When you think of workplace injuries, high-risk occupations like roofing, logging, and construction may come to mind. But if you work in the restaurant and foodservice industry, you may also confront debilitating injuries in the course of your job.
Most restaurant workers in South Carolina are eligible to file workers’ compensation claims when work activities cause an injury. If your claim is denied or dismissed, a South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer at Stewart Law Offices can help you apply for the benefits you need while you recover.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Workplace Injuries at Restaurants
Burns, cuts, slips, falls, and broken bones often sideline restaurant workers. In addition, repetitive motion injuries are commonplace.
Think of slicing large volumes of vegetables day after day. Or operating a cash register at a busy diner. Even the constant bending when inserting large pizzas into a brick oven and removing them when done. Any of these activities could result in an injury.
Sometimes an injury can resolve in a couple of days. Other times, you may not be able to return to work for weeks, months —or, in the worst cases, forever.
Fortunately, workers’ comp in South Carolina allows restaurant workers to recover money to cover employees’ accident-related medical bills, a portion of their lost income, and disability benefits while they are healing. But time is of the essence. In South Carolina, you have 90 days to notify your employer and up to two years to file a claim. If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your eligibility for workers’ comp benefits.
Can a Restaurant Worker Receive Compensation for an Injury?
If you work in the restaurant or food service industry, you’re entitled to workers’ compensation in South Carolina if:
- The company you work for has at least four full-time or part-time employees.
- Your company’s total annual payroll is at least $3,000.
State law requires businesses to buy and maintain workers’ comp insurance covering their employees if these two qualifications are met. If they fail to do so, companies may face fines and penalties.
What If I Was Partially At Fault for My Injury?
Fault is not a factor in workers’ comp claims. It doesn’t matter who was to blame. You may still be entitled to benefits as stipulated in South Carolina law.
Contact the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Stewart Law Offices Today
If you’ve been hurt while working in the restaurant industry in South Carolina, you shouldn’t have to worry about how to pay for your bills while you’re recovering. A workers’ compensation lawyer at Stewart Law Offices can help you through the complicated process of applying for benefits and assisting with any appeals if you’ve been denied.
Give us a call today to get started on the path to the workers’ compensation you deserve. With offices in Rock Hill, Spartanburg, Columbia and Beaufort,** Stewart Law Offices is available to support you whenever and wherever you need us.
Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.