UPS & FedEx Workers’ Compensation

Attorneys Top Workers’ Comp Tips for UPS & FedEx Employees

UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company, with more than 434,000 employees worldwide. FedEx is the United States’ second largest package delivery carrier – and the third largest in the world – with just shy of a quarter million employees across the globe.

However, statistically, both truck drivers and warehouse workers have among the highest rates of work-related injuries compared to many other occupations. Warehouse workers are especially prone to incurring musculoskeletal injuries from lifting and carrying, as well as injuries from slips and falls. And in addition to dangers of lifting all day, UPS and FedEx drivers also face the risk of injury or death from automobile accidents while on the road.

Fortunately, California’s Workers’ Compensation Laws are in place to protect and compensate UPS, FedEx and other warehouse and delivery employees who sustain injuries while on the job. Unfortunately, large companies like UPS and FedEx will often deny or “fight” employee’s workers compensation claims in order to cut costs and keep their workers comp insurance premiums from rising.

Collecting Workers Comp for UPS or FedEx Employee Injury

Because big employers like UPS and FedEx – and their insurance companies – often fight workers’ comp claims injured employees should consult with a workers’ comp attorney who has the skill, experience, and reputation to take on the “big boys” like UPS or FedEx.

Discussing your case with an experienced UPS / FedEx workers comp attorney not only protects your right to compensation but also ensures your claim is filed in a timely manner – with all necessary documentation. Like any injury case there are time limits on filing workers comp claims. Since time can be of the essence in a worker’s comp case, so be sure to contact a workers’ comp attorney like Cantrell Green who can file your claim as soon as possible after your accident. And remember, the longer you wait, the more difficult it is to obtain the evidence you need to win your case.

Seven Tips for Winning Your UPS or FedEx Workers Comp Case

In addition to contacting a workers’ comp attorney specializing in UPS and FedEx case like Cantrell Green, here are seven steps you should take to increase your chances of collecting the workers compensation benefits for which you qualify.

#1. Stop, seek safety, and tell a supervisor.

Whether you were injured in the warehouse or in a vehicle while delivering packages, stop working immediately, relocate to a safe area and call for help or call 911 if necessary. If necessary seek emergency medical treatment. If vehicles or criminal activity were involved, file a police report. Then notify your supervisor about the incident as soon as possible.

Some employers only allow 24 hours from the accident time to notify the supervisor. If you are unable to do this yourself, try to ask a co-worker, partner, friend, or family member to notify the supervisor on your behalf.

#2. Get Medical Treatment Immediately.

The hospital or Urgent Care should be the first place you go after you were injured while working for UPS or Fed Ex. Go by ambulance if necessary or have someone take you. Medical records are vital after an accident for filing a workers compensation claim.

Do not worry about who will pay for the medical care. Under workers’ compensation your medical expenses are covered. Get the help you need, including blood tests, X-ray, MRI/CT imaging, prescriptions, or other medical tests and treatments.

Some employers (like UPS) require that you get medical treatment at a medical facility / provider approved by them. However, if your injury is so serious that you need to go to the nearest ER, do not hesitate but get the medical treatment that you need.

#3. Take pictures of the accident site if possible.

The minutes after any accident are when the accident location holds the most evidence of exactly what happened. Take pictures of the accident site and the surrounding area – especially in cases where you are unsure about how the accident occurred. Have someone else take pictures if you are unable to. Make sure to have them take photos of your injuries, if possible, too

#4. Get names, phone numbers & statements of any witnesses.

Try to get the name(s), phone number(s) and statements of anyone who witnessed the accident as well. For vehicle accidents, ask if any of the witnesses may have had “dashcams” running. (Remember that workers compensation is “no fault.” This means that you are entitled to medical coverage and other compensation for your injuries under workers’ compensation even if the accident or incident was partially or completely your fault.)

#5. Get Receipts for Medical Payments

Get receipts for any out-of-pocket medical payments you make, so you can include them in your workers’ compensation claim, including:

Co-pays
Ambulance cost
Doctor / Urgent Care / ER Fees
Testing fees (X-rays, blood tests, MRIs, etc.)
Prescription medications (painkillers, antibiotics, etc.)

#6. Get a Medical Report from the Doctor ASAP

Get a medical report from your treating doctor with the diagnosis and the likely recovery time, to submit to your UPS or FedEx supervisor.

Ask your physician to give you copies of all results and check-up notes both to support your workers’ compensation claim and so you can provide this for reimbursement.

#7. Record How Much Work Time and Wages You Will Lose

Speak with your doctor specifically about how long the anticipated recovery time will be and how much time you will need to take off work to recover. Then calculate how much money you will lose in wages during this time, to include in the compensation for your claim.

The back, head and joint injuries that are common to UPS and FedEx warehouse and delivery personnel can often result in long-term or even permanent inability to return to work. Make sure this is clearly documented by your treating physician(s).

#8. Talk to a UPS / FedEx Workers’ Comp Attorney

Filing a successful workers’ comp claim is complicated and time-sensitive, with a great deal of “paper-work” and specific documentation required. This can be especially hard for someone who has been seriously injured. And, dealing with a large company like UPS can be daunting, intimidating, and even overwhelming. Large companies like UPS and FedEx will often deny or fight workers’ compensation claims to cut costs and keep their insurance premiums from going up.

This is why UPS workers injured on the job should consult with a workers’ comp attorney like the lawyers at Cantrell Green who have the skill, experience, and reputation to take on the “big boys” like UPS.

A specialized UPS / Fed EX workers comp attorney can make the process go faster, ensure everything is filed correctly, and improve your chances of getting the maximum benefits for which you qualify.

UPS & FedEx Workers’ Comp Attorneys

If you are a UPS or FedEx employee who was injured in the line of employment and is unable to work, contact the caring and experienced workers comp attorneys at Cantrell Green. We will protect your right to collect workers compensation so that you can take the time you need to recover – without worrying about medical bills or income.