When the pandemic shook the foundations of the global marketplace to its core, no one was certain of survival. However, radical transformations in the business world prevented collapse, and one element that became prevalent in the aftermath of the pandemic was online purchases and home delivery.
Instead of having to leave the comfort and safety of one’s home, one can simply get anything ranging from grocery to the latest videogame release at one’s doorstep with just a few simple clicks. And while this has kept many delivery service people in employment, new concerns have surfaced.
For instance, what if someone suffers from a work injury on one of these delivery runs, would they qualify for compensation under the law of North Carolina?
Delivery injuries are complicated in the way that the incident occurs outside the official workspace but since such injuries happen while a person is doing their job, they can be construed as worker injuries. Thus it is very much possible to seek compensation for the losses caused by such injuries.
But of course, before we understand how that can be made possible, let’s begin with analyzing the causes of such injuries and possible scenarios.
Common Causes For Delivery Injuries
These are some of the most common reasons for such injuries:
Animal Attacks:
Out-of-control pets can cause catastrophic injuries for delivery people. An unleashed pet dog, for instance, can cause serious bite injuries to an unwary victim. The extent of damage in such cases may not always stay limited to simple bite marks and surface damage, it may be as severe as permanent disfigurement, amputation, disability, or an infection from the bite.
Injuries Owing To Dangers Of The Deliverables:
The contents of the deliverable materials can also cause damage to the delivery workers. For instance, potentially hazardous substances, flammable materials, heavy objects, and medical specimens can cause damage if improperly handled. Thus such potential safety risks can create unsafe working conditions for delivery people, and if they cause damage, the victim can demand compensation.
Automobile Accidents:
The driving component of the delivery job also puts a lot of pressure on the workers. There are strict deadlines to meet and tight schedules which creates unwanted stress for the workers, and even the slightest negligence can have disastrous consequences. The negligence may lie in other quarters as well, for instance, maintenance issues with the vehicle or recklessness on part of another driver can also become relevant.
Limits Of Physical Exertion:
The weight of any package should be reasonable enough to not cause unnecessary physical stress on the delivery workers. Extra bulky packages should not be given to an average delivery worker as such items should only be handled by a team of experienced workers. If the weight of the package itself caused some injury to the worker then the company will be responsible for compensating them.
Repetitive Stress Injuries:
Delivering stuff is only one aspect of a delivery worker’s job, there are other things too such as loading the truck which involve several repetitive body movements. Such movements can put stress on the said muscles and cause strains and sprains leading to a severely painful sensation in the affected area and compromised working ability.
Slip And Fall Accidents:
This one is pretty simple and can happen on any surface slippery enough and not labeled or obvious for the unwary delivery worker. In this case, the injuries can be pretty serious too since a straight impact with a hard surface can cause deep trauma for any number of vital areas such as the brain, spine, and ribs (enclosing the vital organs).
What Sort Of Compensation Can You Hope For?
As a victim of any of the aforementioned injuries or damages, or even something we did not cover that happened while you were performing your duties. Thus it is your legal right to demand compensation for your losses if you feel that somehow the negligence of your employer was a factor, although you can nominate other liable parties as well.
The damages recoverable include:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Payments for disability, temporary or permanent (the latter will get you a bigger sum)
- Death reimbursement to the survivors of a deceased delivery worker who died because of such an incident
However, to get fairly compensated for your losses or to even be appropriately represented in front of the parties involved in your case, you’ll need the services of competent and professional NC Workers’ Compensation Lawyers.
Without adequate legal representation, getting your rightful claim will not be that easy or in most cases, not even possible. You should not delay calling us as we won’t oblige you for anything when you discuss your case with us.
We’re on your side, so hurry up and contact us today!
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