With the rush in online shopping, delivery driving has become a fast-growing yet high-risk job in Chicago. Drivers face daily hazards, from road accidents to lifting injuries. Workers’ compensation claims are often more complex than employees expect. Calculating wage benefits can also be confusing, and some employers may underpay. In this tough time, you need an experienced delivery driver injury lawyer in Chicago who knows the law and protects your rights.
Chicago Injury Lawyer assists injured delivery drivers in getting fair compensation. Let us help you get the support you deserve.
How We Fight for Delivery Drivers’ Compensation
Hiring our injury lawyers gives you expert guidance and strong advocacy. Check out our Chicago delivery driver injury attorney’s professionalism below to feel at ease.
Expertise in Navigating Workers’ Comp Claims
Our lawyers guide you through complex claims, especially when cases involve unique factors or are denied. We ensure your rights are defended every step of the way.
Maximizing Third-Party Compensation
Our delivery driver injury claims attorneys identify third-party liability, securing compensation beyond workers’ comp. This strategy can include damages like pain and suffering not covered by workers’ comp.
Guidance Through Legal Processes
From filing claims to representing you in negotiations or court, our Chicago lawyer streamlines the legal process. This support is crucial for ensuring all necessary steps are completed on time.
Experience with Insurance Companies
Our personal injury lawyers in Chicago advocate for you against insurance companies, ensuring fair compensation. This technique often results in better outcomes for injured drivers.
Focus on your recovery while we handle paperwork, negotiations, and strategies on your behalf. Request a free consultation today.
Legal Rights of Injured Delivery Drivers in Chicago
In Illinois, injured delivery drivers have legal rights to workers’ compensation benefits. Most employees hired, injured, or working in Chicago are covered by the Act from the moment they start their jobs. You may also pursue a third-party liability claim for additional compensation if they are at fault.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ comp covers medical treatment, lost wages, and rehab costs after an injury. Thus, delivery drivers can recover without worrying about care costs.
Third-Party Liability Claims
If another driver or property owner is responsible, you can file a claim against them. Hence, this can increase your total compensation.
Personal Injury Claims vs. Workers’ Comp
Sometimes, drivers can file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to workers’ comp. If a third party is at fault, you may be entitled to more compensation than workers’ comp alone can provide. Let us help you maximize your recovery.
The Hidden Risks Delivery Drivers Face Daily
Workers’ compensation provides “no-fault” benefits for employees injured or ill because of their jobs. Illinois has a Comparative Negligence law, which means that more than one person can be at fault in an accident.
Typical scenarios where a delivery driver may qualify for benefits include:
- You’re driving to make a delivery when another car hits you.
- You slip on an icy sidewalk while making a delivery.
- You develop a repetitive stress injury from frequently bending and lifting heavy packages.
- Frequent public interaction exposes you to a contagious illness like COVID-19.
- A dog bites you during a delivery, causing physical injuries and possibly PTSD.
Regardless of injury type, the workers’ comp claim process is the same. Your first step should be to inform your employer. According to Illinois law, you will lose your benefits if you fail to notify your employer within a set timeframe.
On-the-Job Injuries for Delivery Drivers in Chicago
Chicago roads are full of truck drivers and others who drive for work. These jobs are vital to the economy but come with injury risks, including:
- Automobile Accident Injuries: Drivers may suffer serious or fatal injuries in accidents. If injured on the road while working, you may qualify for workers’ comp and a third-party claim against the at-fault driver.
- Lifting Injuries: Truck and delivery drivers who load and unload heavy items can suffer back, neck, and lifting-related injuries.
- Repetitive Injuries: Long hours of sitting can cause issues like sciatica or other repetitive stress injuries. Workers’ comp covers injuries from on-the-job activities.
You can seek a personal injury claim if someone else is partly responsible. For example, if a drunk driver caused your accident, you can seek workers’ comp and sue the driver for additional damages.
Essential Steps After a Delivery Driver Injury
If you’ve been injured while working as a delivery driver in Chicago, taking immediate steps can help protect your wellness and your rights to compensation.
- Seek Medical Attention: Getting medical care right away is crucial to your recovery and provides necessary documentation of your injuries.
- Report the Incident: Timely reporting to your employer helps establish that the incident occurred during work hours, protecting your claim.
- Document the Scene: Collect evidence, including photos and witness statements, to strengthen your case.
- Consult a Lawyer: Our experienced Chicago delivery services injury lawyer can guide you through the claims process and seek the highest compensation. Contact us today to start your claim confidently.
Double Coverage for Delivery Drivers: Workers’ Comp and Auto Insurance Explained
Injured delivery drivers who are employees (not independent contractors) qualify for workers’ compensation if they are injured while on the job. This applies if they’re injured while performing work-related tasks, such as delivering a package.
However, delivery drivers may also receive additional compensation from auto insurance policies. This plan includes their policy and possibly the policy of another driver involved in the accident. This frame-up can help delivery drivers recover their full damages more quickly.
When representing delivery drivers, we manage both workers’ comp claims and personal injury cases. With our expertise, our personal injury attorneys maximize benefits in both policies for your full and comfortable recovery.
Steps to Prove Your Delivery Driver Accident Claim
As an injured delivery driver, proving your claim is essential for compensation. Gather strong evidence to show the injury happened on the job. These steps will strengthen your case and boost your chances of obtaining benefits.
➭ Document the Accident Scene: Take photos of the accident, vehicles involved, and any hazards.
➭ Gather Witness Statements: Talk to anyone who saw the accident and collect their contact details.
➭ File an Accident Report: Report the accident to your employer and file any required accident reports.
➭ Get Medical Records: Obtain records detailing your injuries and treatments.
➭ Prove Work-Related Activity: Show that you were on the job when the accident happened, such as by using delivery logs.
Finally, consulting with our delivery driver injury lawyer in Chicago makes the process easier and strengthens your lawsuit. Feel free to contact us at any time.
Don’t Miss the Deadline: Filing a Delivery Driver Injury Claim in Chicago
Remember to notify your employer within 45 days of your injury or illness and to file a claim with the Commission within 3 years. Both of these deadlines are separate. You should notify your employer within 45 days, regardless of whether you intend to file a claim. However, the deadline can be extended to 3 years if the disease or injury develops over time.
If you miss this deadline, you generally lose your right to claim. Yet, there may be exceptions, such as when the employer fails to provide proper notice. However, this is also true if you’re a minor at the time of the injury.
Schedule a FREE, NO-Obligation Consultation
Don’t worry about the legal complexities of your delivery driver injury claim. If you were injured while working for a delivery company in Chicago, focus on your recovery instead. Let our delivery driver injury lawyers tackle your case with skill and experience. Contact the Chicago Injury Lawyer today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue my employer if I get hurt as a delivery driver?
In most cases, workers’ comp is your only remedy against your employer for work-related injuries. You generally cannot sue your employer directly.
What if a third party caused my injury?
If a third party (like another driver) caused your injury, you can submit a personal injury claim in addition to workers’ comp.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Illinois, you typically have 3 years from the date of the injury to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Can I get compensation for long-term injuries?
Yes, you can receive compensation for long-term injuries, including ongoing medical expenses and lost wages.
