If you’re a trucker, it’s important to know how to file a workers comp claim if you become injured on the job. Fortunately, the process is simple and includes some specific steps that both you and your employees need to take.
A successful return-to-work (RTW) program relies on the right medical providers and an effective case manager. These physicians are key to getting injured workers back to work safely and quickly.
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Slip and Fall
If you are a truck driver or material handler, slip and fall injuries can be very serious. These can include broken bones, soft tissue damage and even traumatic brain injury.
These types of injuries often develop over time because they involve repetitive motions that are difficult to avoid. Truck drivers are particularly vulnerable to these injuries due to the heavy load and long hours they spend driving their trucks.
Truckers also have a higher risk of falling when climbing in and out of the truck or unloading cargo. This can be exacerbated during bad weather conditions, such as snow and ice. The most effective way to prevent slip and fall accidents is to always use the three-point contact rule when climbing or descending.
Car Crash
When a car crash involves a truck, it can result in severe injuries to the driver and passengers of both vehicles. These injuries can include back pain, neck injuries, brain injuries, whiplash, and broken bones.
Fortunately, the trucker workers comp system offers protections to employees who are on the job at the time of the accident. It also provides compensation for their losses, including medical bills and lost wages , learn more about the trucker workers comp injury checklist from an expert in the field.
To receive compensation, the injured employee must report the accident and their injuries to their employer and file a claim with their company’s insurance carrier within 30 days. If the insurer denies their claim, they have one year to file a claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, according to Rosenfeld.
In addition, truckers who are classified as independent contractors may not qualify for workers’ comp benefits. If the trucker has been negligent in their work, they may be able to recover additional damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Work-Related Injuries
Truckers spend a lot of time on the road, but they also work in warehouses, terminals, docks, and other locations where hazardous materials are stored. These hazards can cause serious injuries like cuts, lacerations, sprains, and amputations.
Oftentimes, workers’ comp covers these types of workplace accidents and injuries. However, determining whether an injury is work-related can be complicated.
In order to determine work-relatedness, you must consider whether an event or exposure in the work environment caused or contributed to the resulting condition or aggravated a pre-existing injury or illness.
Some of these conditions, such as back injuries or repetitive stress injuries, may aggravate a pre-existing health issue and be considered work-related. Be sure to document these and other work-related incidents so that you can prove them in a future claim.
Workplace Injuries
There are many workplace hazards in the trucking industry, from loading ramps and docks to warehouses and work sites. These can cause severe injuries to workers including fractures, sprains, contusions, lacerations, and falls.
Repetitive stress injuries are another common injury among truckers. These can include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and ganglion cysts.
These injuries are caused by the repetitive movements of lifting boxes, cartons, containers, and garbage cans. They can also occur when using vehicle dollies or loaders.
Those who are injured in this way are entitled to medical payments to cover any necessary surgeries, doctor visits, physical and occupational therapy, psychological care if needed, and the cost of any medications or devices.
The insurance company should also pay your lost wages for the time you are unable to work. These are typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage for a period that varies based on your disability. The insurer should also help you obtain a functional impairment rating that will determine how much of your job you can continue with restrictions.
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