Delivery drivers keep Illinois businesses running—transporting everything from packages and food to furniture and medical supplies. Whether they work for large companies like Amazon or FedEx, or for smaller courier services or restaurants, delivery drivers are essential to the state’s economy. But their jobs also carry unique risks.
From car accidents to slip-and-falls while dropping off packages, delivery drivers are often exposed to hazards that can result in serious injury. If you’re a delivery driver injured on the job in Illinois, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical bills and lost wages.
At Illinois Workers’ Comp Lawyers, we help injured workers across the state—including delivery drivers—understand their rights and file claims that ensure they get the support they need during recovery.
Are Delivery Drivers Covered by Workers’ Comp in Illinois?
Yes, most delivery drivers in Illinois are covered under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. This applies whether you work full-time, part-time, or seasonally. If you’re injured while performing your job duties, regardless of fault, you are likely entitled to benefits.
However, there’s one important catch: your classification as an employee. Many delivery companies label drivers as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits.
If you’re truly an independent contractor, you generally won’t be eligible for workers’ compensation. But in many cases, workers are misclassified and may still qualify for benefits depending on how much control the company has over their work schedule, equipment, and delivery process.
If you’re not sure how you’re classified, an attorney can help you analyze your work situation and determine whether you’ve been wrongly denied coverage.
Common Injuries Among Delivery Drivers
The job of a delivery driver may not seem dangerous at first glance, but it carries a variety of risks that can lead to injury. Some of the most common work-related injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Collisions are one of the leading causes of injury among delivery drivers. These can result in back injuries, concussions, broken bones, or worse.
- Slip and fall accidents: Drivers often walk on icy sidewalks, wet driveways, or uneven stairs while delivering packages. A fall can result in sprains, fractures, or head trauma.
- Lifting injuries: Carrying heavy packages repeatedly can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, such as herniated discs, shoulder tears, or chronic back pain.
- Dog bites or animal attacks: Drivers entering residential properties may encounter aggressive pets, especially during doorstep deliveries.
- Repetitive stress injuries: Long hours behind the wheel and constant lifting can contribute to overuse injuries like tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
No matter the type of injury, if it occurred while performing your delivery duties, it may qualify for workers’ compensation.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured as a Delivery Driver?
Taking the right steps immediately after an injury can make the workers’ compensation process smoother and protect your right to benefits.
- Report the injury: Notify your employer as soon as possible. In Illinois, you must report a work-related injury within 45 days. This can be done verbally or in writing, but written documentation is always recommended.
- Get medical attention: Don’t wait to see a doctor, even if your injury seems minor. Be sure to tell the medical provider that your injury happened while working.
- Keep records: Maintain copies of medical bills, accident reports, and any correspondence with your employer or insurance company.
- File a claim: You have up to three years to file a workers’ compensation claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission—but sooner is always better.
If your claim is denied or delayed, or if you feel pressured to return to work before you’re ready, it may be time to speak with an experienced workers’ comp attorney.
What Benefits Are Available for Injured Delivery Drivers?
Delivery drivers injured on the job in Illinois may be eligible for several types of workers’ compensation benefits, including:
- Medical benefits: Coverage for all necessary medical treatment, including doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, and medications.
- Temporary total disability (TTD): Partial wage replacement if you’re unable to work while recovering.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD): Compensation if the injury results in long-term impairment.
- Vocational rehabilitation: If you can’t return to your previous job, you may receive job retraining or placement services.
- Mileage reimbursement: For travel to and from approved medical appointments.
These benefits are designed to help you recover physically and financially. However, employers and insurers don’t always make the process easy. They may question how the injury happened or argue that it occurred while you were “off the clock.”
Contact Illinois Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today
If you’re a delivery driver injured on the job in Illinois, you have rights—and you’re not alone. Whether your injury occurred during a delivery run, while loading your vehicle, or even while walking up to a customer’s door, you may be eligible for compensation.
Contact Illinois Workers’ Comp Lawyers today to learn more about your options and how we can help you get the benefits you’re entitled to under Illinois law.
Workers’ Compensation for Delivery Drivers in Illinois FAQs:
1. Are Delivery Drivers in Illinois Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
Yes, most delivery drivers in Illinois are covered under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, regardless of whether they work full-time, part-time, or seasonally. However, independent contractors may not be eligible unless misclassified.
2. What Should I Do If I’m Injured While Making a Delivery?
Report the injury to your employer within 45 days, seek immediate medical attention, keep detailed records, and consider filing a workers’ comp claim as soon as possible. If issues arise, consult an attorney.
3. What Are the Most Common Injuries for Delivery Drivers?
Delivery drivers commonly suffer from motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, lifting injuries, dog bites, and repetitive stress injuries due to the physical demands and environments they work in.
4. What Workers’ Comp Benefits Can Injured Delivery Drivers Receive in Illinois?
Injured drivers may receive medical coverage, wage replacement through Temporary Total Disability (TTD), Permanent Partial Disability (PPD), vocational rehab, and mileage reimbursement for medical travel.
5. What If My Employer Says I’m an Independent Contractor?
Even if you’re labeled an independent contractor, you might still qualify for benefits if the company controls your schedule, tools, or delivery process. A workers’ comp attorney can help clarify your employment status.
6. How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Illinois?
You have up to 45 days to report the injury to your employer and up to three years to file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Prompt action is strongly recommended.
