Worker's Compensation and El Pollo Loco Working in a fast paced environment making delicious food can be a lot of fun. Working for El Pollo Loco is no exception. If you work for El Pollo Loco, ask yourself one question. What would happen to your family if you were hurt on the job? Rent, utilities, insurance, and groceries all still need to be paid for. Could your family handle those? It’s a very scary thought. Workers’ Compensation: The Safety Net for El Pollo Loco Employees If you’re hurt on the job, you have a safety net. Each state has a law that says most employers must provide workers’ compensation for their employees. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance purchased by employers like El Pollo Loco. When employees are hurt on the job, they can file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ comp helps injured workers pay for medical expenses related to the injury and may also provide a portion of their wages. It’s a safety net to help protect injured workers from financial disaster. Risks to El Pollo Loco Employees El Pollo Loco is a restaurant chain that has dine in, take out, and some drive-thru options for the public to purchase various chicken dishes. Like most restaurants, employees may work in multiple positions. The two most common positions are that of cashier and cook. There are many types of injuries that could occur while working at El Pollo Loco. Even if you wear non-slip shoes, both cooks and cashiers at El Pollo Loco are at risk for slipping and falling. Because both positions also repeat the same small movements for hours on end, there’s also a risk of repetitive stress injury. Moving around heavy boxes of chicken and restaurant supplies can cause you to hurt your neck, back, or shoulders. Cooks have special risks. Hot fryers can result in severe burns that require continuous medical care. Cutting up ingredients can also cause severe injury. It just takes a small slip of the knife to cut your fingers. Hurt on the Job? Follow These Steps If you’re hurt on the job at El Pollo Loco, you should talk with your manager or HR rep to learn how you can file a claim for workers’ compensation. Tell you supervisor right away about your injury. Don’t wait until the end of your shift. If you’ve been burned because of the fryer, cut yourself, or slipped and hit your head, these are medical emergencies. Make sure that you call 911. Work with your manager to fill out an accident report. This needs to be done right away because it makes it easier for you to remember the details of what happened. If you called 911, a responding officer will complete a report. Get the report number so that you can get a copy of the report. When you file your workers’ comp claim, ask if you can visit with the doctor listed on the workers’ comp policy. This is often free of charge when you file your claim. You can see your own doctor, but you may have to pay out of pocket. If you have a medical emergency, go to the emergency room or call 911. Make an appointment to speak with a workers’ comp attorney. Many offer a free consultation to workers who are hurt on the job. You can learn about your legal rights and get help. Know Your Rights If you’re hurt on the job, you should talk with a workers’ compensation attorney to learn about your rights. Many workers’ comp adjustors may not look out for your best interest. It’s important that you have an advocate on your side. Know your rights. Call a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. *The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against El Pollo Loco, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
