Injuries in restaurants suffered by employees are more common than you would think, but many people do not know that these workers are entitled to workers’ compensation. This is because all Nevada restaurant employees are covered under the state’s workers’ compensation laws. Nevada businesses are required to have workers’ compensation insurance in the event a restaurant worker suffers an on-the-job injury.
Injuries at Restaurants
It is no secret that the restaurant industry is fast-paced and can be a hazardous work environment. Restaurant employees can be prone to injuries due to the physical labor required in a fast-paced environment. Some examples of risks that a restaurant may encounter while working may include:
- Obstacles on the floor such as mats;
- Slippery floor surfaces due to water, grease, or other substances;
- Lifting and balancing heavy objects or trays filled with objects;
- Broken or improperly maintained railings or stairways;
- Sharp utensils, knives, and other kitchen tools;
- Hot foods, drinks, fryers, and stoves, causing burn injuries;
- Exposure to harmful and toxic chemicals;
- Car accidents while delivering food to customers.
If you or someone you know has been hurt on the job while working at a Nevada restaurant, you may be entitled to monetary compensation.
Personal Injury versus Workers’ Compensation Cases
While these two types of cases seem similar, there are important differences between them. The biggest difference is that a personal injury case is based on fault while a workers’ compensation claim is not.
In order to obtain monetary compensation in a personal injury case the injured party must prove that the at-fault party was negligent and that negligence caused the injury that resulted in harm. In a workers’ compensation claim, however, an employee who suffers an on-the-job injury need not establish fault. In fact, even if the injured employee was negligent, he or she is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Another significant difference between these two types of cases is that pain and suffering damages are available in a personal injury case but not in a workers’ compensation claim.
The damages that are available under a workers’ compensation claim include:
- Weekly compensation;
- Temporary disability benefits;
- Permanent disability benefits;
- Medical bills; and
- Vocational rehabilitation.
The damages that are available under a personal injury claim include:
- Lost past earnings;
- Lost earning capacity;
- Past medical bills;
- Future medical expenses;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Permanent disability; and
- Pain and suffering.
If you need help understanding what options you have available under Nevada law because you have been hurt in an accident, be sure to contact a skilled Nevada attorney after first seeking proper medical attention for injuries suffered.
What to do if You are Hurt
Many people fail to report injuries or seek medical treatment out of fear. It is important to know that if you are seriously hurt due to an accident, you should seek medical attention right away. Then, contact the skilled Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Matt Pfau Law Group. We focus on helping the injured across the state of Nevada. We will fight for the best result for your case.
