Philadelphia Service Industry Workers' Compensation Lawyer
Service industry workers, unlike manufacturing workers, produce no tangible goods. Yet they are vital to our economy and are part of the fastest-growing employment sector. These diverse workers are employed in food, retail, transportation, distribution, and many other service-dominated businesses.
Because the very nature of these jobs is to serve, workers can often lose sight of the fact that there are many rules and regulations governing the service industry. Such rules guarantee their rights to fair wages, overtime, and a safe work environment.
Injured service industry workers also have a right to Workers’ Compensation. If you work in the service industry and were severely injured on the job, contact the Philadelphia service industry workers’ compensation lawyers of Gross & Kenny, LLP.
Common Injuries in Service Industries
Service industry workers in South Philadelphia often have long, difficult shifts that require them to be on their feet the entire time. Workers in food service use dangerous cutting equipment, chemicals to sanitize contact surfaces, and must continually lift heavy loads. Working under such conditions puts a strain on the body that can lead to injuries such as:
- Sprains and strains
- Cuts and lacerations
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Back injuries
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Burn injuries
- Mental stress
- Overexertion
Causes of Injuries to Service Industry Workers
As a Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney can further explain, there are many causes of work-related accidents in the service industry. Many of these could be avoided through proper training. Workers must be given not only the appropriate personal protective equipment but also training on how to use and maintain it properly.
Slip and falls are common across all types of service industry jobs and may present a real risk of serious injury. Injuries to the head, neck, and back are possible in a slip and fall accident and can have lasting and life-changing effects.
Many workers in service industries must perform the same task every day for many hours, which over time can cause repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. This can happen using a computer, doing kitchen tasks, or any other job that uses the same small muscle groups over and over.
Preventing Injuries at Work
Every worker in Bustleton, South Philly, and the rest of the state is entitled to a safe and healthy work environment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict standards and regulations, for everything from the use of hazardous chemicals to ergonomics. Employers must comply with OSHA regulations for eliminating and minimizing safety risks, and train workers to recognize and avoid safety hazards.
Workers’ Compensation for Work-Related Injuries
If you have been injured on the job, some or all of the following Workers’ Compensation benefits may be available to you:
- Medical benefits that cover hospital treatment, prescriptions, and prostheses
- Wage loss benefits
- Specific loss benefits for loss of part or all of a body part, or for disfigurement
- Death benefits for families of workers who suffer a fatality
Third-Party Claims
Under Workers’ Compensation, you may not sue your employer for the accident that caused your injuries. However, if the party responsible is not your employer, it may be possible to hold them responsible through a third-party personal injury claim. Examples of third parties include vendors, manufacturers of faulty equipment, the driver of another vehicle who caused your accident, or any other third party whose negligence was a factor in the accident that caused your injuries.
Damages from third-party claims are often higher than those in Workers’ Compensation cases and may be sought alongside a Workers’ Compensation claim. If an injured service industry worker has any further questions, do not hesitate to contact an experienced Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney.
Trust Your Claim With a Philadelphia Service Industry Workers' Compensation Attorney
If you work in the service industry and have suffered harm in a work-related accident, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation. The skilled Philadelphia service industry workers’ compensation lawyers of Gross & Kenny, LLP can help you with your legal needs to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available to you. Call our firm today to schedule your free initial consultation in our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office. We also serve injured service industry employees throughout the surrounding areas of South Philly and Bustleton.
267-589-0091 
