Lisa Salas

I worked at Amazon for five years, and in April 2023 I injured my back on the night shift while lifting a heavy box. Amazon’s first-aid clinic only let me rest for 15 minutes before sending me back to work. The pain became so severe, I had to leave my shift early.

The next day I couldn’t walk, and when I contacted Amazon, they told me I didn’t qualify for workers’ comp because I “didn’t report it the night before,” pushing me toward long-term disability instead — a way for them to avoid paying for my care.

After connecting with Warehouse Life, I learned I had two years to file a claim in New Jersey and that Amazon was trying to discourage me with misinformation. I fought my case and won, but my doctor says the injury is lifelong: I now live with spinal stenosis, constant pain, and limited mobility, and I’m disabled and unable to work.

I’m only 50, but I need a cane, basic daily tasks are difficult, and I’ve missed important family moments because of the pain. I’m sharing my story because Amazon’s injury system harms workers across the company — and we deserve accountability, dignity, and real safety protections.