Injured on the Job at a Maryland Restaurant? Your Workers’ Compensation Rights Explained
Restaurant work looks fast-paced from the outside. From the inside, it is physically demanding, often dangerous, and filled with hazards that can cause serious injuries in an instant.
Burns, slips, lacerations, and repetitive strain injuries are all part of the daily reality for restaurant workers across Maryland. If you get hurt on the job, our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney explains the types of benefits you may be entitled to and how to protect your rights in a claim.
Common Injuries Maryland Restaurant Workers Suffer on the Job
The restaurant industry consistently ranks among the most dangerous work environments in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), food service workers suffer workplace injuries at rates well above the national average across all industries.
Fortunately, benefits available through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) can help cover their medical bills and other losses. Common types of injuries suffered by restaurant workers that may entitle them to workers’ compensation in Maryland include:
- Burn injuries from hot cooking surfaces, boiling liquids, open flames, and steam.
- Broken bones and back or head injuries due to slips and falls on wet kitchen floors, greasy surfaces, or cluttered walkways.
- Lacerations from knives, slicers, grinders, and other sharp kitchen equipment.
- Repetitive strain injuries in the wrists, shoulders, and back from prolonged lifting, carrying, and performing the same motions throughout long shifts.
- Workplace violence injuries from altercations with customers or coworkers.
- Exposure to cleaning chemicals and kitchen fumes can result in respiratory conditions or skin irritation over time.
Maryland’s workers’ compensation system covers all of these injuries, regardless of how they happened or who was at fault.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available to Injured Maryland Restaurant Workers
The service industry is fast-paced, and restaurant workers are sometimes unaware of their rights under Maryland workers’ compensation law. Under the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act, most employers must provide benefits, which may include the following:
- Payment for all reasonable and necessary treatment for your workplace injury, including emergency care, follow-up visits, surgery, and rehabilitation.
- Temporary total disability benefits help replace portions of your lost income while you are unable to return to work.
- Temporary partial disability benefits help if you return to work in a limited role and earn less than you did before the injury.
- Permanent partial disability benefits are available if your workplace injury results in lasting impairments.
- Vocational rehabilitation services can help you return to restaurant work or transition to a different role.
Restaurant employers and their insurers often push back on these claims. To protect your rights, get professional legal help.
Request a Consultation With an Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Restaurant work is dangerous, and injuries are common. Fortunately, Maryland workers’ compensation benefits can help cover your losses. At Berman, Sobin, Gross, Feldman & Darby LLP, we have the experience and legal skill needed to protect your rights. To get the maximum amount you need to recover, call or contact our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney online. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/os/ostb5536.pdf
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gle§ion=9-627&enactments=false
