5 Types of Injuries Fast Food Employees May Suffer While on the Job
There are over 2.5 million fast food employees in the United States.
In fact, the Los Angeles metropolitan area has the second highest number of fast food employees in the country.
Fast food employees now often see different perks from their respective company’s. McDonald’s offers programs to help employees interested in college, while Starbucks offers various insurance benefits to qualified workers.
While most fast food employees stay safe building yummy tacos or slinging cheeseburgers, occasionally, injuries happen. As with most professions, fast food employees face the risk of a serious injury.
A study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that nearly 45,000 injuries amongst teen workers occurred at restaurant jobs. Estimates suggest 63 percent of these injuries occurred at pizza, burger, or other fast food joints.
There are a number of injuries fast food employees can suffer while on the job, including:
- Burns: cooking involves high-temperatures on grills, ovens, etc. Fries are often deep-fried at a starting temperature of 325 degrees. If an employee were to be splashed with water or grease, or accidentally touch a burning grill, they risk getting a serious injury.
- Slip and fall injuries: a customer may spill a beverage, or an uneven surface behind the counter, can cause an employee to slip, trip, or fall and injure themselves.
- Cuts: chopping items or using meat cutting devices create a risk of an employee accidentally cutting themselves while on the job.
- Muscle strains from repetitive motions, or lack of motion: a lot of fast food work involves repeated behaviors. Even working as a cashier forces employees to stand in the same position for long periods of time. The potential for pain becomes a possibility.
- Electrocutions: with numerous power outlets and other cables to connect equipment, employees may be electrocuted by loose wiring.
Some of the aforementioned injuries may lead to long-term injuries, including:
- Whiplash, or another serious neck injury
- Broken or fractured bones
- Fractured vertebrae, a herniated disc or another back injury
- Spinal cord injuries like paralysis
- Loss of limbs or amputations
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Damage to vital organs such as your lungs or kidneys
- Traumatic brain injuries following a fall
- Internal bleeding
- Wrongful death
In California, workers’ compensation benefits are obtainable for an injury caused by work-related duties. Unless exempt by law, all employers must cover workers’ compensation benefits for employees injured in the course of their employment.
Fast food employees can receive workers compensation for any injuries caused by their job, while on the clock.
Eligible benefits for employees can include:
- Medical care – compensation for various medical bills
- Temporary disability benefits – covers two-thirds of the gross (pre-tax) wages an employee may lose due to being out of work from an injury
- Permanent disability benefits – covers benefits for employees who are unable to return to work/completely recover following an injury
- Supplemental job displacement benefits – some employees can receive a voucher that assists them with job retraining or skill enhancement
- Death benefits – eligible dependents such as children, spouse, etc. can receive benefits following an employee’s death.
If you are injured at work, you should notify your employer as quickly as possible.
For workers’ compensation, you would need evidence that the injury occurred at work while performing a job-related function. Examples of evidence might include:
- Surveillance/security footage
- Witness accounts
- Medical records
- Personal documentation of the injury, such as photos, videos, etc.
Gathering evidence like this can be complicated, especially if you’re doing it alone.
Other complications may arise following a workers’ compensation claim. Claims adjusters may try getting you to settle for offers lower than an amount you legally have the right to receive.
At C&B Law Group, our team of Burbank workers’ compensation attorneys are prepared to help make sure fast food employees obtain the maximum compensation possible following a work-related injury.
We will help you build evidence and work with insurance companies/adjusters. We vow to openly communicate with you regarding your case.
You shouldn’t have to settle for less than what you deserve.
If you were injured on the job working at a fast food restaurant, contact our team of LA work injury lawyers today to learn more about a free consultation.
