UPS is one of the largest parcel delivery companies in the nation and employs thousands of delivery and truck drivers. UPS employees drive packages hundreds of miles and handle freight of all different sizes using special equipment. The highly physical nature of the work means UPS drivers face a significant risk of work injuries.
If you have injuries from your job as a UPS driver, the attorneys from Levin, Riback & Adelman can help you file a workers’ compensation claim for your losses. Through a workers’ comp claim, you can recover money for your medical bills and lost work income. We can also help you identify alternate sources of compensation to remunerate you for your injury-related losses.
Contact our offices today to speak to a UPS driver injury attorney in Illinois.
Below are some of the most common types of injuries UPS drivers can sustain while on the job.
Overexertion
UPS driving can be very physically demanding, and injuries from overexertion are common. Drivers may pull muscles or tendons while moving heavy packages and can suffer from heat exhaustion on hot days. Prolonged driving can also lead to musculoskeletal problems.
Falls
UPS drivers spend significant time around loading docks in warehouses where there are tripping hazards. Drivers can also sustain falling injuries while getting in and out of the back or cabin of their vehicles.
Falling Objects
UPS drivers manipulate heavy packages as part of their regular job duties. Heavy packages that are not loaded correctly can fall from a height and strike workers, causing head, shoulder, and torso injuries.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
UPS drivers are also at risk of developing repetitive stress injuries from repeated small motions or tasks. For instance, drivers can develop joint and muscle fatigue from gripping a steering wheel for several hours daily.
Traffic Accidents
UPS drivers may suffer injuries from accidents with other motorists. Motor vehicle collisions can cause injuries ranging from whiplash and bruises to broken bones, internal injuries, and amputations. In this situation, you may also have a claim against the driver that caused the accident.
Occupational Hazards
Delivery driving requires sitting for long periods, and drivers can develop health conditions as a result of the sedentary nature of the job. Sitting for too long can cause issues like hip injuries and lower back pain. UPS drivers come into contact with several packages and may be exposed to harmful substances.
Note, however, that workers’ compensation will not cover intangible, personal losses from work injuries, such as pain and suffering.
Workers’ compensation is only meant to cover employees and will not cover independent contractors. For the most part, UPS drivers are full-time employees. The company provides its workers with vehicles, fuel, and uniforms. If you are a UPS employee, you are entitled to all UPS benefits, including workers’ compensation.
UPS does sometimes work with contract drivers who work on a per-delivery contract basis. These employees may be independent contractors, and so are not covered by UPS workers’ compensation. These drivers may not be able to claim workers’ compensation if they sustain injuries, though they may have coverage through their contracting agency.
Just because a company classifies someone as an independent contractor, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are. Companies might sometimes misclassify a worker as an independent contractor to avoid paying them benefits. If you believe that UPS has incorrectly labeled you as a contractor, contact Levin, Riback & Adelman. We can challenge employment misclassifications and work to help you access the benefits you are entitled to as an employee.
If you sustain an injury while on the job, after receiving the necessary emergency medical attention you need, documenting the scene should be your priority. Take pictures of your injuries and any relevant accident features, like vehicle damage. You should also notify your supervisor, who will then submit an injury report.
Next, you should see a doctor about your injuries. You will need exhaustive medical documentation regarding your condition if you want to make a claim. After that, contact a workers’ compensation attorney. They can build a strong case to obtain the benefits you deserve and answer informational requests from the insurance company. If you receive a denial, an attorney can help you appeal the decision with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
In Illinois, you generally cannot sue your employer for work injuries. The trade-off for no-fault workers’ compensation coverage is that you waive your right to file a lawsuit against your employer for injuries.
However, you may be able to sue third parties who are not your employer if their negligence contributed to your injuries. You can file a third-party lawsuit against negligent motorists for causing an accident.
The main benefit of third-party lawsuits is that you can recover a broader range of compensation. Workers’ compensation only covers losses like medical bills and a portion of lost wages, but a personal injury lawsuit can recover pain and suffering compensation. Our attorneys can investigate your circumstances and identify any alternate sources of compensation to supplement a workers’ compensation settlement.
The attorneys at Levin, Riback & Adelman have decades of collective legal experience managing cases for injured workers and are here to assist. We are proud to have helped countless workers in Illinois recover the benefits they need to live and thrive after an injury. If you are a UPS driver with injuries from your job, we can stand up for your rights and handle your workers’ compensation claim.
We make a point to get to know all our clients’ legal goals so we can pursue them effectively. Contact our offices online or call today for a free case consultation with a Chicago UPS driver injury attorney. You can reach us via phone, email, or text message — whatever is most convenient for you.
Are you uncertain of your legal options? Get the skilled and honest advice that you need to make smart decisions. Share your story with an experienced personal injury lawyer by calling 312-782-6717. You can also send us a message online to set up a free consultation.
