There are a variety of jobs that take place in the United States Postal Service. One normally associates a postal worker’s job with delivering the mail but there are other jobs such as sorting mail, unloading and loading delivery vehicles and working behind the counter selling products in the store. Common Workplace Injuries For Postal Workers Depending on the postal worker’s job a variety of injuries could take place. Carrying heavy packages from one part of the depot to another could cause back injuries. A delivery job can be dangerous especially if it’s using a bicycle or motorcycle. These are the most vulnerable to accidents on highways and serious life changing injuries could result like spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries and even quadriplegia if the accident is severe. Even counter workers have a certain risk of injury such as slipping and falling over an obstacle causing either head or back injuries depending on how the postal worker falls. Next Steps After a Postal Worker’s Workplace Injury The USPS should have workers’ compensation coverage for all its workers. This isn’t automatic as a postal worker when injured has to prove the injury took place at work. The first step when an accident takes place is to report the incident to the workplace supervisor. Of course if the injury is serious it’s essential to get treatment first and ask a colleague to report the accident on your behalf. If possible contact details of eye witnesses should be taken and photographic evidence of the accident scene will be helpful too. The final step is to contact a workers’ compensation attorney who will help you file a claim for workers’ compensation. How Workers Compensation Can Help Workers’ compensation is a great help to postal workers as it provides much needed financial help as it ensures you aren’t financially disadvantaged at a time when you aren’t able to go to work. Even if the accident was your fault you may still be entitled to workers’ compensation. This is generally calculated based on a percentage of your weekly wage. You should also get the cost of your medical treatment paid for as well. Why You Should Contact a Lawyer Even though the USPS takes out workers’ compensation insurance coverage for its workers, it’s the insurer who often has the final say as to whether the payments are going to be made. This is why you need a WC attorney to help you file a workers’ claim on your behalf. The attorney knows how difficult insurers can be and he or she will present your case with all the relevant evidence proving your eligibility. You have a far higher chance of winning the workers’ compensation you are entitled to if an attorney helps you through the process. To speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer, complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page. Additional Resources What Are The Most Common Injuries In WC Cases? Work-related Vehicle Accident and Workers' Compensation
