Injured on the Job as a Delivery Driver in Reading, PA? Here’s What to Do Next

Delivery drivers in Pennsylvania face hazards every time they hit the road. These hazards can include reckless driving by other drivers, ice, poor road conditions, potholes, or even pedestrians. In some cases, delivery drivers are exposed to hazards in the warehouse before they even get behind the wheel, such as injuries caused by loading heavy boxes, wet floors, or faulty equipment. Hazards can also impact delivery drivers at the point of delivery if a property is not well maintained, there is an uneven surface, or there is an unnoticed curb.

Therefore, if you are a delivery driver in Reading, PA, you should understand what to do after a work injury occurs and be aware of your rights so you do not have to stress about lost wages, medical bills, and what comes next.

Seek Medical Treatment

The most important thing you can do following a work injury is to seek medical treatment.

There are two major reasons why you should seek medical treatment immediately. First, whether an injury is severe or minor, your health should always be the top priority to rule out any potentially serious or life-threatening conditions. Second, seeking prompt medical treatment helps document the injuries you sustained and the treatment you received.

This documentation is critical if your Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claim is denied, as it helps establish that:

• a work injury occurred,
• you sought and received medical treatment,
• the cause of your injuries, and
• the extent and severity of your injuries.

Below is a list of emergency rooms and urgent care facilities in the Reading, PA area that you may consider for immediate treatment:

• Reading Hospital (Tower Health), 420 S 5th Ave, West Reading, PA
• Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center, 2500 Bernville Rd, Reading, PA
• Tower Health Urgent Care – Wyomissing, 2101 State Hill Rd, Suite 5, Wyomissing, PA 19610
• Tower Health Urgent Care – Exeter, 4603 Perkiomen Ave, Reading, PA 19606
• Patient First Primary & Urgent Care – Wyomissing, 2600 Paper Mill Rd, Wyomissing, PA 19610
• Penn State Health Urgent Care – Muhlenberg, 4301 N 5th Street Hwy, Suite 101, Temple, PA 19560

Report the Injury to Your Employer as Soon as Possible

Injured workers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have 120 days from the date of injury to notify their employer of a work-related injury. However, simply mentioning the injury to a coworker is not sufficient.

The best practice is to report the injury to a supervisor or someone in a management role to ensure proper notice is given. It is even better to provide written notice and keep a dated copy for your records. This creates a paper trail that can be crucial if your workers’ compensation claim is later disputed.

If your claim is denied, it will be your responsibility to prove that you properly notified your employer. When reporting your injury, be sure to clearly explain:

• how the injury occurred,
• which body parts were affected, and
• request that a written incident report be created.

Call a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Workers who are injured on the job may be entitled to wage loss benefits and medical benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. However, your right to these benefits may be at risk if you do not act promptly.

It is always best to consult with an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney to fully understand your rights. An attorney can help you file the necessary paperwork and initiate legal proceedings if your employer or their insurance company denies your claim.

A workers’ compensation attorney can also:

• help ensure you receive appropriate medical treatment,
• assist in coordinating your care,
• represent you at hearings and legal proceedings,
• protect you from insurance company tactics or employer pressure, and
• present strong evidence to prove your work injury and entitlement to benefits.

It is never too early to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer after a workplace injury. You should not have to go through the process alone.

If you work as a delivery driver in Reading, PA and suffer a work injury, you should seek medical treatment, report your injury to your employer, and contact a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.

Our attorneys have extensive experience representing injured delivery drivers in Reading and throughout Pennsylvania. We are ready to guide you through every step of the process to help you secure the full benefits you may be entitled to.

We offer free consultations, and you pay no fee unless we successfully recover benefits on your behalf. If you or a loved one has suffered a work-related injury, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.