Common Injuries Sustained by Cargo Loaders and Unloaders

At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, we offer legal advocacy throughout the state of Delaware, including in Wilmington, Seaford, and Newark. If you have sustained an injury in an occupation that requires you to load and unload heavy cargo, we can help you pursue any compensation you deserve. Contact our workers’ compensation attorneys today to arrange a free consultation.

To some, loading and unloading cargo may seem relatively uncomplicated and safe. However, the job carries with it many safety risks. As a result of these risks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has instituted a list of regulations to protect workers conducting loading and unloading tasks in order to reduce the number of associated accidents. Despite these regulations, accidents still occur, and workers are badly injured.

Type of workers at risk for loading and unloading injuries

Workers who perform cargo loading and unloading tasks do so in a wide range of industries and locations. These include:

• Rail tank, car, or truck loading
• Industrial plants
• Shipyards
• Marine terminals
• Warehouses
• Grain handling
• Retail industry applications
• Piers and Wharves

Possible injuries due to dangerous loading and unloading activities

Loading and unloading activities placed the body under continual stress which can result in one or more forms of acute workplace injury. These can include muscle tears that result from incorrect or dangerous lifting methods. Repetitive motion injuries can occur due to recurring stress imposed upon the muscles and tendons during repeated unloading and unloading.

Besides the intense physical labor that accompanies loading and unloading tasks, the job is also dangerous for many workers who come into contact with and lift hazardous materials. For instance, workers may be required to handle combustible or flammable liquids, which pose their own risk. Contact with certain chemical substances can present long-term health hazards to these workers, including cancer.

Some objects handled by workers in the above-mentioned industries may be unstable. In other instances, workers may use improper techniques to load and unload cargo. Any of these conditions can place a worker at risk for devastating injuries such as a crushing injury or even a traumatic brain injury.

Possible compensation for loading and unloading injuries in Delaware

As an employee in Delaware, your employer is likely required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance is designed to cover the costs of your lost wages and medical expenses if you experience an injury during the performance of your job duties.

In addition, you may have the option to file a third-party liability claim for damages if you were injured through the negligence of someone other than your employer. For instance, you may be able to sue the manufacturer of a combustible product if you suffered a burn injury while loading or unloading that product.

One of the first steps to take after sustaining a loading or unloading injury is to contact our legal team at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman. We can guide you through your options for securing the compensation you deserve in the aftermath of your workplace injury. Set up a free case review, give us a call today at 302-888-2900 or drop us a message through our contact form. We have offices in Wilmington, Seaford, and Newark, enabling us to effectively serve clients throughout the state of Delaware.