Potential Injuries Working at Costco in Houston

While Costco has a nationwide reputation as a good place to work, this multi-billion company still takes advantage of Texas state law allowing them to be a “non-subscriber” to any kind of workers’ compensation insurance plan. This means that any physical harm you suffer on the job while employed by this retailer will likely not be covered by workers’ comp. At the same time, it may serve as valid grounds for civil litigation directly against your employer.

Having advanced knowledge of potential injuries working at Costco in Houston can be the first step towards making the most of your legal rights in the event you do end up with a work-related injury. Here are some of the more common maladies that injured Costco workers may find themselves dealing with, and which a seasoned work injury lawyer could help build a strong civil claim around.

Bruises and Lacerations

Make no mistake: a deep cut or bruise caused by a falling object, shifting merchandise, or even an accidental slip or trip and fall can be painful enough to keep a Costco employee out of work. This, in turn, could lead to a reduction of income. Anyone who needs medical treatment beyond basic first aid may have standing to file suit if they can prove their injury stemmed directly from their employer’s misconduct.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Lifting heavy objects, operating a cash register, or doing any other repetitive task involved with retail work can put an immense strain on a worker’s body. Over time, those little bits of stress can combine into a chronic injury that may substantially decrease their quality of life. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, joint bursitis, and various other injuries caused by repetitive stress can be the basis for a civil claim in Houston if they stem directly from work performed on the job at Costco.

Muscle and Ligament Damage

Companies like Costco have a duty to make sure their employees are trained to perform manual labor in safe and sustainable ways. This is to avoid chronic injuries like the ones mentioned above and to minimize the risk of acute injuries like muscle strains, joint sprains, and ligament tears. Unfortunately, even one attempt at lifting something overly heavy without the proper techniques and tools can lead to serious harm. Far too many retail workers learn this the hard way each year.

Bone Fractures

Much like bruises and lacerations, impacts from falling objects and accidental falls can very easily lead to a Costco worker suffering a broken bone, which could impact their working ability for weeks or months at a time. Any such injury caused directly by the negligence of Costco management or ownership could absolutely justify civil litigation.

Spinal Cord and Brain Trauma

By far the most severe outcomes that an on-the-job accident at Costco can have is permanent and debilitating damage to the spinal cord or brain. Regardless of how they feel immediately afterwards, it is vital for any Costco worker who suffers a blow to the head, neck, or back while at work to seek professional medical care as soon as possible. Waiting even a few hours to address injuries of this nature can have devastating repercussions.

Get With a Houston Attorney After Suffering Injuries While Working at Costco

No matter how you got hurt or how substantially your injury will affect your life, you deserve to be compensated for your losses if your employer holds any fault for the incident. However, this can be uniquely difficult to accomplish in Texas thanks to the state’s “non-subscriber” laws, which Costco takes full advantage of.

If you recently suffered any injuries working at Costco in Houston, you should strongly consider talking to a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer about the possibility of a civil claim. Call us today for a consultation.