What You Need to Know if You Were Hurt as a United Parcel Service (UPS) Employee

United Parcel Service (UPS) employees drive large trucks in crowded, potentially unsafe areas, lifting and carrying oversized packages every day. This makes them likely to suffer a work injury at some point during their career. Injuries may be inevitable, but the runaround for compensation doesn’t have to be.

Lifting accidents can often result in pain and mobility issues that may affect you for the rest of your life. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta can help you seek compensation if you suffered one of these injuries. Instead of handling the legalities of your accident while recovering, learn how our firm can do it for you.

How Should UPS Employees Handle Work Injuries?

If you suffered an injury from working for UPS, you have options.

Get Emergency Medical Care or Set Up an Appointment With a Pre-Approved Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention after a compensable job injury. In an emergency, seek immediate help. Don’t worry about your workers’ compensation claim for now. UPS will cover emergency care as long as it is reasonable.

For non-emergencies, you can schedule an appointment with a pre-approved doctor. Your supervisor can provide a list of approved doctors to get you the medical care you need. If UPS denies you this information, it’s time to consult a lawyer.

Report Your Injury to Your UPS Manager or Supervisor

Report your injury to UPS within 30 days. It’s a Georgia law, not a UPS rule. Failure to meet this reporting requirement could result in the dismissal of your workers’ compensation claim.

Continue to Follow Up With Medical Care

Your most important obligation in your workers’ compensation case is to yourself. Be sure to follow the doctor’s orders regarding treatment and continue getting medical care as needed.

In some situations, you may not agree with what the doctor is telling you. In those cases, you might have other options for treatment with a different doctor. Our personal injury attorneys in Atlanta can help you with that process.

What Type of Workers’ Compensation is Available for UPS Employees?

Employees are typically covered by the UPS workers’ compensation plan, which provides benefits to workers who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. The specific type of workers’ compensation available to UPS employees may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the injury.

However, the following types of workers’ compensation benefits are commonly available:

• Medical benefits: Workers’ compensation covers the costs of necessary medical treatment for a work injury or illness. This includes doctor visits, hospitalization, surgical procedures, medications, rehabilitation, and other medically necessary services.
• Temporary total disability (TTD): This benefit is typically provided when an employee cannot work temporarily due to an injury. It covers some of the employee’s lost wages during the recovery period.
• Temporary partial disability (TPD): If an employee can work at a reduced capacity or with restrictions, TPD benefits may be available. It provides compensation for the difference in wages between pre-injury and post-injury work.
• Permanent total disability (PTD): In cases where an injury or illness results in a permanent total disability, meaning the employee cannot work in any capacity, PTD benefits may be awarded. This provides ongoing compensation to support the injured worker.
• Permanent partial disability (PPD): PPD benefits are available when an injury or illness results in permanent impairment or loss of function but does not render the employee disabled. Benefits are based on the severity of the impairment and its impact on the employee’s ability to work.
• Vocational rehabilitation: In cases where an employee cannot return to their previous job due to a work-related injury or illness, vocational rehabilitation benefits may be provided. These benefits aim to assist the employee in acquiring new skills, training, or finding alternative work.
• Death benefits: In the unfortunate event that a work-related injury or illness results in the death of a UPS employee, workers’ compensation may provide death benefits to the surviving dependents. This typically includes money for funeral expenses and ongoing financial support for the dependents.

What Workplace Injuries Are Commonly Reported By UPS Employees?

Safety guidelines by both UPS and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were created to promote a safe work environment. Still, even then, injuries occur for a myriad of reasons. Common injuries reported by United Parcel Service employees include:

Neck Injuries

Delivery drivers and package handlers may experience neck injuries due to the repetitive motions involved in lifting and carrying heavy packages. Common neck injuries include strains, sprains, herniated discs, or whiplash. Long-term effects may include chronic pain and disruption of daily activities due to discomfort.

Shoulder Injuries

UPS workers are prone to shoulder injuries due to the physical demands of lifting and maneuvering heavy packages. These injuries may include rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, or dislocations. Long-term effects can include chronic pain, reduced mobility, and task limitations.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Although less common, traumatic accidents in the workplace, such as falls or motor vehicle collisions, can lead to spinal cord injuries for UPS employees, especially truck drivers. Spinal cord injuries can result in impaired bodily functions, loss of sensation, and long-term disability.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

UPS workers, particularly delivery drivers, may be at risk of traumatic brain injuries in accidents involving motor vehicles or falls. TBIs can range from concussions to more severe forms like contusions or penetrating head injuries.

Long-term effects may include cognitive impairments, memory problems, mood changes, and difficulties with concentration and coordination.

Knee Injuries

UPS employees involved in tasks that require frequent kneeling, bending, or heavy lifting may experience knee injuries. Common knee injuries include sprains, strains, ligament tears (such as ACL or MCL), or meniscus injuries. Long-term effects can include chronic pain, instability, and limited mobility.

Amputation Injuries

UPS workers who operate machinery or handle heavy equipment are at risk of amputation injuries in workplace accidents. Losing fingers, hands, or limbs can have life-altering long-term effects, including the need for prosthetics, rehabilitation, and adjustments to daily living.

Ankle Injuries

UPS employees, particularly those involved in package handling or delivery, may experience ankle injuries due to slips, trips, or falls. Ankle sprains, fractures, or ligament tears are common in such incidents. Long-term effects can include chronic pain, instability, reduced mobility, and difficulty walking.

How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Your UPS Work Injury Case?

In many situations, UPS will get you the medical help you need and pay you the benefits you’re entitled to. But if you aren’t being treated fairly or your benefits are less than they should be, talk to an attorney about what is happening.

A reputable UPS workers’ compensation lawyer will assist with the following:

• Filing proper documentation
• Preserving and compiling evidence
• Documenting medical treatment and expenses
• Negotiation and advocacy of rights
• Preparing for legal proceedings
• Litigation in court

Working with a knowledgeable UPS workplace accident attorney will give you peace of mind for the duration of your legal dispute.

Contact Our UPS Work Injury Attorneys to Explore Your Legal Options

If you are ready to take the next steps in your workers’ compensation claim against UPS, we can help. John Foy & Associates has been helping workers like you for over 15 years; contact us if you have additional questions regarding your UPS work accident.

Our workers’ compensation attorneys offer a free consultation that you can use to ensure that you are getting all of the benefits that you should be receiving in your situation. Compassionate legal representation is just a call away!