Getting hurt while delivering food can turn your day — and your income stream — upside down. If you drive for DoorDash, Uber Eats, or another gig economy app, you may wonder what happens next. Can you get food delivery workers’ compensation benefits? Will your medical expenses be covered? Or are you stuck paying your bills alone?
The answer isn’t always simple. Talk to a Scranton DoorDash work accident attorney at Munley Law to learn your rights. Our award-winning attorneys help injured drivers across Northeastern Pennsylvania, including those hurt while working for food delivery apps. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for compensation, we can help you figure it out.
Why Food Delivery Drivers May Be Denied Workers’ Comp
Most food delivery companies — especially DoorDash — treat drivers as independent contractors, not employees. That’s important because workers’ compensation usually only applies to employees. If you’re labeled a contractor (think freelancer), you may not be covered by:
- The company’s workers’ comp policy
- Health insurance through the company
- Disability or wage replacement benefits
But that doesn’t always mean you’re out of options.
DoorDash Drivers: When an Exception Applies
In Pennsylvania, courts look at how much control a company has over your work. If DoorDash sets your schedule, requires you to follow specific rules, or penalizes you for refusing deliveries, you may be misclassified. If so, you may actually qualify for workers’ comp — even if DoorDash says you’re a contractor.
This isn’t uncommon. A 2024 study by the Economic Policy Institute found that up to 30% of independent contractors in the United States may be misclassified, thereby denying them access to key protections, such as workers’ compensation. That’s why it’s critical to talk with a food delivery workers’ compensation attorney in Scranton or the surrounding area. Our team can help determine whether your classification was legal and if you’re owed benefits.
What If You’re Hit by a Driver While Delivering?
Even if you can’t file a workers’ comp claim, you might still be able to recover money through a third-party claim. For example, if someone hits your car while you’re on a delivery:
- You could sue the at-fault driver
- You might use your own car insurance (if it includes commercial or rideshare coverage)
- In some cases, DoorDash may offer limited occupational accident insurance
A personal injury claim could help pay for:
- Emergency medical bills
- Surgery, therapy, or other medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Common Injuries in Food Delivery Services
Food delivery may sound easy, but the risks are real. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, delivery drivers and truck drivers had one of the highest rates of workplace fatalities in 2024, with 1,032. — especially in high-traffic areas like Scranton or Wilkes-Barre. Our firm has handled cases involving:
- Car accidents: The top cause of injury for DoorDash and other app-based drivers
- Falls: Slipping on icy sidewalks or tripping on broken steps during deliveries
- Dog attacks: Unrestrained pets at delivery points can cause serious bites or trauma
- Assaults: Some drivers are injured during attempted robberies
What to Do After a DoorDash Work Injury
If you’re injured on the job, here’s what to do:
- Get medical care immediately: Even if you feel okay right after the accident, symptoms often show up later. Always get checked by a doctor and contact an attorney right away.
- Save your delivery records (screenshots, trip history, photos from the scene)
- Report the accident to DoorDash or the app
- Talk to a Doordash work accident attorney to protect your rights
Don’t assume you’re not covered just because DoorDash says so. A lawyer can dig into the details and advise you on your best next steps.
Real Case Wins for Injured Workers at Munley Law
For more than 60 years, Munley Law has fought for injured workers in Pennsylvania — including drivers hurt on the road. We’ve secured major results in work injury and vehicle accident cases, such as:
- $1.9 million for a client injured in a delivery truck crash
- $4.7 million settlement for a worker struck by a commercial vehicle
- $2.2 million verdict for a client with spinal injuries after a job-related accident
These results show our commitment to maximizing compensation for people with work related injuries who are unsure where to turn.
Why Choose Munley Law for a DoorDash Work Injury?
At Munley Law, we’ve built a reputation as one of the top injury and workers’ compensation firms in Pennsylvania. Our lawyers are Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and several of us have been recognized by:
We bring the same level of experience and care to every client — whether you were in a major crash or a slip-and-fall during a routine delivery. Injuries sustained while on the job should be taken seriously and we will pursue every angle in building a claim for you, determining your benefits, and helping you seek compensation.
Free Consultations for Food Delivery Workers
If you’ve been injured while providing delivery services in Scranton or anywhere in Northeastern Pennsylvania, don’t wait to get legal help. You may be eligible for compensation — even if you’ve been told otherwise. Contact a Scranton DoorDash work accident attorney at Munley Law for a free case review. We’re proud to say that you pay nothing unless we win for you.