If you are injured while working at Taco Bell, you need to report the injury to your supervisor and get medical attention. Once you have evidence of your condition, you can file a workers’ compensation claim for your medical bills and lost work income.
A Taco Bell workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta can provide legal representation during the claims process, giving you a better chance of a satisfactory outcome.
Possible Injuries at Taco Bell
Fast food kitchens can be dangerous, and Taco Bell is no exception. The fast-paced and stressful nature of restaurant work can cause injuries, with some of the most common being:
- Slip and fall. Kitchen flooring can be slippery from grease and other liquids, which may cause employees to lose their footing and fall.
- Burns. Employees can sustain burns from grills, toaster ovens, open flames, and other sources of heat in kitchens.
- Cuts and lacerations. Knives and cutting equipment can cause severe cuts and lacerations, especially on the hands and fingers.
- Overexertion injuries. Taco Bell employees may suffer injuries from overexertion, like muscle strains from lifting heavy boxes.
- Workplace violence. Employees may suffer injuries from violent altercations in the workplace, either involving customers or other employees.
Taco Bell Employees Are Entitled to Workers’ Compensation
Taco Bell employees are entitled to workers’ compensation if they sustain injuries while on the job.
Workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia will pay for the following losses after a work injury:
- Cost of reasonable medical treatment and future medical expenses
- Total temporary disability benefits equaling two-thirds of your weekly average earnings
- Death benefits and funeral expenses for fatal injuries
- Permanent partial disability benefits for loss of body part or bodily function/system
Workers’ compensation is no-fault coverage, so it doesn’t matter who is responsible for the injuries. So long as the injury is work-related, it will be covered under the policy.
Steps to Take if You Are Injured While Working at Taco Bell
Below is a guide on what to do if you’re injured while working at Taco Bell. It’s important to act quickly to preserve your ability to make a claim.
1. Report the Injury to a Supervisor
The first thing you should do is report the injury to your Taco Bell supervisor. Your supervisor should make an accident/injury report. Even if the injury is minor, you should report it verbally or in writing so there is a trail to prove the injury happened at work.
In Georgia, you typically have up to 30 days to report a work injury. If you wait more than 30 days, you could lose your ability to claim workers’ compensation benefits. Once you make a report, your employer should make a workers’ compensation claim.
2. Document the Accident
You also need to document the accident scene. Take pictures of the location and any relevant accident features, like faulty equipment or environmental hazards. If there were any witnesses, get their contact information so they can make a statement, if necessary.
You should also make a note of any unsafe working conditions that contributed to the accident.
3. Get Medical Attention
Next, you need to see a doctor about your injuries. You’ll have to submit medical documentation verifying your injuries to receive benefits, so the more proof, the better. Get copies of all relevant records, including intake forms, diagnostic test results, lab reports, doctors’ notes, discharge paperwork, and follow-up care guidelines.
You should also keep track of how much money you spend on medical expenses. A lack of medical documentation is one of the most common reasons for workers’ comp claim denials, so be as thorough as possible.
4. Report the Injury to the State Board
From there, you also need to file your claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC). The SBWC will keep a record of your claim and can settle disputes if the insurance company refuses to pay.
If the claim is denied and you appeal the decision to the board, you can potentially receive a larger payout than a typical workers’ compensation settlement would allow.
5. Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
A workers’ compensation lawyer is an indispensable asset during the workers’ compensation process. They can handle all the legal and administrative aspects of filing a claim and help you gather and organize your documentation.
If necessary, an attorney can also represent you in formal litigation.
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How an Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
Injured Taco Bell employees are entitled to make a workers’ compensation claim, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy to recover benefits.
Insurance companies want to make money, so they will look for every opportunity to avoid paying. A workers’ compensation lawyer can protect your interests and push back against insurance companies that try to dispute injuries.
If you have more questions about what to do if you are injured while working at Taco Bell, contact John Foy & Associates online or call today to speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta.
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