Amazon delivery drivers are a familiar presence throughout Los Angeles, dropping off packages on doorsteps, traversing busy city streets, and forming a major component of Amazon’s immense delivery network. With so many drivers in action, workplace injuries have become a critical concern.

The Scope of the Issue

Amazon, one of the world’s largest retailers, supports over 300 million active customer accounts globally and employs hundreds of thousands of delivery drivers. As the number of drivers has increased, so too have incidents of work-related injuries. For example, in 2021, close to one in five Amazon delivery drivers reported injuries sustained while on the job, an increase of nearly 50% compared to 2020. Common causes of these injuries include:

• Vehicle collisions
• Slips, trips, or falls (for instance, on damaged surfaces or uneven walkways)
• Dog bites or attacks during delivery
• Hazardous conditions in and around customers’ premises

Do Amazon Delivery Drivers Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

In most cases, yes. If you are classified as an employee, either directly by Amazon or through one of Amazon’s Delivery Service Partners (DSPs), you are usually eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to cover medical costs, rehabilitative care, and a portion of lost wages during recovery.

Typically, workers’ compensation in California covers about two-thirds of an employee’s average weekly wages while the worker is unable to perform their duties. So if a delivery driver normally makes, say, $1,500 per week, they may receive roughly $1,000 per week while recovering.

However, complications arise when a driver is designated as an independent contractor. Independent contractors generally do not qualify for workers’ compensation under California law. If you are unsure whether your classification is correct, it’s critical to consult with an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation and employment law.

What If Workers’ Compensation Isn’t an Option?

If, for whatever reason, you don’t qualify for workers’ compensation, there are alternative legal paths you may pursue, particularly via a personal injury claim. Such a claim may be viable if another party’s negligence was responsible for your injury. Situations that could support a personal injury case include:

• A driver’s recklessness causing a collision
• Unsafe property conditions (e.g., broken stairs, slippery floors) owned by someone else
• A dog on someone’s property biting you during delivery

To succeed in such claims, gathering solid evidence is essential. This might involve:

• Police reports (especially in vehicular accidents)
• Photographs and videos of the accident site
• Medical documentation and bills
• Testimony from witnesses
• Security camera footage (if available)

What You Should Do Next If Injured

If you are working as an Amazon delivery driver and have suffered an injury on the job, Hillstone Law can help you:

• Assess whether you have a valid workers’ compensation claim
• Determine if your situation warrants pursuing a personal injury claim
• Collect and organize the evidence needed for your case
• Negotiate with insurance carriers or opposing parties to secure the best possible compensation

We handle cases involving a wide range of injuries, including:

• Musculoskeletal harm (back, neck injuries, herniated discs)
• Fractures and broken bones
• Head trauma and concussions
• Deep cuts or lacerations
• Internal injuries
• Loss of mobility or severe permanent impairment
• Wrongful death, in tragic cases

Your Rights. Your Recovery. Hillstone Law Is Here for You.

Do not settle for less than what you deserve. If you are an Amazon delivery driver who has been injured while working, whether through Amazon directly or via one of its delivery partners, you deserve full access to benefits and legal remedies. Contact Hillstone Law today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights, and fight to ensure you receive everything you are owed.