4 Common Injuries Experienced by Delivery Drivers
Delivery driving can sometimes seem like an easy job. Drive a vehicle, deliver goods, and return home again. However, countless delivery drivers can experience injuries on the job, sometimes resulting in time off work and hefty medical bills and related expenses.
As straightforward as delivery driving might seem, drivers can experience some of the following injuries in their line of work.
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Car Accident Injuries
The average delivery driver claims lawyer meets with many drivers who have experienced severe injuries like whiplash, broken bones, spinal injuries, and head injuries after a car accident while working. Their countless hours on the road each day might put them at a higher risk of accidents than people who spend less time behind the wheel.
Car accident injuries can be life-changing, and many delivery drivers meet with reputable delivery workers’ compensation lawyers to receive the compensation they deserve for their traumatic experience.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Delivery drivers must carry uncomfortable, odd-shaped, and heavy parcels from their vehicles to people’s homes and businesses. Most of the time, they manage this task competently, but accidents happen.
Slippery surfaces, obstacles, hazards, and overly heavy items can lead to delivery drivers slipping, tripping, and falling. While injuries can sometimes be minor, they can also be severe, with the drivers requiring time off work and medical attention.
Dog Bites
Not all dogs like strangers being on their property, whether that stranger is there to deliver a parcel or not. Seeing them as intruders, they might respond accordingly and attack the delivery driver, causing serious injuries.
Most dog bites occur during mail delivery, even if drivers do their best to protect themselves when visiting any property. If attacked, they can experience a range of injuries like broken or punctured skin, head, and neck injuries, eye injuries, and broken bones. These injuries can often result in expensive medical bills and time off work.
Back Injuries
Sitting for long periods and lifting heavy parcels can take their toll. Some delivery drivers experience back injuries, resulting in lengthy recovery times and significant discomfort. They might even need to take time off work or give up their job altogether.
Often, delivery drivers seek legal assistance from delivery driver claims lawyers when they aren’t receiving the level of expected care through their employer or their workers’ compensation claim has been denied.
What to Do After a Delivery Driver Accident
Whether you were injured in a car accident, attacked by a dog, or experienced another injury related to your work, it’s never easy to know what to do next. Failure to take the right actions might result in your claim being denied or your needs not being met. You might see the value in taking the following steps:
- Notify your employer of your injury
- Fill out a workplace accident report – be as detailed as possible
- Seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible
- Contact a delivery driver workers’ compensation claim lawyer
Delivery drivers work hard every day to ensure goods are delivered to our homes and businesses in a timely manner. Sometimes, this results in injuries that cost them their livelihoods and life enjoyment. If you’ve been injured as a delivery driver, now might be the right time to request legal assistance and fight for your right to the compensation you deserve.