Injured While Working at UPS? Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
United Parcel Service (UPS) is known for its quick pickup and delivery services. The Atlanta, Georgia-based company delivers nearly 22 million packages and envelopes each day to destinations across the globe.
As one of the world’s largest package delivery and shipping logistics companies, UPS employs thousands of staff who are expected to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment to ensure timely deliveries to customers. UPS employees comprise local and cross-country truck drivers, package sorters, dockworkers and others. They are required to handle freight of different sizes using equipment such as pallet jacks, forklifts and hand trucks.
The nature of their work means that UPS employees face the risk of suffering a work injury. If you are a UPS worker who was injured in an accident during the course of your employment, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. To learn more, call the Chicago work injury lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg at 1-877-595-HURT (4878) for a free consultation.
Common UPS Worker Injuries
UPS workers have to deal with a number of workplace hazards on a daily basis, such as exposure to toxic fumes and climbing ladders while handling packages. On-the-job accidents can occur in many different scenarios. For instance, working under wet or icy weather conditions can lead to slip and fall accidents, or a truck driver can become involved in a crash while making deliveries.
In addition, the rise in customer demand during seasonal holidays means UPS employees have to work longer hours. The busy work environment can lead to fatigue and a higher risk of accidents. For many UPS workers, their job duties involve a lot of repetitive motion such as lifting heavy boxes throughout the day. Back injuries can occur despite taking various precautions. Some accidents can even result in permanent injuries and chronic pain in which lifelong treatment becomes necessary. Here are some commonly reported injuries among UPS workers:
- Back strains
- Shoulder, arm, wrist and hand injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available For Injured UPS Workers
Work-related injuries can require expensive medical treatment and may even prevent you from going to work. Fortunately, Illinois has workers’ compensation policies in place to help injured workers obtain compensation and aid their recovery after a workplace accident. You do not need to establish fault in order to receive these benefits.
UPS employees injured on the job may be entitled to worker’s compensation benefits to help cover the cost of medical bills and any lost wages. For particularly serious or debilitating injuries, workers may also receive disability benefits.
Third Party Claims
When filing a workers’ compensation claim, you are barred from suing your employer. However, sometimes an outside party’s negligence or misconduct are to blame for a UPS worker’s injuries. In such cases, it may be possible to obtain damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Dog bites and slip and fall accidents are examples of potential third-party negligence, as well as auto accidents in which a UPS vehicle was hit by a careless driver. A personal injury lawsuit allows you to recover noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering that you cannot obtain through a workers’ compensation claim. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg handles both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury cases. Our lawyers will advise you of your legal options.
What To Do If You Are Injured While Working For UPS
You must report your injury and file a claim within a specific timeframe in order to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits,. Otherwise, you risk the automatic denial of your claim. An experienced work injury lawyer can help you with the process of obtaining benefits. Here are some things you should do after a workplace accident:
- Get medical attention. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders regarding medical treatment.
- Report your injury to your manager or supervisor.
- Talk to a workers’ compensation attorney. If you feel that UPS is treating you unfairly or not giving you the benefits you deserve, you may need legal help.
Consult a Chicago Work Injury Attorney
Even if you have a legitimate workers’ compensation claim, obtaining the benefits you deserve is not always as straightforward as it should be. There are often time limits involved for filing a claim. If you are a UPS worker in the Chicago area who was injured in a job-related accident, contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. Our Chicago worker’s compensation attorneys will pursue benefits for you, and if necessary, take legal action against third parties that may be responsible for your injuries.
Call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg at 1-877-595-HURT (4878) for a free consultation.