Working in a restaurant can be physically demanding. You might be cooking in a hot kitchen, carrying trays of food, moving tables and rushing about during peak times. The conditions are ripe for injury.
If you work in a restaurant and get hurt on the job, you need to know what benefits are available to help you.
Michigan workers injured on the job have the right to receive certain benefits under the state’s Workers’ Compensation law. This applies to workers in any industry and any job.
The benefits include compensation for lost wages, payment of medical expenses, rehabilitation benefits, the cost of prescription medications and more.
HOW WORKERS’ COMP LAWS PROTECT RESTAURANT WORKERS
Most on-the-job injuries are covered under Workers’ Comp laws regardless of who was responsible for causing the accident.
So a restaurant server who slips on a wet floor at work and breaks her arm should be eligible for benefits even if her own negligence caused the accident.
Injuries do not have to come directly from a specific accident.
Workers’ Comp benefits are available for certain injuries or illnesses resulting from repeated activity, like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Restaurant workers may also be entitled to Workers’ Comp benefits for long-term exposure to harmful conditions.
For example, a long-time restaurant worker who was exposed to secondhand smoke at a restaurant for many years and developed a lung impairment may be eligible for benefits.
WHAT DOES WORKERS’ COMP COVER?
If your injury or illness is work-related, the law says you are entitled to payment for reasonable and necessary medical care.
For the first 28 days of treatment, your employer can choose the doctor or other medical provider who treats you. After 28 days, you can choose your own doctor.
Covered medical treatment includes the cost of prescription medications and rehabilitation therapies in certain circumstances.
If you’re unable to work for more than seven consecutive days because of a work-related injury or illness, you’re also entitled to wage loss benefits of approximately 80 percent of your after-tax wages.
WHAT IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY DENIES YOUR CLAIM?
Insurance companies often take an ungenerous approach to paying Workers’ Comp benefits.
They look out for their bottom line, not your best interests. They deny legitimate claims.
If that happens to you, don’t give up.
A Workers’ Comp lawyer will make sure you have someone fighting for the benefits you deserve.
CONTACT LEVINE BENJAMIN FOR HELP WITH YOUR CLAIM
You don’t have to hire an attorney to pursue your Workers’ Comp claim. But if you go it alone, you may miss out on valuable injured worker benefits.
If you’re a restaurant worker who was hurt on the job, the best way to ensure you get the appropriate compensation is to work with an experienced Workers’ Comp attorney at Levine Benjamin.
We understand how Workers’ Comp laws apply to the restaurant industry. We have experience helping restaurant workers collect benefits after on-the-job injuries.
The law says you’re entitled to certain benefits. Your Levine Benjamin Workers’ Comp attorney will help you get them.
In addition to Workers’ Comp, the attorneys at Levine Benjamin can also help with Social Security Disability claims and appeals if your work-related injury or illness will keep you from working for at least one year.
