Every job has its own range of occupational risks, delivery drivers included. With the holiday season fast approaching and individuals ordering gifts left and right, delivery drivers everywhere are facing a hefty workload as well as an increased risk of personal injury. 

What workplace injuries are most common for delivery drivers? 

What do delivery drivers need to know about workers’ compensation?

We’re here to deliver the facts.

Common Workplace Injuries

Whether you deliver packages, food orders, store items for restock, or anything in between, there are a few workplace injuries that pose a higher risk than others. Listed below are a few of these common workplace accidents and personal injuries suffered on the job.

Slip & Falls

Slip and fall accidents are the most common workplace accidents across the board, and the delivery driver occupation is no exception. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, slip and fall accidents were the culprit of 23% of occupational injuries for delivery drivers.

  • Injuries caused by slip and fall accidents cost an average of $27,225 in medical costs as well as $21,350 in damages, which is a total of $48,575.

Overexertion 

With high-demand and a tight delivery schedule of back-to-back deadlines, it’s no surprise that overexertion is a common cause of workplace accidents and injuries for delivery drivers. In 2020 alone, there were 37,190 workplace injuries caused by overexertion and bodily reaction in the transportation and warehousing industry according to the National Safety Council.

  • Strains, one of the most common personal injuries caused by overexertion, costs an average of $17,421 in medical expenses and $17,870 in damages, reaching a total of $35,291.

Car Accidents

Exhaustion, strict deadlines, and mechanical failure among other various car accident causes pose a significant risk to delivery drivers. According to 2020 data from the National Safety Council, transportation accidents caused 25% of workplace injuries to those working in the transportation & warehousing industry. On average, these workplace transportation injuries required two weeks away from work to recover.

  • On average, car accident injuries cost about $47,500 in medical expenses and $37,811 in damages totaling $85,311.

The most common personal injuries caused by these workplace accidents and their average medical costs according to 2019-2020 data from the National Safety Council include the following.

  • Injuries to the back, shoulders, neck, and knees.
    • Lower back injuries: $17,486
    • Upper back injuries: $17,799
    • Shoulder injuries: $26,088
    • Neck injuries: $30,404
    • Knee injuries: $18,293
  • Repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel.
    • Carpal Tunnel: $16,131
  • Lacerations, abrasions, and contusions.
    • Lacerations: $19,270
    • Contusions: $18,013
    • Other trauma: $32,086
  • Soft-tissue injuries such as whiplash.
  • Fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains.
    • Fractures/Dislocation: $36,555
    • Sprain/Strain:$16,215

These injuries often require time off work to make a full recovery and prevent further injury. With medical bills stacking up, this puts personal injury victims in an even more precarious position financially, which is why it’s so important to have a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you get the compensation you need.

Can Delivery Drivers Get Workers’ Compensation?

Delivery drivers are eligible for workers’ compensation if they have suffered workplace injuries on the clock. Sometimes employers will try to avoid having to provide workers’ compensation by blaming the employee for the accident. However, unreasonable delivery deadlines and being overworked are often the cause of transportation accidents on the job. With the right workers’ compensation attorney in your corner, this can be proven.

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, contact The Hines & Wilson Law Firm as soon as possible to schedule your no-cost initial consultation. During your consultation, you will receive free legal advice from an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer near you in Columbia, Missouri. We’ll fight for the financial compensation you deserve.