Loading Dock Injuries

Warehouses, construction sites, supply depots, and retail locations typically make use of loading docks in the shipping and distribution of products, goods, and materials. Loading docks serve as stations for putting items on trucks, taking items from shipment vehicles for storage, or preparing goods for future sale. Workers may be required to load and unload items on loading docks, and due to the nature of the job, may suffer injuries while performing the duties required by their employer.

If you have been injured in a loading-dock accident, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. Worker's compensation typically allows individuals to gain financial support to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses incurred while treating and recovering from injuries suffered at work.

People injured in loading dock injuries may be required to miss significant periods of work for treatment, and may not be able to support their families as a result of the injury. Companies that offer worker's compensation benefits usually require documentation of the injury and medical records outlining the nature of the injury. Some businesses may require the individual to visit with a company-appointed doctor before benefits are issued.

Employees who are required to work on loading docks may be a risk of injury due to accidental slips and falls, crushing by transport vehicles backing into the dock, or falls from the platform. In addition, they may be injured by machinery used to move heavy objects, or may suffer back injuries when loading and unloading items.

Regardless of the cause of the injury, employees who suffer injury while performing the duties required by their employer may need assistance while recovering from the accident. If a loading dock injury occurs, the person should seek immediate medical assistance if he or she is seriously hurt. An official report should be filed with management or supervisors, and any witnesses should issue statements for future record.

If you have been injured in a loading dock accident, you may want to consider consulting an experienced worker's compensation attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney may be able to help you through the process and may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.

For more information on workers' compensation claims, visit the website of the Philadelphia worker's compensation attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.
Joseph Devine

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