A Guide to Work Injury Rights
& Claims for FedEx Workers
in South Carolina
Learn how to file a claim to maximize your compensation after an injury at a Columbia FedEx
Delivery services like FedEx help to keep our city connected, ensuring packages reach their destinations on time. But for the dedicated Columbia workers behind the scenes, the fast-paced environment and demanding physical tasks can harbor hidden dangers. Lifting heavy boxes, sorting packages on tight deadlines, and navigating busy streets are just some of the risks FedEx workers face every day.
Fortunately, South Carolina law protects workers who suffer injuries or illnesses on the job by providing them with workers’ compensation benefits during their recoveries.
If you find yourself navigating a FedEx work injury in Columbia, this article is for you. In it, we’ll explain your rights and the benefits you’re entitled to under workers’ compensation and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Looking for individualized help or have additional questions?
Reach out to the experienced Columbia work injury attorneys at Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega to schedule a free consultation.
What are the most common injuries for FedEx workers?
FedEx workers are known for working in high-paced and physically demanding environments that push their physical limits. Naturally, learning how to properly lift boxes, assessing a property before approaching, and driving safely are all important parts of work injury prevention plans.
But even with appropriate training and safety measures, FedEx workers are susceptible to a variety of accidents and injuries. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Repetitive stress injuries. The repetitive nature of package handling and delivery can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and tendonitis.
- Slips, trips, and falls. Whether slipping on icy sidewalks in winter, tripping over obstacles, or falling while navigating uneven surfaces during deliveries, these incidents can lead to serious injuries, including fractures, lacerations, and brain injuries.
- Traffic accidents. Work-related driving accidents are a significant risk for FedEx delivery drivers, especially given the long hours spent on the road. These can result in a range of injuries, from minor whiplash to permanent spinal cord injuries.
- Musculoskeletal injuries. These are common due to the physical nature of the job, which involves lifting, bending, and carrying heavy packages. Injuries such as strains, sprains, and tears can occur, particularly in the back, knees, and shoulders.
- Dog bites. When delivering packages, encounters with dogs can result in bites and other injuries. This risk is especially prevalent when entering private property.
- Heat stress. Working in hot conditions, especially during the summer or in warm climates, without proper hydration or breaks can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Regardless of whether an injury occurs while driving, loading packages on a truck, or performing another work-related duty, workers’ compensation can provide the medical treatment and financial support FedEx workers need while they recover.
In the news:
South Carolina FedEx driver dies in tragic crash
In 2023, Tyler Tumolo, a 23-year-old FedEx driver from Summerville, tragically lost his life in a single-vehicle collision in West Ashley, Charleston. The accident occurred on the morning of March 17 on the 2100 block of Henry Tecklenburg Drive when his truck veered across the center line, left the road, and collided with a tree.
Tumolo, who was wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene. The Charleston County Coroner confirmed his identity and the circumstances of the crash, which is under investigation by the Charleston Police Department. Given the nature of the accident, his family may be eligible for workers’ comp death benefits.
How does FedEx workers’ comp work?
In South Carolina, FedEx employees, like most other workers employed by companies with 4 or more employees, are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This coverage is mandated by state law to ensure that employees who suffer injuries or occupational diseases related to their work receive medical care and compensation for lost wages without undue hardship.
Workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system, which means that employees do not need to prove that their employer was at fault to receive benefits. Instead, they only need to demonstrate that their injuries or illnesses are work-related.
This no-fault approach simplifies the process of obtaining compensation, as it removes the need for litigation over the cause of the injury.
Why Did It Take So Long for Me To Get Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Insider insights on what you need to know to expedite your claim.
What are the steps for filing a work injury claim in SC after a FedEx injury?
When you get injured or suffer an occupational disease at work in South Carolina, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps to begin the process of seeking workers’ compensation benefits.
Completing each step on time helps you move through the process efficiently and ensures you don’t miss your chance to receive compensation.
- Seek medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor at first. This will provide documentation that links your injury to your job, which is crucial for a successful claim.
- Report the injury to your supervisor in writing immediately, but no more than 90 days after your injury or the discovery of your work-related disease.
- Ensure your employer files a workers’ compensation claim. After you notify your employer of your injury, they’re required to file paperwork with their insurer and the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission to begin the claim process.
- If they refuse to file this claim, you can do so yourself by submitting Form 50 to the Commission. However, it’s often wise to involve an attorney if you get to this point, as your employer is indicating that they’re not going to be cooperative in the process, and you’ll likely be denied the benefits you deserve.
Another important note: If your case is complicated or you suffer a serious injury that will require extensive medical treatment or time off work, it’s always best to consult with a local workers’ compensation attorney before accepting a settlement offer to ensure you’re getting the full compensation you’re entitled to, taking into consideration your future medical needs and work abilities.
What worker’s comp benefits am I entitled to after an injury at FedEx?
South Carolina workers’ compensation covers a range of benefits that can help in your recovery. Understanding the benefits available to you helps ensure you seek the right types of compensation to fit your needs.
- Medical benefits. After an injury, you may have doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy that all add up to significant bills. Workers’ compensation will cover all these medical-related costs.
- Lost wage benefits. Depending on the type of injury you sustain, you may need to take time off from work to heal. These benefits provide you with partial compensation for your lost wages, typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, to help you manage your household finances while you recover and are not considered taxable income.
- Permanent disability benefits. If you experience a permanent impairment, then you could also be eligible to receive ongoing compensation to make up for your lost future earning capacity.
- Death benefits. This benefit covers the financial needs of dependents who are left behind after a FedEx employee dies due to their injuries. The compensation is meant to cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and a portion of the employee’s lost income.
Keep in mind that these benefits are negotiable, and your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer may not offer you the full value of your claim.
We cannot say this enough: Be sure that you have a complete understanding of the long-term implications of your injury before accepting a settlement offer from the insurance company, as you won’t be able to go back later and renegotiate if you discover your injury is more severe than you originally thought.
FAQs about South Carolina workers’ comp
How soon after an injury should I file a workers’ compensation claim?
It’s crucial to file a workers’ compensation claim promptly after an injury to ensure fair compensation and to simplify the process of linking the injury to the workplace accident. In South Carolina, you must report your injury to your employer within 90 days to maintain eligibility to file a claim.
Additionally, either the injured worker or a dependent (in the case of a fatal accident) should formally file a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission within 2 years of the accident or the date of death.
This involves completing and submitting either Form 50 for workplace injuries or Form 52 for fatalities due to workplace accidents before the two-year deadline expires.
What should I do if my claim is denied?
If the claim is denied, then you still have options. You can request a hearing to appeal the decision with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission by filing Form 30.
If you haven’t already reached out to an attorney, then this is a good time to do so. Appeals can get complicated, and an attorney can help you gather the needed evidence and build a strong case.
Can I see my doctor for an injury?
As an injured worker in South Carolina, you may be required to see an employer-approved physician, except in emergency situations. Be sure to check with your employer to see if they have a list of approved doctors before seeking routine treatment to ensure it will be covered under workers’ comp.
Injured at a Columbia FedEx? We can help!
If you’re a FedEx worker in Columbia who’s suffered a serious workplace injury, you don’t have to navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation alone. Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega are here to help.
Our experienced attorneys understand the challenges you face and are committed to securing the compensation you deserve. We can assist you in filing your claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring all deadlines are met.
