Truck driver workers comp causation in Wisconsin often happens from a driver loading or unloading duties. While many truck driving jobs do not involve loading or unloading, the jobs that do are very tough resulting in low back and neck injuries that are covered by workers compensation.
Your primary responsibility as a truck driver is to pick up cargo from one location and transport it to another. Sometimes you have to load and unload your cargo yourself. Other job duties vary depending on whether you’re an over the road long-haul driver, a local or light driver, a specialized driver or a route driver.
As a long-haul driver, you operate 80,000 lb. heavy tractor-trailer rigs. As a local or light driver, you transport cargo within a metro area, sometimes in a tractor-trailer or a straight truck. A specialized driver delivers loads such as liquids, hazardous industrial chemicals, hazardous waste, cars and oversized loads. A route driver is a hybrid of a truck driver and sales worker and therefore is also called a driver/sales worker. You deliver and arrange goods in retail stores – or in the case of rental companies, replace worn or soiled items. Route drivers have some of the physically demanding job duties that cause workers compensation low back and neck injuries resulting in lumbar fusion surgery or cervical discectomy surgery.
Smaller trucks require only on-the-job training, but heavy trucks and tractor-trailers require a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Certificate-level training programs for a CDL are available from a number of community colleges and private vocational schools. Programs teach you safe driving procedures, commercial truck laws and regulations, daily logging, freight handling and fire protection. Content is conveyed through a mix of classroom study and road exercises. To obtain your CDL, you must pass a practical driving exam and a written exam on road regulations for truck drivers.
Work-related truck driver physical job duties include inspecting the truck before and after a trip, fastening chains and binders to secure loads, loading or unloading cargo
However, in the real world, this doesn’t always happen. Truck drivers often act as or assist lumpers in loading or unloading and this may involve operating a hand truck, pallet jack or forklift. Physical strength and stamina are mandatory because you’re needed to stand, climb, bend, twist, and lift up to 80 pounds repeatedly. You may have to sort, pack and plastic wrap product.
McCormick Law Office attorneys in Milwaukee, Wisconsin have extensive experience successfully representing truck drivers workers comp claims who have suffered low back and neck injuries resulting in lumbar surgery and cervical surgery. Truck driver permanent work restrictions preventing a return to work driving truck cause workers compensation benefits to be paid.
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