Truck driving is one of the most physically demanding professions, and Louisiana’s busy highways and long-haul routes only add to the risk. When you operate a massive commercial truck multiple days per week, up to 11 hours per day, your body absorbs the toll of every mile.
The injuries truck drivers face on the job can be caused by a single accident or develop gradually over months or years. If you’ve been hurt while working as a truck driver, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Louisiana to help cover your medical expenses, wage loss, and more.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Hours of sitting in a cab, combined with the physical demands of loading and unloading cargo, can put enormous stress on your back. As a truck driver, you may suffer from herniated discs and bulging discs as a result. You can also sustain spinal cord damage in severe collisions, which can lead to chronic pain and even partial or complete paralysis.
Neck Injuries and Whiplash
Sudden stops, rear-end collisions, and even rough road conditions can jolt your neck violently, causing whiplash or more severe cervical spine injuries. You might not feel symptoms right away, but stiffness, headaches, and radiating pain can develop and worsen over time.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
The repetitive motions involved in driving, gripping the steering wheel, shifting gears, and climbing in and out of the cab can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. These injuries develop slowly but can become debilitating, causing numbness, weakness, and persistent pain that interferes with your ability to work.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A collision, a fall from the cab, or being struck by shifting cargo can all cause traumatic brain injuries. Even a so-called mild concussion can result in memory problems and other cognitive changes that affect every part of your life. More severe TBIs may require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
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Common Truck Driver Injuries in Louisiana
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Broken Bones and Fractures
High-impact crashes and falls are common causes of broken bones among truck drivers. Fractures to the ribs, legs, arms, and wrists can require surgery and extended recovery periods, keeping you off the road and out of work.
Hypertension
The sedentary nature of long-haul driving, combined with unhealthy meals and high stress, puts truck drivers at elevated risk for hypertension. When work conditions contribute to or worsen high blood pressure, it can lead to serious cardiovascular complications like heart attacks or strokes.
Sleep Disorders
Irregular schedules, tight deadlines, and overnight routes disrupt your body’s natural sleep cycle, leading to sleep disorders like insomnia. You may also suffer from chronic fatigue. These conditions not only harm your health but also increase your risk of being involved in a serious truck accident.
Mental Health Conditions
The isolating and stressful nature of truck driving can take a real toll on your mental health. Truck drivers often experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress at significant rates. These conditions can affect every part of your life and require just as much treatment and support as a physical injury.
Get Help Filing a Work Injury Claim in Louisiana
If you have suffered any of these injuries while working as a truck driver in Louisiana, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Babcock Injury Lawyers can guide you through every step of the claims process so you can focus on your recovery. Contact our Louisiana work injury attorneys at (225) 500-5000 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.