What is the Average Taco Bell Workers’ Compensation Claim?*

Taco Bell employs tens of thousands of workers in its extensive chain of Mexican style fast food restaurants. Every day, several of these employees are injured while working at a Taco Bell outlet. Employees are particularly exposed to cuts, burns and scalds while working in the kitchen of a Taco Bell restaurant. While clearing leftover meals and cleaning up in the restaurant, Taco Bell employees may slip or trip over and suffer cuts, bruises, broken bones and sometimes more serious injuries.

Nearly every state in the U.S. requires major employers like Taco Bell to provide workers’ compensation cover to their employees in the event of a workplace accident and injury. This is a no fault type of insurance and unless the worker has sustained self inflicted injuries should receive adequate compensation according to state WC regulations.

What is an Average Taco Bell Workers’ Compensation Claim?

The average claim for workers’ compensation after a Taco Bell workplace injury might mean a few weeks compensation for wage loss and full reimbursement or payment of reasonable medical treatment. Some employers or their insurers have preferred medical practitioners or medical centers where assessment of the injury and treatment is undertaken.

A Taco Bell WC claim could range from a few hundred dollars because of a minor injury that nevertheless meant time off work and medical treatment to several tens of thousands of dollars in the worst case scenario where an employee sustained serious long term injuries.

Taco Bell Workers’ Compensation Settlement

An injured worker should always prioritize medical treatment after a workplace injury. Workers’ compensation would be unlikely if the worker did not get their injuries assessed by a doctor or other medical professional.

The injury must be recorded by the employee’s restaurant manager or supervisor. In some states, it is the employer’s responsibility to inform the state WC Board or equivalent about the injury. The company’s insurer is responsible for assessing the claim when it is finally received. A successful fair settlement depends on sufficient documentation and proof that the injury happened at work.

average Taco Bell Workers' Comp. Claim

How a Settlement Might Be Calculated

Workers’ compensation settlements are not the same as those given to a personal injury claim. There are only two main components making up the settlement. The first is compensation for the cost of medical treatment. This is generally calculated as the full cost of treatment, including potential long term medical costs if the injury is very serious.

The second component is compensation for lost wages. This is determined by each state where the Taco Bell restaurant is located. The average payment is around two thirds of what the worker might have earned if able to keep working.

Example of a Taco Bell Workers’ Compensation Settlement

A Taco Bell employee slipped and fell on a slippery restaurant floor and received multiple injuries including broken ribs and a punctuated abdomen. Emergency treatment was needed to stem bleeding and support the broken ribs. The following is an example of a breakdown of amounts claimed.

emergency ambulance cost: $120;
x-rays, scans and other tests at a hospital: $800;
consultation and medical treatment at the hospital: $1,800;
surgery on punctured abdomen: $9,000;
medication and bandaging: $550;
follow up care and physical therapy: $700;
wages lost at 0.67 x hourly wage ($9) x 5 weeks x 38 hours a week = $1,140.

Total claim was $14,110.

Tips for Your Taco Bell Workers’ Compensation Settlement

Tip#1: Get treated and your injury assessed as a priority;

Tip#2: Tell your restaurant manager as soon as you can about the accident and how it happened as well as when and the nature of the injuries;

Tip#3: Collect evidence of payments for treatment as well as statements from fellow employees confirming how the accident happened;

Tip#4: Make sure that you file your claim within the statute of limitations for the state you work in.

Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

A workers’ compensation settlement is never guaranteed. It can be frustrating filing a claim to learn that it has been denied by the insurer. It is advisable to talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer about your claim at any stage of the claim process. Use the Free Case Evaluation form to get connected with an independent attorney who subscribes to the website.

*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Taco Bell, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.