With the steady rise in online shopping and rapid shipping expectations, warehouse and delivery drivers are busier—and under more pressure—than ever. That pressure can come with a cost. Whether it’s lifting heavy packages, rushing through deliveries, or working long shifts in a crowded warehouse, these jobs often come with serious risks.
Over the last few years, there’s been a noticeable uptick in injuries involving warehouse staff and delivery drivers. If you’re in one of these roles and have been hurt on the job, it’s not always clear where to turn or what you’re entitled to. Knowing your rights can make all the difference in whether you recover compensation or not.
In this article, we’ll explain why these accidents are happening more often, what kind of protections the law gives you, and what steps you can take if you’ve been injured at work.
What’s Behind the Rise in Accidents?
Warehouse and delivery jobs are physically demanding. And when the workload increases, safety can sometimes take a backseat. Here are some common causes of injuries in these fields:
For Warehouse Workers:
- Slippery floors or tripping hazards
- Poor training on heavy machinery like forklifts
- Lifting injuries from moving heavy boxes
- Stacking or storage issues that lead to falling items
For Delivery Drivers:
- Vehicle accidents during routes
- Injuries from carrying heavy or awkward packages
- Falls while getting in and out of delivery vans
- Hazards on private property, like icy sidewalks or loose dogs
Sometimes, these injuries happen because of rushed schedules or unsafe working conditions—things that employers are supposed to manage but don’t always prioritize.
Workers’ Compensation: What You Should Know
In most cases, if you’re injured on the job, workers’ compensation will cover you. This is a type of insurance that most employers are required to carry. It typically helps with:
- Medical treatment for your injury
- A portion of your lost income while you recover
- Support if you’re unable to return to your usual job
One important thing to remember: You don’t need to prove your employer was at fault. As long as the injury happened while you were working, you should be eligible.
That said, it’s not always a smooth process. Employers or their insurance companies may question the seriousness of your injury or deny your claim altogether. That’s where legal help can come in handy.
When You Might Have a Separate Legal Claim
While workers’ compensation usually covers on-the-job injuries, there are situations where you might also have a separate legal case. This is especially true if someone outside of your company caused the injury.
Here are some examples:
- You’re making a delivery and get hit by another driver
- A contractor working in your warehouse causes an accident
- Faulty equipment provided by a third party malfunctions
- You slip and fall on someone’s property while dropping off a package
These types of claims are called “third-party claims.” They can allow you to seek compensation beyond what workers’ comp covers—like full lost wages, pain and suffering, or future medical costs.
What To Do If You’ve Been Hurt
If you’re injured at work, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what you should do:
- Tell your supervisor right away. Don’t wait. Reporting the injury promptly is essential for any workers’ comp claim.
- Get medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, having a doctor examine you creates a record that supports your case.
- Write down what happened. Include where, when, and how the injury occurred. If there were any witnesses, get their names.
- Take photos if you can. This could include the scene of the accident, your injuries, or any unsafe conditions.
- Keep records. Save all medical bills, appointment records, and correspondence with your employer or insurance company.
And most importantly—don’t sign anything or give a recorded statement to insurance without talking to a lawyer first.
Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help
You work hard. If you’re hurt doing your job, you deserve real support—not runarounds from insurance or pressure from your employer to work through an injury.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we stand with injured workers. Whether you're filing a workers’ comp claim or pursuing a case against a third party, we’ll walk you through your options and fight for what you're owed.
We know what you’re up against—and we’re here to help you push back. Contact us today for a free consultation.