Delivery drivers are relied upon by the public each and every day. We wait for our packages from Amazon and other e-commerce retailers. We wait for gifts during the holidays. Delivery drivers take on the elements in their trucks and in person as they deliver our packages. Although delivery drivers are compensated fairly well, it’s also a job that’s ripe for injuries. What would you do if you were injured on your route? Could you still pay your rent if you were unable to work? What would happen to your monthly bills? It’s a scary thought, isn’t it? Fortunately for delivery drivers, each state requires the majority of employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This helps protect delivery drivers who are hurt on their job by providing money for medical care and help with lost wages. Workers’ Compensation 101 Workers’ compensation insurance is provided by employers by law. It’s not taken out of the checks of their employees. It protects workers just like you. If you’re hurt while on your delivery route, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation and get help with your medical bills, prescriptions, surgery, and even get some of your lost wages. Unique Risks for Delivery Drivers As a delivery driver, you wear a lot of hats. You might help load your own truck. This puts you at risk for moving packages alone that should really be moved by at least two people. It puts you at risk for accidents involving forklifts or other equipment. These accidents can injure your back, your neck, your knees, or could even result in broken bones. Making the same motions over and over again can result in repetitive stress injuries, too. When you’re making your deliveries, you could be involved in a wreck. You could be bitten by a dog. The weather may cause you to slip and fall resulting in you hitting your head on a sidewalk or driveway. If You’re Hurt on the Job If you’re hurt on your delivery route, there are four steps that you should take. Notify your supervisor of the injury as soon as you can. If you’re involved in a wreck or bitten by an animal, call the police. This helps protect your rights. Many insurance companies will examine when you notified your supervisor and the police when they look at your claim. If you are injured at the dock because of a slip and fall or because you were lifting a package, you should still immediately tell your supervisor. This can help protect the other delivery drivers from running into the same risk. Fill out an accident report as soon as you can. Don’t wait to do this. It’s easier to remember exactly what happened the sooner you write it down. Contact the OSHA representative for the company that employs you. If you are in an accident, a police report can help you document the occurrence. Get medical help. Call 911 if you are injured while you are out making deliveries. Accidents, dog bites, and slip and falls can all be very dangerous. You need emergency medical attention. If you are injured at the dock and it’s not an emergency, find out the name of the doctor that is listed on the workers’ compensation policy. This doctor will see you at no charge. If you want to see your own doctor, keep your receipts for any and all visits. You can be reimbursed for your expenses. Make an appointment so speak with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney to help protect your rights. Your employer and their insurance company are looking to settle your claim for the least amount possible. If you settle on your own, you could lose out on valuable medical benefits that you need. You need an attorney on your side to help you get the settlement you need. Jones V. United Parcel Service, Inc. According to the United States Court of Appeals, in 1985, Keith Jones started his career at UPS. He suffered his first on the job injury in 1991. He was injured several times between 1991 and 2003. In 2003, Jones injured his left shoulder. He filed his workers’ comp claim and was treated for his shoulder. The doctor for UPS stated he could return to work. However, UPS would not allow him to return with those restrictions. Eventually, Mr. Jones filed a lawsuit. He was awarded $630,307 in actual damages and $2 million in punitive damages. Get Legal Help Just like Keith Jones, you need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side. Don’t let the company you work for decide your fate. Make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
