Delivery services have boomed in popularity in the past few years, bringing meals and packages right to people’s doorsteps. But this convenience comes with risks for the drivers.
If you are a delivery worker, this means you face various accident risks each day. When an accident does happen and you get seriously injured, is workers’ compensation your only option?
Pursuing claims beyond workers’ comp
Workers’ compensation generally covers any injuries you get while working. However, with more delivery drivers getting more serious injuries on the job, workers’ comp might no longer be enough on its own.
Delivery drivers face situations where it’s possible to file injury claims against third-parties. For example:
- A homeowner’s dog attacks you during a delivery
- A property owner leaves ice on their walkway, making you slip
- Another driver hits your delivery vehicle
- A broken porch step collapses under you
In these cases, you can seek money beyond workers’ comp because someone besides your employer caused or contributed to your injury.
Options for independent contractors
There are delivery drivers that work as independent contractors for app-based services instead of employees. If you do delivery work as a gig and not as a regular employee, you might not have the option of filing for workers’ comp.
This job setup makes knowing your injury rights even more important. In many cases, filing a personal injury claim might be your only way to secure compensation after the accident.
Basics of a successful personal injury claim
To win a personal injury claim as a delivery driver, you need to show a few key things:
- That the other party had a duty to keep you safe
- The other party failed in their duty and exposed you to harm
- Their failure causes or directly ties to your injury
Medical records, accident reports and witnesses help link someone else’s negligence to your accident and resulting injuries. It’s crucial to not only seek medical care right away but to make sure all your injuries, treatments and missed work days due to the accident are document.
Getting help after a delivery injury
Delivery drivers deserve protection when injuries happen at work. Knowing when you can file personal injury claims gives you a safety net, especially if you don’t have workers’ comp benefits.
Talking to a legal professional helps you find all possible sources of money after an injury. This knowledge helps protect your finances so you can focus on healing instead of worrying about bills and lost income.