Restaurants may appear to be a relatively safe place for employees, but
there are common dangers of which the public is not aware.
Risks restaurant workers face include injuries stemming from:
- Lifting or balancing heavy trays
- Reaching across table(s) to serve or clear
- Lifting and moving tables and chairs
- Workplace violence such as robbery
- Hot stoves, dishwashers, or other appliances
- Faulty electrical appliances or damaged electrical cords
- Exposure to hazardous chemical, toxins, or exhaust fumes
- Repetitive stress injuries
These threats can result in burns, back injuries, illnesses, broken bones,
and other harm to restaurant workers. These injuries can jeopardize your
ability to continue working in the service industry and you could be left
with extensive medical bills. Luckily there are two options available
to injured workers to obtain the compensation they need.
How do workers’ compensation and third-party claims work?
Workers’ compensation is a compromise between injured workers who
can rather easily recover damages without having to prove negligence,
and employers who are protected from personal lawsuits. The insurance
company working for the employer will investigate the injury after a claim
is filed. If your claim is approved, you can have your medical bills covered
along with benefits that would potentially pay you up to 66 2/3% of what
you were making on average a week up to the maximum comp rate.
Third party claims are for accidents which were the fault of a person or
entity other than your employer. These claims can often be sought in addition
to and run concurrent with your workers’ compensation claim.
A personal injury attorney can help with your claim in several ways. They
can collect all relevant evidence to establish the cause and extent of
your injuries. Gather medical records that substantiate those injuries
and seek a recovery for the damages sustained as well as pain and suffering
as a result of the negligence of others. Our workers’ compensation
attorneys can file for workers’ compensation, settle any disputes
with your employer, their insurance, or third parties, and file a suit
to recover damages.
If you were hurt while working in a restaurant, speak with a highly-qualified
Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation attorney from our firm to
obtain the damages you are due.