The consumer demand for convenience of home deliveries continues to escalate. With this boom in delivery services links a job force demand for delivery drivers. While delivery drivers are an important part of this workforce, they are at a higher risk for injury than many other professions.
Delivery drivers often spend long hours in their delivery vehicle. Any professional that logs significant time in a vehicle has inherent risks of accidents. Approximately 13 percent of injuries to delivery drivers occur due to vehicle accidents. Head, back, and neck injuries during a vehicle accident can have long-term and serious consequences. Head injuries can range from a mild concussion to bleeding within the brain or traumatic brain injury. Back and neck injuries may include whiplash, herniated disks, or damage to the spinal column and nerve damage. A lawyer, understands the direct and indirect costs associated with vehicle injuries. For example, costs associated with hospitalization, inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation, and related medications can quickly skyrocket and also extend over a long period of time. Additionally, the recovery time frame for extensive injuries may be significant, leaving the individual unable to work. Unfortunately, many companies will pressure injured delivery drivers and attempt to limit the amount of medical care in order to avoid expenses. A work injury lawyer allows you to focus on recovery knowing that they will seek fair compensation for the complete extent of your injuries.
Overexertion or body movement injuries are the most common injury among delivery drivers, accounting for over 40% of delivery driver injuries. Delivery drivers who frequently lift or move heavy materials, such as furniture or large and bulky packages, may experience back, knee, or shoulder pain and injury. Herniated disks, sprains and strains are all common injuries related to these repetitive motion injuries. Slips, trips and falls are another common cause of injury for delivery drivers. While weather conditions, such as rain or snow, contribute to some of these injuries, the majority of injuries are caused by the conditions of the ground or floor. In either case, the delivery driver has rights to file a workers compensation claim.
If you have been hurt while working as a delivery driver, there are several important steps to take to protect yourself.
1) Immediately notify your supervisor of your injury, even if you are uncertain whether you will seek medical treatment. Most employers will ask you to complete an incident report to document your injury. If there was an unsafe condition – such as a broken step or malfunctioning equipment – that contributed to your injury, be sure to include it on the incident report. This will be important information for your situation, and it may also help prevent additional injury to a coworker.
2) Seek appropriate medical consultation. This may vary based on the extent of your injuries. An emergent injury from a car crash may necessitate a 911 call with immediate treatment. A lesser injury might be able to be handled in an outpatient setting, such as a primary care physician office or urgent care facility. Ask your employer for the list of physicians that are in network for your workers compensation injury. If you are not satisfied, or do not want to use their in-network physicians, be sure to keep track of any receipts for medical care.
3) Contact a qualified workplace injury attorney. If you have been hurt at work, it’s important that you take the first step and hire a injury lawyer to pursue fair compensation for your physical injuries, pain, and suffering.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
