North Charleston Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Injured Delivery Drivers

Every day, delivery drivers all over the country are hard at work getting things where they need to go. No matter what they are delivering they play a critical role in society. Despite their importance, delivery drivers are always at risk for injuries on the job that are often serious and even deadly.

If you or a loved one was hurt or killed while working as a delivery driver in North Charleston, South Carolina, call the workers’ compensation attorneys at Steinberg Law Firm. You could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and you should get the full amount your case deserves.

South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Laws

Employers in South Carolina must carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees under most circumstances. This coverage provides compensation for medical expenses and lost work after a workplace injury. It also makes it so an injured worker cannot sue their employer.

These claims are not based on negligence, like a personal injury lawsuit would be. If the injury occurred on the job or within the scope of employment it likely will be covered under South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws.

Even though workers’ compensation benefits are available to all injured workers, they are still subject to an insurance company’s claims process. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not exist to pay injured workers as much as they can while they are unable to work. They increase their own bottom line by paying out as little as possible and can be quite aggressive in doing so.

Risk Factors for Delivery Drivers

Delivery drivers are under intense pressure to be as fast and efficient as possible. Shipping companies are always competing to be the fastest and cut their delivery times as much as possible and many track their drivers to ensure they are working quickly. Rushing and stressing about making time increases risk of injury. It especially makes a driver more likely to be involved in a vehicle accident. It can also contribute to slip and fall injuries.

Delivery drivers face some deceptively dangerous conditions throughout their days at work. There are ample opportunities for injuries at every step of the delivery process, regardless of what or to whom the driver is delivering. For example, just while walking a package from the truck to the recipient’s property a delivery driver could slip on wet or icy surfaces, fall down stairs or get bitten by a dog.

Any of these injuries put delivery drivers at risk of permanent disability and chronic pain which can lead to lost work and a slew of other consequences. When serious enough, these injuries can make it impossible to continue working as a delivery driver and force a career change.

Common Injuries Suffered by Delivery Workers

The repetitive motions and heavy lifting associated with sorting, loading and delivering packages puts workers at risk of certain injuries such as:

• Back strain
• Neck strain
• Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries
• Ruptured and bulging discs
• Broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Knee injuries
• Hand, wrist and arm injuries

Delivery drivers who are operating large delivery trucks face increased risk of vehicle accidents that are typically more dangerous than accidents involving only passenger vehicles. Even delivery workers using their own cars are at risk of being involved in an accident on the road. These accidents can cause death and injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal damage
• Whiplash
• Deep lacerations
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Loss of limb
• Burns

Do I Need an Attorney for My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

As with any insurance claim, you are likely not facing a simple process and fair compensation. Insurance companies want to pay injured workers as little as they can get away with. This is how they maximize their own profits. Often, they make the process complicated on purpose, hoping that you will get frustrated and give in.

A workers’ compensation attorney understands the tactics used by insurance companies and employers to avoid paying and knows how to counter them. They are skilled negotiators. The insurance company will not have your best interests in mind, but your attorney will fight for them.

In addition, workers’ compensation laws are complicated. An attorney can help you follow the legal process exactly and help your claim run smoothly. In some cases, such as when a delivery driver is involved in a vehicle accident, a personal injury claim could be made in addition to workers’ compensation. An attorney can look at the details of the injury and advise on the best course of action.

What to Do If You Are Hurt at Work

There are steps to take after an injury on the job and it is essential that they are followed to protect your rights. They are:

• Notify a supervisor immediately of your injury. This is important because it creates a record of the incident and establishes a time and place for the injury. The insurance company will be looking at details like this when they investigate your claim.
• If you were involved in a vehicle accident or animal attack, call for police.
• Be sure to follow company injury reporting protocol. File a report as soon as you can so you recall as much as possible.
• Get medical attention. Call for an ambulance if your injury is serious. Even if you think your injury is minor or that you can get through it, it is still crucial to be evaluated by a doctor. Your employer has the right to choose which physician you should see. If you see another provider without your employer’s consent, those expenses may not be covered.
• Contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Workers’ compensation laws are complicated and the process of filing a claim can become tedious. An attorney will make sure all protocols are followed and that you are paid for your injury by the insurance company and your employer.

Contact a North Charleston Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

If you have been hurt while working as a delivery driver in North Charleston, South Carolina you have rights and deserve to be compensated fairly. Do not let insurance companies play games with you or your livelihood.

Call one of the workers’ compensation lawyers at Steinberg Law Firm if you or a loved one were injured or killed on the job. Our Charleston office can be reached by calling (843) 720-2800. As always, your initial consultation is free.