risk of assault and other violent incidents. Robberies, customer altercations, and security threats contribute to workplace injuries in this industry.

If you were injured while working in retail, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that cover medical expenses and lost wages. At Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP, we fight for injured workers throughout New York.

Your Rights as an Injured Retail Worker

If you’ve been hurt while working in a retail or wholesale job, you have legal rights. New York’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits for injured employees, regardless of who was at fault. However, many workers struggle to get the benefits they deserve due to insurance company pushback or employer disputes.

Here’s what you should know about your rights:

1. You Have the Right to Medical Treatment

Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses, hospital visits, physical therapy, prescriptions, and any necessary surgeries related to your workplace injury. You can seek treatment from a doctor authorized by the New York Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB).

2. You’re Entitled to Wage Replacement Benefits

If your injury prevents you from working, you may qualify for temporary disability benefits. In New York, injured workers typically receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage, up to the state’s maximum limit.

3. You Can File a Claim Even if You’re a New Employee

Retail workers in their first year on the job make up over one-third of all workplace injuries in the industry. Regardless of your employment length, you’re still eligible for workers’ comp benefits.

4. You Cannot Be Retaliated Against for Filing a Claim

It is illegal for your employer to fire, demote, or punish you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you experience retaliation, you may have additional legal claims against your employer.

5. You May Be Eligible for Additional Compensation

If a third party (such as a property owner, equipment manufacturer, or contractor) contributed to your injury, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ compensation benefits. These claims can provide additional compensation for pain and suffering.

If your claim has been delayed, denied, or undervalued, Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP is here to help. Our attorneys have decades of experience fighting for injured retail workers throughout New York.

Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Retail Injury

Retail workers keep New York running, and when an injury sidelines you, you deserve the full benefits and compensation the law provides. Whether you’ve suffered a strain from heavy lifting, a fall on a slick floor, or an injury from falling merchandise, you shouldn’t have to fight insurance companies alone.

At Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP, we’ve spent decades helping injured retail workers secure the benefits they need to recover. Our legal team knows how to handle workers’ compensation claims, third-party lawsuits, and employer disputes – and we won’t back down.

If you were hurt on the job, don’t wait to take action. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. With offices throughout New York, we’re ready to help you get the benefits you’re entitled to.

“I have been a client with this firm on two separate cases. Each time I was treated respectfully and professionally. Stephanie Weiner and Amanda Katz are two amazing attorneys. Each of these ladies have made this experience easier. Great law firm.” — Lily G., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐