What Are the Most Common Causes of Injuries for Delivery Drivers?

 Posted on May 04, 2023 in Workers' Compensation

Working as a delivery driver comes with its own set of challenges. With long hours of driving and carrying heavy packages, it is not surprising that delivery drivers are at risk of getting injured on the job. These injuries can result in significant medical bills, lost wages, and other issues that can affect workers financially while also impacting their professional and personal lives. By understanding the potential causes of injuries and their options for receiving workers' compensation benefits, delivery drivers can be prepared for these situations.

Reasons for Delivery Driver Injuries

There are numerous situations in which delivery workers may suffer serious injuries, including:

• Vehicle accidents - Delivery drivers spend a lot of time on the road, which makes them more likely to become involved in motor vehicle collisions. These accidents can occur because of the negligence of other drivers or errors made by delivery drivers, and they may involve factors such as distracted driving, speeding, or fatigue. Drivers can take steps to prevent accidents, including avoiding dangerous behaviors like speeding or texting while driving. Vehicles should also be well-maintained and equipped with all necessary safety features, such as seat belts, airbags, and anti-lock brakes.

• Slip and falls - When delivering items to homes and businesses, a person may be at risk of falling after slipping or tripping. These types of accidents can occur due to wet or slippery surfaces, uneven pavement, or debris on the ground, and they can result in serious injuries, such as fractures, sprains, and head injuries. To minimize the risk of slip and fall accidents, drivers may wear slip-resistant shoes, use handrails when climbing stairs, and avoid tripping hazards.

• Dog bites - Attacks by dogs are a frequent source of injuries for delivery drivers, and these incidents may occur when delivering packages to homes. Dog bites can result in serious lacerations, infections, and scarring.

• Assaults and robberies - Unfortunately, delivery drivers may be targeted by criminals looking to steal valuable packages. These incidents can result in physical injuries and emotional distress. To minimize the risk of being robbed or assaulted, drivers can be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to their employer or the authorities.

• Repetitive motion injuries - Delivery drivers often engage in repeated motions, such as bending, lifting, and carrying heavy packages. These motions can cause damage to different parts of the body over time, such as the knees or back. Some common repetitive motion injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, and rotator cuff injuries. Delivery workers may be able to help prevent repetitive motion injuries by taking regular breaks and performing stretching exercises to improve their flexibility.

For drivers who are classified as employees, workers' compensation benefits will generally be available, regardless of whether they, their employers, or other parties were responsible for injuries. As long as an injury occurred while a person was working or because of work-related activities, workers' comp will cover their medical expenses, as well as a portion of their lost wages due to limitations on their ability to work while they are recovering.

Contact Our Hollister Workers' Compensation Lawyers for Delivery Drivers

Working as a delivery driver can be physically demanding, and drivers are at risk of injuries from a variety of sources. If you are a delivery driver who has been injured on the job, it is important to report the injury to your employer and seek medical attention promptly. At Cramer + Martinez, our San Benito County workers' comp attorneys can assist you in securing benefits that will help you meet your needs while you are recovering. To learn about how we can assist with your workers' compensation claim, contact us at 408-848-1113 and set up a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/24/study-nearly-one-in-five-amazon-drivers-suffered-injuries-in-2021.html

https://blog.vingapp.com/food-delivery-driver-accidents-how-common-are-they

https://societyinsurance.com/blog/delivery-driver-safety/