Workers’ Compensation for Injuries at Food Manufacturers

We have thousands of people across the United States who are working for food manufacturers, such as Coca-Cola, Kraft, Bush Brothers Beans, Schwan’s, Tyson Foods, and Kern’s Bread. Food manufacturing has one of the highest injury and illness rates when compared to all industries. Among those injuries are repetitive motion, manual handling, slips and trips, and being hit by objects that are moving.

Food manufacturing is a demanding industry that requires thousands of workers, so ensuring proper equipment maintenance and ongoing safety raining is detrimental in reducing the risks of suffering an on-the-job injury. Some of these work-related injuries can be very serious, including major lacerations or compound fractures, spinal injuries, and even brain damage.

A lot of equipment is used during the food manufacturing process, so there are different kinds of packaging equipment, canning machines, label cutters, slicing machines, large mixers, and manual tools such as knives, ovens, sorting products for packages, and packing for shipping and delivery. Positions may include delivery drivers, machine operators, bakers, and packagers.

While many of these injuries are the standard work place kind of injuries, there are some injuries that are much more serious and that will haunt you for years to come. Some can cause permanent disability and result in even more debilitating conditions in the years ahead.

Injuries While Manufacturing Food

Because of the complexity of the tasks, and the quantity of food required, numerous people are injured in the food manufacturing industry every day. These are people who slip and fall on spilled ingredients, leaking containers, and dropped food. Other causes of accidents may include truck or vehicle accidents, tow motors or forklift accidents, or machinery that has not been properly maintained.

There have been workers seriously injured or even killed because of plant fires and explosions. If you suffer any kind of injury or illness on the job, you may have to some time off work so you can recover and regain your health. If you don’t get adequate workers’ compensation benefits, you could experience financial disaster. Your family depends on you and your income to pay for the necessities.

Workers’ compensation benefits are needed to help you cover your medical costs and help you make up for your lost wages. If you have suffered any kind of work related injury, you should seek the workers’ comp benefits that you deserve to help you get your family back on its feet. However, you need to make sure you carefully document everything and provide human resources and your supervisor with the most accurate details regarding your injury, symptoms, and treatment.

Workers’ Comp Settlements in Food Manufacturing

A blueberry processor employee suffered a slip and fall at work that caused a back injury. After years of receiving benefits, the client received an additional $220,000 lump sum settlement. A food factory worker injured his hand and foot on the job. He was paid benefits for years, but with the help of legal counsel, he got an additional $152,000 in benefits.

While many people receive ongoing benefits, such as regular paychecks or monthly payments, many of these individuals are also eligible for lump sum settlements as well. Workers’ comp is multi-faceted and several different things must be considered when determining your settlement for your injury.

Consult Legal Counsel

If you work in food manufacturing and you suffer an injury on the job, you should not try to settle with workers’ compensation insurance representatives on your own. You should consult with an attorney who will help you with your claim and make sure you are treated fairly.

Your lawyer will determine when and if you will be able to return to work based on your medical records, the severity of your injury and how your injury will impact your future, and if you will continue to suffer pain. Your settlement should be based on your time off from work, your pain and suffering, and your ongoing medical treatment needs.

Your lawyer will make sure your medical expenses are covered, your family doesn’t have to suffer from your inability to work, and that you are fairly compensated for your pain and suffering. If you have been hurt at work, consult with a lawyer right away.

Learn more about specific Food Manufacturers below: