Working in a grocery store like Sprouts Farmers Market involves risks of on-the-job injuries from heavy lifting, slips and falls, and repetitive motions. If you’re an employee of Sprouts Farmers Market and you’ve been hurt on the job, you need to know about workers’ compensation.
Consulting with an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can provide important guidance. Dealings with Sprouts’ insurance company will require proper medical documentation and wage loss details. A lawyer will ensure you receive the most benefits possible from your claim.
John Foy & Associates can help you claim your benefits after a workplace injury, such as medical expenses and lost pay, through a Sprouts workers’ compensation claim. You can get the treatment you need without worrying about financial insecurity if your claim is accepted.
Sprouts Farmers Market’s History With Workers’ Compensation Claims
Sprouts Farmers Market has encountered similar types of workers’ compensation claims as other grocery store chains. Common claims involve repetitive strain from scanning items or lifting boxes, along with slips and falls on wet produce floors or from spilled liquids.
While disputes occasionally arise over complex cases, most issues are settled once supported by medical evidence. Our personal injury lawyers in Atlanta at John Foy & Associates have assisted many injured Sprouts associates to get the compensation they need.
Unlike many companies, Sprouts has taken a proactive approach to some workers’ compensation situations. Notably, Risk & Insurance praised Sprouts’ positive actions for its workers as the COVID-19 pandemic hit the nation.
What to Do First After Your Injury
If you sustain a work-related injury at Sprouts Farmers Market, it’s critical to take prompt action. First, immediately notify your supervisor about the incident and how you were hurt. Then, seek medical care from the workers’ comp doctor chosen by Sprouts.
While receiving treatment, ask the medical provider for copies of all records about the initial exam and ongoing care. This documentation will be invaluable for your claim. Notify Sprouts if the doctor requires you to stay home to heal or if you can only work light-duty jobs.
The company may also give you paperwork to fill out to document your perspective of what happened. They have 30 days from your injury to notify their insurance company. After that, the insurer has 90 days to decide whether to accept your claim or deny it.
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When to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
For many injured Sprouts employees, navigating the initial claim process may seem straightforward. However, certain situations warrant consulting an attorney. One such time is if the insurance carrier denies liability for the claim.
Another instance where a lawyer becomes valuable is when complex medical issues arise. Chronic conditions, preexisting injuries, and unclear causation examples can hinder benefits eligibility decisions.
A third scenario that needs legal advice is if you’ve suffered temporary or permanent disability. Determinations for permanent impairment ratings, vocational rehabilitation eligibility, and lump sum settlements can dramatically improve your quality of life.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Here are some of the benefits you could potentially receive from filing a successful workers’ compensation claim against Sprouts Farmers Market in Georgia:
- Medical benefits – All reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to treating your injury are paid, like doctor visits, surgery, hospitalization, prescriptions, etc.
- Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits – If your doctor states you can’t work at all due to your injury, you may receive TTD wage replacement benefits covering a portion of lost wages.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits – If released for restricted or light duty work, wage replacement for partial wages lost.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits – If the injury causes long-term impairment or limitations, a lump sum or lifetime income benefits.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits – Retraining or educational expenses to learn a new occupation if injury prevents returning to your previous job.
- Disfigurement benefits – Compensation for serious permanent scarring or disfigurement visible to the public.
- Death benefits – Paid to eligible dependents if a work injury results in the death of the employee.
What to Do if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim is Denied
Valid Sprouts workers’ compensation claims can be wrongfully denied at times. If this occurs, it’s important to take swift action by contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you before you lose access to your benefits.
Their first step is requesting reconsideration from the insurance carrier in writing within 30 days.
If reconsideration is refused, filing an appeal with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation is next. This opens the case for a formal hearing.
At the hearing, lawyers skillfully advocate positions on issues like compensability, periods of disability, and authorized treatment through direct and cross-examination of all parties. In some situations, mediation may provide an avenue for negotiated resolution if the claim is not denied.
Contact a Workers’ Comp Lawyer for More Information
Navigating a workers’ compensation claim after being injured on the job involves many complex legal and medical issues. By relying on the experience of a dedicated workers’ compensation attorney, workers can have confidence their rights and benefits will be vigorously pursued.
Experienced lawyers like those at John Foy & Associates have handled several Sprouts Farmers Market workers’ comp claims over the years. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome.
To get a free consultation about your situation, contact us at the number on your screen or use our online form. We’ll be glad to assist you.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form