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Work Injury in a Warehouse? Here's What to Do First

Warehouse jobs are physically demanding, often involving heavy lifting, fast-paced environments, and the use of machinery or equipment that can pose serious hazards. If you were injured while working in a warehouse, you may be facing pain, lost income, and uncertainty about your next steps. Knowing what to do after a warehouse work injury can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.

At Lipari & Deiter, we help injured workers throughout South Jersey navigate the complex process of filing for workers' compensation and, when appropriate, pursuing third-party personal injury claims. Here's what you need to know if you were hurt on the job in a warehouse.

Report the Injury Immediately

No matter how minor the injury may seem at first, report it to your supervisor or manager as soon as possible. Delaying this step can cause problems with your workers' compensation claim. In New Jersey, you must notify your employer within 14 days to protect your right to benefits.

That said, in some cases, the law allows up to 90 days for reporting, depending on the circumstances and when symptoms first appear. Still, the sooner you notify your employer, the better your chances of preserving your right to compensation.

Make sure the report is documented in writing, and ask for a copy for your own records. If you need emergency medical attention, make that your first priority, but inform your employer as soon as you are able.

Seek Prompt Medical Attention

After a warehouse work injury, your health comes first. Even if you think the injury is minor, symptoms can worsen over time. Getting medical care right away ensures your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.

In a New Jersey workers' compensation claim, your employer or their insurance company generally has the right to choose the doctor you see. Be sure to follow their procedures and attend all medical appointments to avoid jeopardizing your benefits.

If your injury requires immediate emergency care, go to the nearest emergency room—your health should never wait. In most cases, workers’ compensation will still cover the cost of emergency treatment, even if the provider wasn't pre-approved. However, once your condition is stable, you must typically switch to a physician authorized by your employer’s insurance carrier to continue receiving covered care.

If you seek treatment from your own doctor without prior approval and it's not an emergency, your employer’s insurance may not cover the cost. Always ask your supervisor or HR contact which medical providers are approved under your employer’s plan.

When Symptoms Don’t Show Up Right Away:

Some warehouse injuries don’t seem serious at first—but symptoms can appear or worsen over time. A sore back, numbness in the hands, or shooting pain in your legs could signal a more significant injury like a herniated disc or nerve damage.

Even if you didn’t report the injury right away, you may still be eligible for workers’ compensation. It's important to notify your employer as soon as symptoms arise and seek medical care. Document your symptoms and let your doctor know that they began after a specific workplace activity. Waiting too long can complicate your claim, so don’t ignore changes in your condition.

Document Everything

Keep detailed notes about your injury and how it happened. Include:

  • The date, time, and location of the incident
  • Any equipment or materials involved
  • Names of any witnesses
  • A description of your symptoms and treatment plan

Photos of the scene, your injuries, or any unsafe conditions can also be helpful. Save all correspondence from your employer, insurance company, and healthcare providers. This documentation will support your workers' compensation case and may be crucial if a third-party injury claim is warranted.

Understand Your Workers' Compensation Rights

New Jersey's workers' compensation system provides benefits for employees injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault. These benefits may include:

  • Medical treatment
  • Temporary disability payments while you can’t work
  • Permanent disability compensation for lasting injuries

Workers’ compensation benefits in New Jersey are based on a percentage of your average weekly wage, subject to minimum and maximum limits that adjust annually. Understanding how these benefits are calculated can help you anticipate what kind of financial support you may receive while you're out of work.

That said, getting the full benefits you deserve isn’t always easy. Insurance companies may deny claims, delay treatment, or dispute the severity of your injury. That’s why it’s so important to understand your rights and consult with a qualified attorney.

Know When a Third-Party Claim May Apply

While workers' compensation covers most warehouse injuries, there are situations where a third party—someone other than your employer—may be liable. Examples include:

In these cases, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim to seek compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits. This can include damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost future income, and other losses not covered by your employer’s insurance.

At Lipari & Deiter, we evaluate the full scope of each case, including whether a third-party claim may apply, and help injured workers throughout South Jersey pursue the most complete recovery available.

Don’t Try to Handle It Alone

Warehouse injuries often involve more than just a simple claim form. Between employer paperwork, doctor appointments, insurance adjusters, and legal deadlines, the process can be overwhelming—especially when you’re in pain or worried about your job.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious about your job security, or unsure about what to expect next. Working with a knowledgeable injury attorney can make a meaningful difference. At Lipari & Deiter, we take the burden off your shoulders and fight to protect your rights from the very beginning.

Get Help After a Warehouse Work Injury in South Jersey

If you were injured working in a warehouse in South Jersey, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Lipari & Deiter, we represent injured workers in Pleasantville, Atlantic City, Marlton, and throughout nearby communities, including Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Deptford, Mount Laurel, and Willingboro. We serve clients across Atlantic, Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington Counties, with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by warehouse and industrial employees.

Whether you're dealing with a denied claim, exploring whether a third party might be responsible, or simply need help understanding your rights, we're here to guide you. We offer clear legal advice, experienced representation, and a commitment to helping you recover the benefits and compensation you deserve.

Call us today or fill out our contact form for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your health, your job, and your future.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and the laws applicable to your situation may vary. To obtain legal guidance specific to your circumstances, please contact our team directly.