In 2025, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are approximately 2.6 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers; 946,500 of these involved days away from work.
In Atlanta, GA, UPS driver injury lawyer Stephen T. LaBriola says that the state uses a fault-based system to resolve all vehicle accidents, including those involving commercial trucks and delivery trucks. The primary step in your recovery process is to prove fault.
Let us find out what your next action steps will be once you have proven fault after your injury.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Catastrophic Injury
As a UPS driver, your safety is your topmost concern. According to catastrophic injury lawyer Bradley W. Butler, there is no law in Charlotte, NC mandating an injured plaintiff to hire a lawyer to file for a personal injury claim. At the same time, attempting to resolve your case by yourself could put you at risk in several ways.
Assess your situation and move yourself away from any danger if you can manage to walk. Call 911 right away so that medical assistance can be provided to you soon.
Stay calm as you wait for help to arrive. If you suspect having a fatal injury like a spinal injury, minimize your movement as much as possible.
Once the medical personnel arrive, honestly and specifically narrate the real story about your injury.
After treatment, document everything about the incident, statements by witnesses, photos, and others, as these will all serve as your evidence as your case progresses.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Be aware of your rights and benefits under worker’s compensation after being able to address your medical needs.
As a UPS driver who suffers a catastrophic injury, you can take back expenses for medical costs, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. Keep correct records of your medical details so you will get compensated for immediate treatment and any needed long-term care through workers’ compensation.
If the injury affects your working capacity, you can get paid through permanent disability. It is important that you report your injury to your supervisor immediately so you will not miss the statute of limitations.
Stay updated with your state laws of workers’ compensation. This will equip you with how to approach the process of obtaining your benefits.
The Importance of Reporting the Incident
File an incident report to help you get the necessary injury benefits. Report the incident to your supervisor or authority figure to establish a record.
Your record will support your future claim for the injury you suffered from. It will be a problem for you in the future should you delay filing your report, such as concerns about the legitimacy of your injury or the failure to meet deadlines for workers’ compensation filing.
Seeking Proper Medical Care and Documentation
Prioritize getting necessary medical care. Do not delay your injury assessment but receive evaluation instead from a health care practitioner.
Some injuries may appear not serious enough to be treated. However, you should still get a consultation because some injuries can worsen overtime.
Take note of all your medical visits, treatments, and recommendations. Secure duplicates or photocopies of your doctor’s records or any other related prescriptions.
These documents will play a big role in proving your claims or actions together with other evidence.
Never take for granted following up; it’s important for your recovery and accurate records.
Handling the Recovery Process and Support Resources
Get acquainted with sources of support available to you as you recover.
You can reach out to your HR representative to discuss your workers’ compensation benefits. There are also local support groups for your fellow UPS drivers, where the sharing of experiences could provide insights to others.
You can also contact a therapist to formulate a personal rehabilitation plan for your recovery. Talk therapy, as one of the mental health resources, can provide you with emotional relief.
Handling the matter on your own can be overwhelming. Schedule a consultation with a lawyer specialized in injury laws so you can deal with the legal challenges beyond what you can manage. An injury lawyer can ease your burden while you focus on your healing and recovery.