Ever hear that old saying about mail being delivered ‘rain or shine’? Do you wonder how this affects the employees?
“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these carriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” the United States Postal Service creed says. Well, this USPS motto may be leading to injuries among some of its workers.
Last month, WKRN-TV reported that at least six mail carriers were injured while they were trying to complete their routes in the Nashville-area following winter storms.
Keep in mind, postal carriers can face tough conditions on the job, and they can be injured in vehicle accidents, slip-and-falls and animal attacks. According to the station, USPS said that it normally tries to complete all routes, but if the conditions are unsafe, mail may not be delivered. However, who decides whether the mail should be delivered in poor conditions or on certain routes?
According to a USPS representative, it is up to the carriers. In our opinion, this may not be the best way to conduct business—leaving it up to the workers to decide if they want to fall behind on deliveries or perhaps take days off could lead to decisions they would otherwise not make.
WORKING WITH AN ATTORNEY FOLLOWING A WORKPLACE ACCIDENT
Keep in mind, like any other employee in the Volunteer State, postal carriers who are injured on the job have certain legal rights. This is why following a workplace accident, it may be wise for an employee to speak to an attorney, as victims are often entitled to workers’ compensation and benefits and/or damages through an injury lawsuit.
Additionally, if you face dangerous conditions on the job like a postal carrier, where you are required to transport items or make deliveries, if you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds for a third-party lawsuit. These cases involve holding a party other than your employer liable. They can involve other drivers on the road who have caused accidents or irresponsible property owners.
Remember, a workplace accident can place a financial burden on an employee. Often, there are significant medical bills that build up after an on-the-job injury. Make sure you hold the person or entity responsible for your accident liable—you should not have to suffer because your employer or a third party was negligent.
Our Nashville injury attorney can assist you following your workplace accident. For more information about how we have helped victims, visit our verdicts and settlements page.
“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” – Psalms 91:4
Source: https://wkrn.com/2015/02/23/winter-weather-causes-mail-delays-injuries-to-6-nashville-carriers/