Injuries in the Sit-Down Restaurant Industry Result in Workers’ Compensation Claims

There are thousands of restaurants scattered across the United States. Each of these dining establishments has to have an adequate staff to handle the duties. There are many things to do in a restaurant besides just preparing food.

Because restaurant staff have some many duties, their risks of being injured are also real. Hundreds of restaurant employees are hurt on the job every year. These can be injuries that are painful, but seem minor because they do not impact the individual the rest of his or her life, or they could be more serious injuries that will haunt the employee for all the years that lie ahead.

As an example, a cook in a restaurant could suffer severe burns from spilled grease, or a server could experience a serious back injury or a compound fracture because of food or drinks spilled in the floor causing them to crash into the table or equipment.

A restaurant manager could hurt her hips or spine from a fall after trying to remove snow and ice from a parking lot and make the location safe for customers. And, unfortunately, there is the risk of being injured by irate customers or robbers when making the daily cash drops or taking the nightly deposit.

A butcher or the food prep staff that cuts and readies the produce could suffer a serious cut that leads to infection, or they could even suffer the amputation of a finger. Handling knives day after day can be a serious challenge and just one slip up can cause serious bodily harm.

While one-time injuries are real, those in the restaurant business can also experience repetitive trauma, such as carpal tunnel to the wrists from carrying trays and plates all day or tarsal tunnel to the feet from standing all day. Those working as dish washers are constantly doing repetitive motions that can wear out joints and cause pain.

Serious Restaurant Injuries

One example of a food industry injury includes a restaurant worker who slipped on a wet floor and fractured a wrist. The right distal radius ulnar fracture resulted in a workers’ comp settlement for $25,043.75.

Another food service worker, who was employed as a butcher, injured his arm from repetitive use on the job. He ended up with ulnar nerve release, shoulder arthroscopy, and trigger thumb. Experiencing permanent restrictions, he was not allowed to return to work, he was awarded $138,704.70.

While some injuries are more severe than others, all injuries will have an impact on your life. You will suffer pain, stress, anxiety, and face the frustration of being unable to work or provide for yourself and your family. While some people are so severely injured they cannot return to work at all, others may be only out of work temporarily.

Regardless of the severity of your injuries, workers’ compensation was designed to ensure you are fairly treated and compensated for any injuries or illnesses that result from your work environment. Making sure you file accurate reports and provide detailed information is essential aspects of the claim.

Seeking Legal Guidance

Because workers’ comp claims are complex, you should not attempt to talk with the workers’ comp lawyers before getting your own legal representation. Your lawyer will help you through the process and ensure you are treated fairly, getting the compensation that you deserve while ensuring you have access to any ongoing medical treatment that you may need.

As soon as you realize you have suffered a work-related injury, you should schedule a consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney. These are lawyers who specialize in helping clients who have been hurt on the job and they will fight to ensure these working men and women are treated fairly and their rights are protected.

If you settle a workers’ comp case without legal representation, odds are that you will not get the maximum settlement and you will not receive all the benefits to which you were entitled. Seek representation that will fight for you when you are facing off because of your on-the-job injuries and ongoing medical needs.

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