Shipping workers face serious risks each day, including injuries from lifting heavy packages and slips and falls.
Are shipping workers eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they’re injured on the job?
Let’s examine the risks shipping workers face on the job and their legal rights and options for seeking financial compensation for their injury. We’ll also discuss the various benefits they may be entitled to and how experienced attorneys can help them get the compensation they deserve.
Risks Shipping Workers Face on the Job
Here are some of the risks they face:
Injuries from lifting heavy packages
Workers in the shipping industry often have to lift and carry heavy boxes. This can lead to back injuries, neck injuries, shoulder injuries, and other musculoskeletal injuries.
Slips and falls
Shipping facilities can be very slippery, especially when it’s wet outside. This can lead to slips and falls, which can cause serious injuries.
Cuts and lacerations
Workers who handle sharp objects, such as knives and scissors, can easily cut themselves.
Bruises
Shipping workers often handle heavy objects, increasing their risk of bumps and bruises.
Exposure to hazardous materials
This includes exposure to radiation, chemical spills, and other harmful materials.
These injuries can be very debilitating and often require extensive medical treatment.
Legal Rights and Options for Seeking Compensation
If you’re injured on the job as a shipping worker, you generally have the right to seek financial compensation. Depending on your employment status, this can be done by either filing a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit can provide you with many benefits, including:
Medical expenses
Workers’ comp will pay for all your medical expenses related to your injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, and prescription medication.
Income replacement
Workers’ comp will pay you a percentage of your lost wages while out of work due to your injury.
Death benefits
Workers’ compensation will provide death benefits to your loved ones if you die due to a work-related accident or injury.
Pain and suffering
If you file a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to receive damages for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of your injury. That said, it’s important to note that there are exceptions and time limits for filing these types of lawsuits, so it is recommended that you speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
St. Louis Work Injury Lawyer
At the Law Office of James. M. Hoffman, our St. Louis work injury lawyers understand how challenging it can be to deal with an injury and can help you understand what your legal rights are after a work-related injury. We have been helping injured Missouri workers recover compensation for over 25 years. Contact us today for a free consultation.