Since the first store opened in 1986, Five Guys has grown from its Washington DC area roots into a national quick-service restaurant chain. The business model of the company is hand-forming burgers that never see the inside of a freezer. In fact, Five Guys does not install freezers at any of its restaurants. The hand-formed burgers sit in coolers until they are ready for the flattop grill. Five Guys is also known for its hand-cut fries that are cut whenever a customer places an order. Thirty-plus years after the first store opened in Arlington, Virginia, Five Guys operates nearly 1,700 stores located throughout the world. Which Five Guys Employees Are Likely to File a Workers’ Comp Claim? Hand-cut fries receive second billing on the Five Guys menu, but workers that handle them are the most likely to file a workers’ compensation claim. At least one employee hand cuts batches of fries from before the doors open in the morning until around closing time at night. The high volume of fries means each fires cutter is susceptible to receiving cuts and lacerations on the hands and arms. Fries also contribute to another type of injury at Five Guys. Multiple fry cooks work each shift, and each one is at risk of suffering from burn injuries. Incredibly hot grease in the fryers can send a fry cook to the hospital for emergency care. Another burn issue with the fry grease occurs when a fry cook mistakenly thinks the fryer has cooled down when in fact it has not. The amount of grease at a Five Guys means workers have to stay alert for potential slip and fall hazards. Like most restaurants, every employee at a Five Guys restaurant is vulnerable to slipping and falling. A slip and fall accident can happen in the dining room as well, especially near the large beverage machine. How Do I File a Workers’ Comp Claim? Filing a workers’ compensation claim at Five Guys starts by informing your manager about the incident that caused your injuries. Your manager should act immediately by completing an injury report that goes to the company’s insurance company. You should receive information concerning your rights under your state’s workers’ compensation law, as well as the benefits you can expect to receive if the insurance company approves your claim. After submitting the injury report, your manager waits for the insurance company to make a decision. Approval of your claim means the insurance company contacts you to discuss the details of your compensation. You can either accept the terms of compensation or negotiate a settlement that gives you a higher lump sum settlement. If the insurance company denies your claim, you can request a reconsideration or file a formal appeal with your state’s workers’ compensation board. Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney can help you gather and organize the evidence you need to persuade your employer’s insurance company to approve your claim. Footage from your store’s security camera system might provide the evidence you need to get your claim approved. Your lawyer may speak with any witnesses, which can include customers that dined at your store at the time of the incident. Other pieces of evidence can include maintenance reports and the temperature readings of the fryers. *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 Five Guys or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation. Additional Resources Help! I was Hurt Working for Five Guy's! How Can I Start a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
