When you think about workplace injuries, you often think of construction workers, first responders or others who perform dangerous jobs. However, workplace injuries can happen in every profession, including the restaurant and service industry.
Service Workers Injured on the Job
The service industry covers a wide range of positions, all of which have their own risks. A head chef risks burns, cuts or even slips on wet floors while working in the kitchen, even in a four-star restaurant. A waitress can suffer from broken bones by slipping on wet floors or tripping on uneven carpet.
In addition, service workers of all types must often lift heavy items which can lead to back and neck strains as well. All of these injuries are covered by workers compensation coverage as the law requires every employer to offer such coverage to their employees.
Hospitality, Restaurant and Service Worker Common Injuries
Although almost any injury can occur in the service industry, some of the most common causes of a service industry injury include:
- Lifting or balancing heavy trays or containers of dishes
- Reaching too far while serving food or clearing tables
- Lifting and moving tables to accommodate customers
- Workplace violence, including robbery
- Burns or scalds from kitchen equipment, including dishwashers, ovens and deep fryers
- Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as exhaust fumes
- Excessive noise, such as from live music or drive-thru windows
- Auto accidents during food delivery
The types of injuries that can be caused by these incidents include:
- Repetitive movement, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains and bulging discs
- Burns
- Back, shoulder and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Toxic exposure illnesses
- Loss of hearing
- Cuts and lacerations
Options Available for Workers
When injured at work, regardless of the cause or type of injury, you are eligible for workers compensation that will pay lost wages and your medical bills as you recover from the injury. Even if you contributed in any way to the accident that led to the injury, you are still covered under workers compensation.
After a service industry work injury, it is critical to report the injury to your employer immediately and to seek medical attention as soon as possible to document that injury. Once you have documented everything, you should contact our workers’ compensation attorneys in order to preserve your rights under the law.
If you or a loved one has suffered a service industry work injury, contact Lundy Law today to learn what rights you have under workers’ compensation laws. Under the law, you should receive lost wages and payment for any medical bills you incur as a result of the injury. Arrange for your initial consultation by calling 1-800-Lundy Law or complete the query form on our website.
