The Truth About Amazon’s Injury Rates and What Georgia Workers Can Do About It
- ELF Legal
- Jul 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 20
Understanding Amazon Injury Rates and What They Mean for Georgia Workers
Working at an Amazon warehouse is tough because of the long shifts, fast-paced demands, and constant pressure to hit productivity targets. What many employees don’t expect is how common injuries really are.
In 2023, Amazon warehouse workers experienced 6.5 serious injuries per 100 employees, compared to the industry average of 4.8, according to a report from the Strategic Organizing Center. That’s a 35% higher risk, with a serious injury happening every 14.5 minutes in the U.S.
During high-demand periods like Prime Day, injury rates tend to spike even higher as warehouses push for faster output and longer shifts. If you were hurt during a peak season or while working at any Amazon facility in Georgia, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.
This article outlines your legal rights as an injured worker and how The Edmonson Law Firm can help you take the next step toward medical care and compensation.
What Are Your Workers' Comp Rights in Georgia?
Injury risks often spike around high-demand events like Amazon Prime Day, when workers are expected to move faster, lift heavier, and push through longer shifts. This intense pace can lead to overexertion, serious back and joint injuries, and other preventable accidents.
If you were hurt during the 2025 Prime Day rush, or at any time while working in a Georgia warehouse, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
In Georgia, workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides support to employees injured on the job. You are entitled to:
Medical treatment with approved doctors
Lost wage benefits while you recover
Rehabilitation or therapy if needed
Coverage of prescriptions and related care
At The Edmonson Law Firm, we advocate for injured workers, including those at Amazon facilities. If you've been injured while performing your job duties, you have the right to take action.
Why Amazon Warehouse Injuries Are So Common
In November 2022, the U.S. House Workforce Protections Subcommittee held a hearing to investigate Amazon's warehouse safety conditions. A follow-up report from the Strategic Organizing Center revealed troubling patterns; workers at Amazon face injury rates significantly higher than the national average year after year.
According to a report from the Strategic Organizing Center, Amazon reported 6.5 serious injuries per 100 workers in 2023, continuing a troubling trend. That’s still far above the industry average of 4.8. In previous years, the rate was even higher (7.9 in 2021 and 6.9 in 2022) highlighting Amazon’s outsized impact on warehouse safety.
These injury numbers, paired with Amazon’s high turnover rate and the pressure to hit fast-paced productivity quotas, create a perfect storm for workplace accidents. Employees are often overworked, under-supported, and unaware of the full rights they have under Georgia workers' compensation law.
If you're one of those workers and you’ve been injured on the job—whether it happened recently or symptoms have developed over time—you may have more options than your employer has told you.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim After an Amazon Injury in Georgia
If you’re injured while working in an Amazon warehouse, it’s important to follow the proper steps to protect your rights and start your workers’ compensation claim.
Step 1: Report the injury to your supervisor immediately
In Georgia, you must report the injury within 30 days—but sooner is better.
Step 2: Ask for a list of authorized doctors
Your employer is required to provide a panel of approved physicians. Treatment must come from one of these providers to be covered.
Step 3: Get medical treatment and keep documentation
Be honest with your doctor about what happened and follow all instructions. Keep records of every visit, report, and prescription.
Step 4: File Form WC-14 with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation
This form officially starts your claim. You can file it yourself or get help from a Georgia workers’ comp attorney.
Step 5: Contact a workers’ comp attorney if your claim is delayed or denied
You don’t have to navigate the system alone. An experienced Georgia workers’ comp lawyer can protect your rights, especially if you're feeling pressured or being ignored.
Types of Injuries Amazon Workers May Claim Under Workers' Comp
While legislative efforts to address these concerns continue, workers' comp claims serve as a vital avenue for Amazon warehouse workers to seek redress. Injured workers may pursue compensation through the workers' compensation system.
Workers’ compensation in Georgia covers all medical care that’s considered reasonable and necessary for your injury. This includes doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, and other related treatments.
Common injuries include:
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
Performing the same motions over and over, such as lifting, scanning, or packing, can lead to tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or chronic joint and muscle pain, which often worsen over time without proper rest or treatment.
Falls from Height
Workers can fall from ladders, loading docks, or through unstable surfaces, leading to fractures, head injuries, or even more severe outcomes.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slippery floors, cluttered walkways, and uneven surfaces often cause slips and falls, resulting in sprains, broken bones, and concussions.
Machinery and Equipment Accidents
Injuries from forklifts, conveyor belts, or other machinery can be catastrophic, including amputations, crush injuries, or severe lacerations.
Overexertion
Pushing oneself too hard in a physically demanding environment can lead to overexertion injuries, such as muscle strains and sprains. This is the number one cause of WC injuries, nationwide.
Vehicle Accidents
Warehouse environments often include the use of vehicles like forklifts and trucks, where collisions or accidents can occur, causing significant harm.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
Workers may be exposed to chemicals or other hazardous materials, leading to burns, respiratory issues, or other health conditions.
Loading Dock Injuries
The area where goods are loaded and unloaded is a common site for various accidents, including being struck by cargo or falling off the dock.
Hit by Falling Objects
Items falling from shelves or being mishandled can strike workers, causing head injuries or other trauma.
An investigation at Amazon’s fulfillment center in Kent, Washington, revealed just how dangerous the work can be. Long shifts, repetitive tasks, and high production quotas led many workers to report chronic pain, fatigue, and even reliance on medication to get through the day.
If you’ve experienced similar injuries or symptoms while working at an Amazon facility here in Georgia, it’s important to know that you have rights—and legal options.
At The Edmonson Law Firm, we’re based in Buford and proud to stand up for warehouse workers across Georgia. We help injured Amazon employees navigate the workers’ compensation process, fight denied claims, and recover the medical care and lost wages they deserve.
Ready to Talk?
If you’ve been hurt at work, do not wait to get a FREE case assessment from an experienced workers' compensation law firm like ours.
We’ll respond within 24 hours to help you understand your options.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Always consult with a licensed workers’ compensation attorney in Georgia to evaluate your specific situation.
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