A distribution center worker in Ontario who is struck by merchandise falling from high-bay pallet racking can pursue workers’ compensation benefits in California. Injuries from falling objects are among the most serious warehouse accidents, and workers’ compensation covers them regardless of who was at fault. Benefits may include medical treatment, wage replacement, and compensation for lasting injuries. Depending on how the accident happened, you may also have a claim against a company other than your employer.
Why Falling Merchandise Is a Major Hazard in Ontario Distribution Centers
Ontario and the surrounding Inland Empire are home to some of the largest warehouses and fulfillment centers in the country. Many of these facilities use high-bay racking that stacks pallets 30 feet or higher to maximize storage space. When products fall from those heights, even lightweight boxes can cause serious harm, and heavy cartons or full pallets can be catastrophic.
Merchandise commonly falls from racking because of:
- Pallets that are overloaded, poorly wrapped, or stacked unevenly
- Damaged or broken pallets placed on upper levels
- Forklifts or reach trucks bumping into racks or shifting loads during putaway
- Products pushed through the back of a rack into the next aisle
- Damaged uprights or beams that were never repaired
- Missing rack netting, backstops, or guards
- Rushed work during peak season when volume and pressure increase
Common Injuries From Falling Merchandise
Workers struck by falling items may suffer:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and upper back injuries, including herniated discs
- Shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears
- Broken bones in the arms, hands, collarbone, or feet
- Facial injuries and lacerations
- Crush injuries if a heavy item pins a worker
Some injuries, especially concussions and neck injuries, may not seem serious at first. Headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and neck pain can develop or worsen in the days after the accident. Learn more about these accidents on our falling debris page.
Does Workers’ Comp Cover Falling Object Injuries?
Yes. California workers’ compensation covers injuries that happen while you are performing your job duties. Being hit by merchandise while picking, packing, restocking, or walking an aisle is a workplace injury. You do not have to prove that a coworker or supervisor did anything wrong. Even if you were not wearing a hard hat or were in an aisle during forklift activity, you can still be entitled to benefits.
Steps to Take After You Are Struck by Falling Merchandise
Get medical care right away. If you were hit in the head, lost consciousness, or feel confused, nauseated, or dizzy, seek emergency treatment. Tell the provider exactly what struck you and from what height.
Report the injury in writing. Notify your supervisor or area manager as soon as possible. California law requires notice within 30 days, but early reporting helps prevent disputes. Request a copy of any incident report.
Get a DWC-1 claim form. Your employer must provide the form within one working day after learning of the injury. Once you return it, the insurer must authorize up to $10,000 in medical treatment while the claim is investigated.
Document what happened. Write down the aisle and rack location, what fell, how high it was stored, and whether a forklift or reach truck was working nearby. Take photos of the area, the merchandise, and your injuries if possible. Get the names of coworkers who saw the accident.
Follow your treatment plan. Attend every appointment and keep copies of work restrictions. Gaps in treatment are often used by insurers to argue that an injury is not serious.
What Benefits Can You Receive?
Depending on your injuries, you may be entitled to:
- Medical care: Emergency treatment, imaging, specialist care, therapy, and surgery if needed
- Temporary disability: Generally two-thirds of your average weekly earnings while you cannot work or your restrictions are not accommodated
- Permanent disability: Payments if you are left with lasting limitations
- Supplemental job displacement benefit: A retraining voucher if you cannot return to warehouse work
- Mileage reimbursement: Payment for travel to medical appointments
Many distribution center workers earn overtime and peak-season pay. Make sure your benefits are based on your actual earnings, not just your base rate.
What If You Work Through a Staffing Agency?
Many Ontario warehouse workers are placed through temporary staffing agencies. If that applies to you, your workers’ compensation claim may be handled by the agency’s insurer rather than the warehouse’s. Both companies can share responsibility for workplace safety, and figuring out which insurer is responsible should not delay your treatment.
Could You Have a Claim Against Another Company?
Workers’ compensation is usually the only remedy against your direct employer. However, other parties may be responsible for the accident. Examples include:
- A forklift operator employed by a different company who struck the rack
- A racking installer or inspection company that failed to identify damage
- A shipper or vendor that sent improperly packaged or unstable pallets
These third-party claims can allow you to recover damages not available through workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering. Evidence like damaged pallets and rack components can disappear quickly, so early action matters.
Neck and Head Injuries Often Get Disputed
Insurers frequently challenge injuries that do not show up clearly on initial imaging. Concussion symptoms and neck injuries may be called minor, preexisting, or unrelated. Consistent medical records and a detailed account of the accident are key to proving your case. Learn more about these injuries on our neck or back injuries page.
Protection From Retaliation
California law prohibits employers from punishing workers for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Reduced hours, lost shifts, or termination after reporting an injury may give rise to additional legal claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I didn’t feel hurt until the next day?
Report the injury as soon as you notice symptoms. Delayed pain is common with head and neck injuries, and you can still file a claim.
Can I still get benefits if I was working fast to meet a quota?
Yes. Workers’ compensation is no-fault. Working quickly to meet productivity targets does not take away your right to benefits.
How long do I have to file?
You should report within 30 days and generally have one year from the date of injury to file with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.
Get Help After a Warehouse Injury in Ontario
Being struck by falling merchandise can leave you with serious injuries and an uncertain future. If you were hurt in an Ontario distribution center, PLBH can help you file your claim, identify every responsible party, and fight for the benefits you deserve. Call (800) 435-7542 today for a free consultation.