Harrisburg Restaurant/Food Worker Injury Lawyer
Working in a restaurant or in the food service industry is very fun, rewarding, and fast-paced. Unfortunately, it is also very dangerous work. When people think of workplace injuries, they typically first think of first responders, construction workers, and other industries that require workers to put themselves in danger or that require great physical strength. Still, anyone who has worked as a line cook, chef, or server knows that serving guests or working in a commercial kitchen can lead to very serious injuries. Below, our Harrisburg restaurant/food worker injury lawyer explains what to do if you have been hurt.
Common Food Worker Injuries
Punctures and lacerations are the most common injuries that happen in the food service industry. Cooks and chefs use slicers, knives, and other sharp instruments when they are preparing food, which makes cuts and punctures very common. While the majority of these injuries are quite minor, they can also be very serious if the cut is extensive or very deep.
Another very common injury in the foodservice industry are burns. In fact, they account for as many as one-third of all occupational burns in the country. Approximately 12,000 burns are reported in the food service industry annually. Due to the fact that most burns are not serious enough to report, the number is likely much higher than that.
Items that are hard to reach or misplaced can also result in strains and sprains, which are very common in the restaurant and food industry. When serving trays, dish trays, and other items are not properly lifted, it can result in a sprain or strain.
Food Worker Injuries and Workers’ Comp
It is not uncommon for people to think that injuries sustained in the food industry are not covered by the workers’ compensation system. Others often think that only full-time employees are eligible for benefits. However, under federal law, all employers are required to provide coverage for injuries sustained in the workplace to all employees, regardless of whether they are part-time or full-time workers.
If you have been injured while working in the food industry, you may not want to file a workers’ compensation claim due to retaliation on the part of your employer. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for filing a workers’ compensation claim. You deserve compensation for your workplace injuries and so, it is important to speak to a lawyer who can help you obtain the full benefits you are entitled to.
Call Our Restaurant/Food Worker Injury Lawyer in Harrisburg Today
Food workers are prone to suffering many injuries on the job and when they do, they are typically covered under the workers’ compensation system. At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., our Harrisburg restaurant and food worker injury and workers’ comp lawyer can investigate your case, help you through the process, and ensure you receive the maximum benefits you are legally entitled to. Call us now at 717-238-1657 or contact us online to request a free review of your case.
