Ohio Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Helping Injured Truckers

The trucking industry has one of the highest rates of on-the-job injuries in the country. The reasons are obvious – motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common types of accidents, and truckers spend more time on the road and behind the wheel than anyone else. That said, truckers can suffer injuries unrelated to on-the-road accidents. If you’ve suffered an injury or illness related to your job, a Columbus trucker workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get the benefits you need to pay your bills.

Common Accidents That Harm Columbus Truckers

Obviously, many of the injuries suffered by truckers while on the job are caused by accidents while driving. However, there are many other accidents that can occur that result in injury:

• Slipping and falling on ice or wet pavement while on the job
• Loading dock injuries
• Injuries suffered during breakdowns such as heat exhaustion or being struck by another vehicle

Any injury you suffer while in the course of your employment may qualify for workers’ compensation, including injuries due to overuse or overexertion. If you’ve been injured on the job, a Columbus trucker workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. 

Truck Drivers Face Unique Challenges When Making Claims

When submitting a workers’ compensation claim, truck drivers face challenges that many other workers do not. These challenges catch many people off-guard and can jeopardize their claim. A Columbus trucker workers’ compensation lawyer can help you avoid these potential pitfalls.

• Unwitnessed injuries. Due to the nature of their employment, truck drivers often work alone. As a result, there are often no witnesses in the event of an accident that can verify the facts surrounding your injury. These accidents should be reported to your employer right away, and you should be careful to collect whatever documentation you can.
• Independent contractors. Many trucking companies hire their drivers as independent contractors rather than as employees. If you are an independent contractor, you do not qualify for workers’ compensation through your employer. However, there are instances where independent contractors may qualify because they are clearly an employee of the company. An experienced trucker workers’ compensation lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and determine whether you can pursue a claim.
• Course of employment. In order to qualify for workers’ compensation, you have to prove that your injury was sustained while you were on the job or in the “course of employment.” For truck drivers, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between personal time and work-related activities. This issue is somewhat related to the fact that there are often no witnesses to these accidents.

Contact Malek and Malek For Help

If you’re injured and unable to work, you need someone on your side who will fight for your rights. Founded in 1972, Malek & Malek has been helping injured truckers get fair compensation for their work-related injuries for decades. We know how to navigate the claim process, and more importantly, we know how to get results. Call us at 888-444-7440 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus truckers workers’ compensation lawyer today.