I Work for UPS and Got Injured on the Job
On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | April 26, 2024 | Workers' Compensation
UPS is one of the world’s largest packing service companies, with UPS drivers traveling over 3.4 billion miles annually. UPS promises fast delivery times, many times forcing drivers to navigate city streets to make these deadlines.
If you work for UPS, and got injured on the job, you will likely be able to file a worker’s compensation claim. In this article, we discuss the types of injuries UPS workers face and the types of workers’ compensation benefits.
Types of Injuries Sustained by UPS Employees
Below, we outline common injuries facing UPS employees:
Back Injuries
Both UPS drivers and warehouse workers must lift heavy packages. This repetitive motion can cause back injuries, especially if a package is being lifted improperly. Employees are supposed to be trained on how to handle heavy boxes, but with being on such a tight schedule, these safety protocols are not always followed.
Neck Injuries
Applying more often to UPS drivers, neck injuries can quickly become debilitating. UPS drivers can face a neck injury from repeatedly turning to see oncoming traffic or if they are in a motor vehicle crash.
Warehouse workers are no strangers to neck injuries. Lifting and pulling heavy items from shelves can wear on the ligaments and tendons in the neck. If left untreated, these workers may have more serious health issues.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A UPS driver who is in a motor vehicle accident may sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In a crash, the sudden acceleration and deceleration may cause your brain to move rapidly back and forth in your skull. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can include confusion, loss of consciousness, vomiting, dizziness, and cognitive impairments.
Workers’ Compensation for UPS Employees
Workers’ compensation is employer-provided health insurance that is available to employees injured on the job. Under Florida’s workers’ compensation, UPS employees may be entitled to the following benefits:
Medical Benefits
Employers are responsible for paying the following benefits for employees in relation to their work injury:
- Doctor’s visits
- Hospitalization
- Medical tests and imaging
- Physical therapy
- Prescription costs
- Prostheses
Wage Replacement
Lost wages will be paid according to the workers’ compensation claim that you filed. Below, we discuss the different rates, amounts, and durations based on disability types:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): A worker who files for TTD will be unable to work for a certain period of time. TTD workers will receive 66 2/3% of their average weekly wage, subject to a state maximum limit ($1,260 per week in 2024). Benefits will last for 104 weeks
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Workers may qualify for TPD if they are unable to earn at least 80% of what they were earning prior to their work injury. A worker who files for TPD will have certain restrictions in place due to the injury. Benefits will last for 104 weeks
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If you are unable to work again, you may receive PTD. You will be eligible to receive 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage until you reach the age of seventy-five
Death Benefits
If a UPS employee dies as a result of their injury, workers’ compensation can provide death benefits for surviving family members. Death benefits will include burial expenses as well as ongoing financial benefits. Spouses are entitled to 50% of the employee’s average weekly wage, with benefits ceasing upon death.
Contact a Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you are a UPS worker who is in the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim, we can help. Our workers’ compensation attorneys have over 35 years of experience helping injured employees like yourself. Contact us today online or by phone to schedule your free consultation to learn how we can be of assistance to you.
Don’t wait - get an experienced attorney on your side to help you with everything that comes next so you can get the compensation you deserve or the advice you need when you need it most.