As one of the first chains to operate in the Mexican fast-casual dining niche, Chipotle Mexican Grill has experienced rapid spurts of growth that has pushed the company over the 2,000-store mark. Chipotle has a strong presence in the United States, as well as in Canada and Western Europe. Fresh ingredients put together quickly is a business model that appeals to professionals that need to be in and out of a store within 30 minutes. Each Chipotle store produces fresh guacamole and Pico de Gallo two times a day. Which Chipotle Employees Are Likely to File a Workers’ Comp Claim? Chipotle operates a uniquely designed kitchen, with no fryers and just one, large flattop grill to cook meats and vegetables. Employees that work the grill are the most vulnerable to suffer from workplace injuries. The incredibly hot flattop can cause serious burns that force workers to get immediate medical attention. Chipotle stores are also not considered big venues, which means workers can bump into each other with hot foods. Workers also complete several prep lists throughout the day that involve using sharp knives and slicers. Cuts and lacerations are common injuries at Chipotle, with some of the injuries requiring stitches. Workers on the front line stand in one place for three to four hours at a time, which can lead to back stiffness and other issues caused by lack of movement. Like other types of restaurants, Chipotle employees are susceptible to suffering from back injuries because of following improper lifting methods. How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim The process for filing a workers’ compensation claim at Chipotle starts by reporting the injury to the supervisor on duty. Chipotle encourages its managers to work on the front line during the busy lunch and dinner rushes, which means your supervisor might have witnessed your workplace injury. Otherwise, you must report your injury as quickly as possible. Once you report your injury, the workers’ compensation process kicks into high gear. Your employer completes an incident report that it sends to its insurance company. After you report the injury, your manager provides you with information on your rights and workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer also gives you a workers’ comp claim form to fill out, which includes a section that describes what contributed to your workplace injury. What is the Insurance Company’s Decision? If your employer’s insurance company approves your workers’ compensation claim, then the insurer informs your employer about the decision and gets in touch with you to discuss payment details. You have the right to either accept the payment offer or decide to negotiate for a larger lump-sum settlement. If the insurance company denies your workers’ compensation claim, you can request a reconsideration from the insurer or file a formal appeal with the state workers’ comp board. Work with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Hiring a workers’ comp lawyer demonstrates to your employer that you are serious about filing a claim for financial assistance. An attorney can help you complete the injury report, as well as collect evidence such as security camera footage to help prove your case. Organizing your medical records helps your employer’s insurer determine the monetary value of your claim. *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 Chipotle Mexican Grill or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation. Additional Resources How Much Is A Claim Against Chipotle Worth?* Top Tips for Applying for Workers’ Comp. at Chipotle Mexican Grill
