The Most Common Restaurant Injuries in Charlotte, NC

The restaurant is one of the most delightful places to be in, and working in one can be exciting. Unfortunately, however, numerous disadvantages come with the job too, such as restaurant injuries. For example, you may need to work long hours, increasing the risk of work-related accidents and injuries. To get compensation for your injuries in those situations, you’ll need help from an experienced Charlotte workers’ compensation attorney.

The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics gives us an idea of how common restaurant injuries are. In a report, there were 93,800 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in full-service restaurants in 2019. Many of those restaurant accidents required at least one day away from work.

So, what are these common restaurant injuries, and what causes them? What happens after you’ve sustained a severe injury while working at your restaurant? We’ll provide answers to those questions and more in this article.

What Are the Primary Causes of Restaurant Injuries in Charlotte, NC?

Restaurants are always a beehive of many activities. So, many things could cause an accident, and the most common ones are:

• Slips and Falls 

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths. Unfortunately, slips and falls are prevalent accidents in the restaurant business. Food, wine, beverages, and grease can quickly get on the floor and make someone fall after slipping on them. Workers can also bump into each other in a hurry and fall.

• Angry Customers 

Sometimes, customers may get upset about the service delivery and strike the supposedly erring staff. Depending on the severity of the assault, the worker can sustain devastating injuries.

• Defective Products

Restaurant staff make use of numerous kitchen utensils and equipment. If any of such equipment is defective, it can cause an accident pretty fast.

• Criminal Attacks 

Money changes hands very often at restaurants. So, employees are pretty at risk of robberies and other criminal attacks.

• Traffic Accidents 

Not all restaurant staff work inside the eatery. Some restaurants have delivery staff who take food from the restaurant to their customers’ locations. Unfortunately, they can get into a road accident while making such deliveries.

What Injuries Am I Likely to Sustain While Working at a Restaurant?

Depending on the type of accident, you can sustain the following restaurant injuries while working:

• Cuts and Lacerations 

Kitchen employees in restaurants do a lot of cutting, slicing, and dicing. With those activities come the risks of cuts and lacerations. Staff can wear cut-resistant gloves to limit the likelihood of such an accident.

• Sprains and Strains 

Sprains and strains refer to injuries to the ligaments and tendons. Slips and falls are common causes of strains and sprains. You can also get them by maintaining a bad posture when lifting objects.

• Repetitive Motion Injuries 

There are numerous activities that restaurant employees do most of the time, every day. For example, you may carry trays and plates of food with a single hand every day. Such repetitive tasks can easily cause you some stress injuries. Unfortunately, carpal tunnel syndrome is one of such repetitive stress injuries.

• Burns and Scalds 

Burns and scalds are other common types of injuries that restaurant workers are susceptible to. They usually occur from accidents with hot objects or liquids. Burns can be very severe and cause permanent disfigurement or even death.

• Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones and fractures are common injuries you can sustain after a fall. They may take a lot of time to heal.

Will I Get Compensation for My Restaurant Injuries in Charlotte, NC?

Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may be eligible for damages under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system. You may also decide to file a third-party liability claim or lawsuit if someone else caused your injuries. Your workers’ compensation lawyers will discuss your options with you and let you know the best steps to take.

Let’s Get You the Compensation You Deserve

As a restaurant worker, you’re exposed to numerous types of work-related injuries as you carry on your daily tasks. From cuts and lacerations to burns and many more, these injuries can be debilitating. In such difficult situations, you’ll need all the help you can get to foot your medical bills and other expenses. That’s more so since you’ll be out of work for some time.

At Waple and Houk, our workers’ compensation lawyers in Charlotte, NC, understand your situation, needs, and concerns. We’d love to help you get maximum compensation for your injuries in this challenging time. Schedule a free consultation with us today, and let’s review your options together.