For package delivery drivers throughout Ohio, lifting injuries aren't just common—they're a predictable consequence of repetitive strain, heavy quotas, and bodies asked to do too much, too fast, for too long. When your livelihood depends on your ability to lift, bend, and move all day, a back or shoulder injury doesn't just hurt—it threatens your income, independence, and future.
The good news? Workers' compensation provides medical care and wage replacement when work injuries happen. The challenge? Getting employers and insurers to recognize that your lifting injury deserves the same attention as a dramatic accident. At Monast Law Office, Columbus workers’ comp attorney Jim Monast has more than 40 years of experience and offers strategic solutions that can help.
Key Takeaways:
- Back, shoulder, and knee injuries aren’t rare—they’re routine. Repetitive lifting and fast-paced deliveries make serious strain almost inevitable.
- Workers’ comp should cover lifting injuries—but often doesn’t at first. Many claims are downplayed or denied without proper evidence and advocacy.
- A denied claim isn’t the end—it's the start of your appeal. With the right documentation and legal support, you can still get the benefits you deserve.
Why Are Package Delivery Lifting Injuries Such a Problem?
The math is simple: hundreds of packages are handled daily, many weighing 30–70 pounds or more. The repetitive motion alone strains muscles and joints, but when tight delivery windows, awkward vehicle angles, uneven surfaces, and fatigue are added in, the body breaks down. Unlike warehouse workers who might lift in controlled environments, drivers contort themselves in truck cargo areas, twist on front porches, and rush through movements that make physical therapists shake their heads.
Three injury types dominate workers' compensation claims among delivery drivers:
- Lower back strains and herniated discs. Frequent bending and lifting throughout the workday place enormous pressure on lumbar vertebrae, leading to muscle tears, nerve compression, and chronic pain that doesn’t stop once you’re home.
- Knee injuries from constant kneeling and pivoting. Meniscus tears, ligament damage, and cartilage deterioration develop gradually as drivers climb in and out of vehicles, crouch to place packages, and navigate stairs while carrying heavy loads.
- Rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement. Overhead lifting, one-handed carrying, and repetitive reaching create shoulder injuries that eventually limit range of motion and make it nearly impossible to continue delivering packages safely.
These aren't minor aches. They're serious medical conditions requiring detailed diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, possible corrective surgery, and extended recovery time.
Why Do Lifting Injuries Warrant Dedicated Medical Attention?
Some employers treat delivery driver injuries as minor complaints—suggesting over-the-counter pain relievers and light-duty assignments that don't actually exist. But without thorough medical intervention, minor strains become chronic conditions. Herniated discs worsen. Torn ligaments never fully heal.
Yes, some people might think there’s a stigma to filing for workers’ comp, but there’s no reason not to access the benefits you’ve earned when you need them. You’ll have better access to orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and, if necessary, surgical intervention. More importantly, you shouldn't have to choose between working through pain and losing income. The system exists precisely to ensure injured workers receive appropriate care—and to prevent temporary injuries from becoming permanent disabilities.
What We Recommend for Filing a Workers' Comp Claim for a Lifting Injury
Ohio law requires you to report workplace injuries to your employer promptly—ideally within hours or days, not weeks. Yes, you’ve probably been dealing with pain and limitation for a while, but remember, as a package delivery worker, you deserve compensation to heal from job-related injuries.
To file a claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), you can do so directly or with help from your employer, an attending physician, or another representative. Keep records of:
- Your delivery schedule and package volumes. Demonstrating the physical demands of your job helps establish that repetitive lifting caused your injury.
- Medical evaluations and diagnoses. Get examined by a doctor who understands occupational injuries and can link your condition to your job duties. The BWC has a network of approved physicians, but you also have the right to choose your own treating doctor after the initial evaluation.
- Communication with your employer. Save emails, text messages, and written reports that show you reported symptoms early and followed proper procedures.
The BWC reviews your claim to determine if your lifting injury qualifies for workers' compensation benefits. It examines when the injury occurred, what you were doing at the time, and whether it was work-related.
What If the BWC or Your Employer Challenges Your Package Delivery Injury Claim?
For lifting injuries, the BWC sometimes questions whether the condition developed from workplace duties or stemmed from pre-existing problems or non-work factors. When this happens, you're not out of options.
Jim has successfully helped delivery drivers for UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and other Ohio companies secure the benefits they deserve and fight denied claims through the appeals process. If necessary, the team at Monast Law Office:
- Gathers more detailed medical evidence.
- Obtains expert opinions linking your injury to workplace activities.
- Presents compelling arguments to the BWC and the Ohio Industrial Commission.
Many initially denied claims succeed on appeal when an experienced workers' compensation attorney demonstrates the clear link between repetitive lifting and your medical condition. Jim won’t hesitate to counter the BWC's arguments and build a solid case showing your condition is covered.
