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Which injuries are covered by workers’ compensation for truck drivers?

by | May 18, 2021 | Workers' Compensation |

While much of America and the world shut down at the height of COVID-19, truck drivers have been the unheralded heroes. You’ve stayed the course and continued to deliver the essential supplies and inventory the nation needed.

The continual back and forth on I-64 and other highways, however, can take a tremendous toll on your body. And if you’ve been injured while traveling down I-64 or anywhere else in the line of duty, we may be able to help. We are a team of experienced Kentucky workers’ compensation and personal injury attorneys who specialize in fighting for the rights of truckers and the injured. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common occupational workers’ compensation injuries.

Falls from Heights or Elevations

Whether it’s falling on stairs, falling from a vehicle, or falling into different openings, these are all common sources of injuries for truck drivers. Falls from elevations can happen when stepping into holes, at unloading areas, when exiting the truck, or when making deliveries. Regardless of the cause, falls from elevations can lead to valid workers’ compensation claims, including back sprains, knee sprains, and other injuries.

Truck Drivers Often Suffer Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries associated with the back, neck, and upper extremities. These types of injuries are commonly involved with workers’ compensation claims for truckers. MSDs can be caused by the unloading and loading of the truck as well as from lifting heavy objects, such as:

  • Garbage cans
  • Boxes
  • Containers
  • Cartons
  • Bins
  • Tanks
  • And more

At the same time, MSDs can arise when working on truck drivers work on tires or use vehicle loaders and dollies. The lion’s share of MSD workers’ compensation claims are due to overexertion of muscles during the unloading and loading process

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Driving a tractor-trailer is very different from sitting behind the steering wheel of a passenger vehicle. As a result, truck drivers have a heightened risk of developing repetitive strain injuries. According to OSHA, an estimated two million workers suffer repetitive strain injuries every year. While these injuries can occur in a number of ways, some of the most common include:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Tendinitis
  • Tendon, spine, joint and muscle injuries
  • Ankle, leg and feet injuries

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Tendinitis

Driving a big truck means you must continually fight the pitch of the road while turning in and out of bays and maneuvering in traffic. This repetitive fighting and handling of the wheel often lead to the development of tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome or other types of repetitive strain injuries.

Tendon, Spine, Joint, and Muscle Injuries

When driving a truck, your head must be on the proverbial swivel. Although the mirrors offer assistance seeing objects around and behind your vehicle, you must repeatedly turn your neck and head as you’re backing up, changing lanes, parking and maneuvering. Over time, these continual, repetitive motions can cause injuries to your joints, tendons, muscles and spine.

Ankle, Leg, and Feet Injuries

One often overlooked source of workers’ compensation injuries for truck drivers are the feet, legs and ankles. As you drive, you are required to regularly switch between the brake, gas and clutch pedal. This deliberate motion can and often does lead to damage to your legs, ankles and feet.

Need Help From Kentucky Worker’s Compensation Attorneys?

As a truck driver, you make enormous sacrifices. Although most people tend to focus solely on traumatic injuries, our attorneys understand that you are also exposed to a range of occupational injuries. And if you’re suffering from any occupational injuries, we are here to help you receive the just workers’ compensation coverage you deserve.

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