Federal Express, commonly known as FedEx, began its operation in 1973 and is currently headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded by Frederick W. Smith, the concept of the business was to quickly send time-sensitive package by air freight within one or two days. With fourteen small aircraft, the first air freight launch delivered 186 packages to twenty-five cities along Eastern coast of the United States.
In 2000, FedEx Services began, which provides technology, sales, and marketing support. Over the years, FedEx has expanded and created additional companies and services to aid in the continue success of the company. FedEx consists of:
- FedEx Freight
- FedEx Ground
- FedEx Logistics
- FedEx Office
FedEx and workers’ compensation
Accidents happen in the workplace every day. Employee suffer injuries and illnesses during the course of the employment. The injuries may require the employee to seek medical care and miss days from work. The medical expenses become an unexpected financial obligation. To receive compensation for a work-related injury, an employee must notify her employer of the injury as soon as possible after the incident and make a claim. The employer must handle the claim through the business’ workers’ compensation insurance.
In New Jersey, employers must have employment insurance that covers all employees in case they are injured in a job-related incident. However, both states allow employers to choose the source of the insurance. One option is to purchase a workers’ compensation insurance policy. The second option is for employers to receive approval to have self-insurance.
Workers’ compensation is no-fault insurance that provides medical benefits and wage compensation to the injured employee. It is the exclusive remedy for compensation in New Jersey for employees who are injured in the workplace. If the initial claim with the employer is denied, the employee can file a workers’ compensation claim. If the employer’s workplace is in New Jersey, the employee files his formal claim petition with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation.
When an injured worker files a workers’ compensation claim, they may be eligible to receive the following benefits:
- Medical benefits
- Partial disability benefits
- Total disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
FedEx workplace hazards
Transportation and warehousing industries had over 100,000 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses. As an company that operates in both industries, FedEx is focused on maintaining a culture of safety in its work sites. Even with the company’s comprehensive safe workplace education and training program, accidents still happen. However, it is hard to plan for the unexpected.
FedEx ships an average of fifteen million packages each day. To keep up with the volume of customer orders, the employees must move efficiently and quickly to meet the high shipping demand. The courier, drivers, and handlers are the essential to the UPS shipping and transportation process and help to sustain productivity.
FedEx couriers and drivers face hazards while driving. Their workplace extends from the warehouse to the delivery vehicle and even to the customers’ locations. The stacked boxes in the back of the delivery truck have the potential to tumble and fall on the employee when he is retrieve a package. Delivery drivers are at an additional risk of having motor vehicle accidents.
Workplace accidents may result in minor or severe injuries to an employee. The resulting injuries may be:
- Sprains or strains
- Bruises
- Fractures
- Cuts
- Pain or soreness
Traumatic brain injuries at FedEx
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occurs after a blow, jolt, or penetration of the head, skull, or brain. The injury blocks the brain from normal function. The severity of the injury may cause temporary or permanent damage.
Every year approximately 1.5 million people suffer a TBI. Falls are one of the top causes for TBIs, In the workplace, employees may fall because of slippery floors, loss of balance, muscle weakness, foot pain, and unsafe footwear. In addition to falling, workers may suffer TBIs from:
- Vehicle-related collisions
- Violence
- Falling or projectile objects
Neck injuries at FedEx
The neck carries and supports the weight of the head. FedEx employees may spend the workday turning their neck to look down, side-to-side, and to the back. The stress and twisting of the neck can cause pain and soreness. Neck pain is a common sign and symptom of something more serious, like an injury.
Neck injuries may occur from slip and falls, lifting heavy objects, falling objects. Although FedEx delivery and warehouse workers work in environments that put them in risk of neck injuries, employees in other departments may also be vulnerable to neck injuries. Workers in office settings also perform repetitive activities that add stress to their necks. For example, sitting and looking at a computer screen for extended time periods may strain the neck muscles. Other neck injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Sprain and strains
- Pinched nerve injury
- Neck vertebral fracture
- Spinal cord damage
Hiring an attorney
Workers’ compensation claims can be complex and time-consuming. The claims process can be overwhelming while you recover from your injury. It is best to contact an experienced worker’s compensation attorney to protect your rights and find out the eligible benefits for your workplace injury.
Petrillo and Goldberg Law, founded in 1993, has over 25 years of handling cases in the law areas of personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, and workers’ compensation. The law firm primarily serves South Jersey communities as well as the metropolitan area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our attorneys are well-versed in New Jersey law and effectively represent clients.
Our law firm approaches each case with a team-based method. Each attorney in the firm contributes their legal knowledge, skill, and experience to a different stage of the client services. We work diligently to provide superior representation in every case. We advocate for our clients’ rights and fight for their entitled compensation.
For information or assistance with a claim for compensation, contact us today at (856) 249-9288 for a free consultation or case evaluation. Our offices are conveniently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Pennsauken, New Jersey; and Woodbury New Jersey.
