Loading and Unloading Injuries

Orlando, Florida

Loading and unloading trucks causes a significant amount of non-driving injuries in the trucking industry ever year. These injuries can be anything from an improper lifting technique to an accident with the industrial machinery while loading.

Injuries on the dock

Loading a truck at the dock of any lumberyard and unloading at any construction site or other location always involves a risk. A steel band could sever fingers, result in a deep laceration or even amputate an extremity. Over time, heavy lifting without the use of proper equipment can lead to strains and sprains, a debilitating back injury, herniated disc or chronic pain.

Injuries on the road

Besides potential injuries that may occur while physically loading or unloading a truck, an improper loading job can result in a catastrophic injury while en route. For example, a load of wood improperly loaded or insecurely fastened could come loose during transit and collide with the driver behind the truck. Or, if debris comes loose, it could end up in the middle of the road and lead to a multi-vehicle crash.

If you are a trucker, or involved in the loading or unloading process, there are specific procedures and safety measures you should take when securing a load. Here are a few tips that can help prevent a serious injury:

• Loading cargo: Avoid stacking loads too high, loading them unevenly or with uneven weight distribution. Failure to follow these safety guidelines can result in a load shifting, and may lead to a rollover accident.
• Securing cargo: Because of the catastrophic outcome that may be caused by an improperly secured load, there are strict regulations in place for proper cargo securement. Be sure to follow the guidelines outlined in charts and formulas that your company provides to determine the thickness of chains that must secure your load.
• Inspecting cargo: It is not unusual for semi trucks and other commercial trucks to spend days on the road with the same cargo. With large loads, cargo can shift and loosen the tie-downs. For this reason, truckers must inspect their loads frequently; once in the first 50 miles and once every three hours or 150 miles after that is advised.

Third-party claims

Although workers' compensation law normally prohibits lawsuits against your employer, if you or a loved one was injured due to a trucks defective equipment, or the injury was caused by a forklift, dock plate, load truck or other piece of machinery, you may be eligible for a third-party product liability claim.

If the accident was caused by a hazardous job site or environment, this may be the basis for a premises liability claim, in addition to a workers compensation claim.

If you were hurt by loading or unloading a truck or other work vehicle, the Orlando personal injury firm of Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter is here to help. With our knowledge of the Florida law, and our history of success, we can ensure you are treated fairly by the insurance adjuster and help you obtain money for your injury or illness. Please schedule a workers' compensation injury consultation at our office today.