Like most other North Carolina workers, UPS employees are entitled to benefits for workplace injuries. Generally, any injury that occurs while on the job and in the course of an employee’s duties is eligible for compensation.
If you are searching for information about UPS workers’ compensation, it’s important to understand that coverage is governed primarily by North Carolina law, not just company policy. In Charlotte and throughout the state, UPS employees are protected under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act, which requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover occupational injury claims. That means whether you are loading trucks at a distribution hub or delivering packages across Mecklenburg County, UPS workers’ compensation benefits are generally available if you are hurt in the course and scope of your job.
Working for UPS (United Parcel Service) can be a strenuous, intense, and high-risk job. UPS is no stranger to workplace injuries, from delivery drivers to warehouse workers, service center employees, and office employees.
Currently, UPS is insured by Liberty Mutual Insurance for workers’ compensation claims. If you are a UPS employee recently injured, you may be anxious about what is to come. Your injury may render you unable to return to work while your medical bills pile up.
UPS workers’ compensation insurance is designed to step in quickly to cover authorized medical care and a portion of your lost wages. However, understanding how workers’ comp actually works in North Carolina can make a significant difference in how smoothly your claim proceeds.
Contact our experienced North Carolina worker’s compensation attorneys today and let us help remove this burden.
Understanding Lost Wages and Disability Benefits Under UPS Workers’ Compensation
If your injury prevents you from working, UPS workers’ compensation provides lost wages and/or temporary disability benefits. In North Carolina, temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are generally paid at two-thirds (66%) of your average weekly wage, subject to a statutory maximum set each year.
If you suffer lasting impairment, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits. These benefits are often a central component of UPS workers’ compensation settlements. The value of permanent partial disability depends on the body part affected and your impairment rating assigned by an authorized physician.
Many injured workers in Charlotte also have questions about employer liability. Workers’ compensation is generally the “exclusive remedy,” meaning you cannot sue UPS for negligence in most situations. However, there may be third-party claims if someone other than UPS contributed to your injury, such as another driver in a delivery accident.
Steps to Take After a UPS Workplace Accident
Whether you are a delivery driver or warehouse worker, understanding what steps to take after an injury can help make your road to recovery smoother.
Here are five steps to take if you have a UPS injury.
1. Seek Emergency Medical Attention or Schedule an Appointment with a Pre-approved Physician
If you suffer a severe injury, you should seek medical attention by calling 911 or visiting your nearest emergency room. Even non-emergency injuries may still require a trip to the local E.R. to be evaluated and treated as necessary.
If you do not need immediate medical care, you should schedule an appointment with a pre-approved doctor to be checked out and treated for injuries or ailments. If UPS denies you this information, consult one of our lawyers immediately.
2. Report the Accident to Your UPS Supervisor
In North Carolina, employees must report a work-related injury to their employer as soon as possible but no later than 30 days after the injury. Importantly, this is a state law rather than a UPS policy. Different rules might apply if you work for UPS outside of North Carolina. You should also inquire with your supervisor about the UPS injury policy.
3. Collect Evidence
Collect any evidence you can from the accident scene. This might be simply snapping photos on your phone or speaking with co-workers who may have witnessed the accident. You should document any injuries and keep copies of all medical bills and records safe and organized.
4. Be Careful Speaking with UPS’ Insurance Adjusters
UPS’ workers’ comp insurer, most likely Liberty Mutual, will contact you to request a statement and document what occurred and the injuries you suffered. You should always be careful about what you say, and it is best to consult with an attorney before proving a recorded or written statement. Remember, this is UPS’ insurance carrier. They will try to minimize your injuries to avoid paying significant benefits.
5. Consult an Experienced Workers’ Comp Lawyer
It is no secret that UPS is a huge corporate employer. Seeking workers’ comp benefits can be more challenging than you might think. They may try to deny your claim or downplay your injury.
Consulting with an experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer will ensure you preserve your rights, minimize roadblocks, and streamline your way to the medical and pay benefits you deserve.
Common UPS Workplace Injuries
The type of injury workers will be most at risk of will depend largely on their job title and duties. For instance, delivery drivers will be at a much greater risk of a motor vehicle accident or dog bite than warehouse workers.
On the other hand, a warehouse worker will be at much greater risk of a forklift or machinery accident. With that in mind, here are the most common UPS employee injuries we see:
- Fractures,
- Overexertion injuries,
- Amputations,
- Strains and sprains,
- Cuts and abrasions,
- Herniated discs,
- Shoulder injuries,
- Back and neck injuries,
- Crush injuries,
- Whiplash,
- Spinal cord injuries, and
- Traumatic brain injuries.
If you are injured during regular job duties, you are entitled to wage replacement and medical benefits. Our attorneys help secure compensation for your injury.
Injured While Working at UPS? Speak to a Lawyer Now
Types of Benefits Available to UPS Workers
The specific type and amount of benefits you might be eligible for will depend on your situation. However, the following types of workers’ compensation benefits are generally available:
- Medical benefits to cover the costs of necessary medical treatment for a work injury or illness,
- Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits if the employee cannot work temporarily due to injury,
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) if the UPS workers can work with restrictions or at a reduced capacity,
- Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits for injuries that leave the worker permanently disabled and render them unable to return to work, and
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits if the injury results in permanent impairment or loss of function but does not render the employee disabled and completely unable to work.
In addition, an injured UPS worker may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation and training to acquire new skills if they cannot return to their previous job. Lastly, if a UPS dies as a result of their injury, their surviving family may be entitled to death benefits.
Return-to-Work Programs and Safety Protections
UPS may offer return-to-work programs that provide light-duty assignments while you recover. Accepting suitable light-duty work is often required to continue receiving certain benefits. If you refuse appropriate work within your restrictions, benefits can be suspended.
Additionally, UPS facilities are subject to federal workplace safety regulations, enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). If your injury was caused by unsafe working conditions, OSHA standards may be relevant in understanding how the accident occurred, even though OSHA violations do not automatically guarantee compensation.
Some UPS employees in North Carolina also have union representation. Union membership may affect internal reporting procedures or grievance processes, but it does not replace your right to file for UPS workers’ compensation benefits under state law.
FAQs About UPS Workers’ Compensation
How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim If I’m Injured While Working at UPS?
First, report the injury to your supervisor within 30 days. Next, ensure that a Form 18 (Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee) is filed with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. UPS workers’ compensation claims are then reviewed by the carrier, which determines acceptance or denial. Seeking legal guidance early can help ensure you properly complete forms and meet all deadlines.
Does UPS Provide Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Part-Time Employees?
Yes. In North Carolina, workers’ compensation coverage applies to eligible employees regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time. If you are on UPS payroll and suffer a compensable occupational injury, UPS workers’ comp coverage should apply. The amount of wage benefits may differ based on your average weekly earnings.
What Should I Do If UPS or Its Insurance Carrier Denies My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If UPS’s workers’ compensation carrier denies your claim, you have the right to request a hearing before the North Carolina Industrial Commission. Many denied claims involve disputes over whether the injury was work-related or whether medical treatment is necessary. An attorney can help challenge the denial, present medical evidence, and pursue fair UPS workers’ compensation settlements when appropriate.
North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
At Mehta & McConnell, we are North Carolina State Bar board-certified workers’ compensation lawyers. We always fight for the injured workers, even if it means going up against a company as large as UPS. Let us help you get started on your UPS workers’ compensation settlement today.
Legal References Used to Inform This Page
To ensure the accuracy and clarity of this page, we referenced official legal and other resources during the content development process:
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-1 et seq – North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act
- UPS insurance terms and conditions
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-29 – Compensation rates
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-31 – Permanent disability benefits
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-10.1 – Exclusive remedy
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-32 – Refusal of suitable employment
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-22 – Reporting requirements
- Form 18 – North Carolina Industrial Commission
Jason McConnell
Jason McConnell is the managing attorney of Mehta & McConnell Injury Lawyers, a Charlotte, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation law firm. In his free time he enjoys playing golf, cooking, traveling and following the UNC Tar Heels and Carolina Panthers.