Common Bus Drivers Injuries California Workers Compensation
Bus drivers have a difficult job that exposes them to many injuries. They have an increased risk of traffic accidents on the road as well as other types of accidents due to repetitive work. There are different means to collect compensation. This article provides information for bus drivers to learn about their legal rights.
Statistics relating to bus drivers injuries
The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics conducts studies every year. It has found that bus drivers are at the highest risk of injuries. This is due to the nature of their work, being on the road and sometimes in traffic. Furthermore, the risk of injuries comes from overexertion, slips and falls, and repetitive work. In 2011, transportation injuries affected 36% of bus drivers. This increased to 42% in 2013.
How do bus driver injuries occur?
More than 50% of bus drivers sustain injuries during their time at work. The majority of these come from traffic incidents. Another common injury overexertion and bodily reaction. These tend to be a consequence of repetitive motion, lifting, pulling and other daily strenuous actions required of them. Sometimes, these injuries take place due to helping board people of disabilities or elderly passengers. Finally, some bus drivers injuries can be sustained from violence occurring on the bus. For example, a passenger may be violent on board, or an animal can attack the driver.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Because these injuries occur while you were working, you are entitled for compensation. Compensation comes in the form of a claim that you have legal rights to pursue. This will help you tremendously because it covers your medical bills, your time off work and any income lost due to your injuries.
If you are a bus drivers who have sustained an injury, you should report to your employer immediately. After reporting an injury, make sure that your employer has filed a First Report of Injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. After that, your claim will be accepted or denied. If the claim is denied, you can file a petition to appeal within three years of the date of the injury.
Workers Compensation Attorney in South California
The team at Napolin Law Firm have more than 30 years of experience dealing with workers compensation cases. If you are a bus driver and you were injured while on the job, call us today for a free consultation.