Panda Express is a fast food restaurant chain with over 2,000 locations, mostly in the United States. It’s hard to find a mall or shopping center without a Panda Express, where people line up for their signature dishes, like honey walnut shrimp and teriyaki chicken.
However, the food isn’t the only secret to the company’s success. Fast food means fast service, and those employed by Panda Express work very hard at taking care of customers and making sure that the premises are clean and safe. Due to the pace and type of work they are engaged in, fast food workers are at risk of serious injuries on a daily basis. That’s why workers’ compensation is available through the state if you have an accident while you are performing a job-related duty.
Unfortunately, the process of filing for a workers’ comp claim can be complicated if there are disputes between you and your employer’s insurance company. You may also be involved in a situation where a third party (someone other than your employer) is responsible for your accident. If so, can you file a lawsuit against the negligent individual or entity while receiving compensation from a workplace injury claim?
The Panda Express workplace injury lawyers of Normandie are ready to help you with these and any other questions you have about your rights and legal options. Contact our law firm and schedule a free consultation at your earliest convenience.
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Workplace Injuries Among Panda Express Employees
There’s no denying that workplace injuries happen at every type of worksite, from office buildings to construction sites. But those working in the restaurant industry are more susceptible to accidents at work due to the fast pace and usage of goods that have great potential to cause an injury. Whether you are preparing an order or operating the cash register, there are many types of injuries you can end up with.
Here are the most common workplace injuries among workers at a Panda Express location:
- Cuts and puncture wounds
- Burns from hot food, oil, trays, kitchen tools, etc.
- Slip and fall from water, sauce, and other substances on the floor
- Trip and fall from loose cords, debris, curled up edges on rugs, etc.
- Repetitive motion injuries (muscle strain and ligament tears)
- Falling object injuries
What Kind of Payments can I Receive from Workers’ Compensation?
Now, let’s talk about the benefits that are available in a claim for workers’ compensation for injuries to Panda express employees. The payments you are entitled to are based on numerous factors, including your injuries and how they impact your ability to perform your job duties.
If you are approved for workers’ comp, here are the benefits that may be awarded to you:
- Medical expenses associated with your injuries
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability if you are unable to return to work
- Retraining benefits if the accident forces you to find a new line of work
- Supplemental payments from California’s Return-to-Work Supplement Program
To learn more about these benefits, please take some time to speak with a workplace accident lawyer at our office. Our goal is to inform you of your rights and help you obtain the payments you deserve by law. Contact us to get started on a workers’ compensation claim if you hurt yourself while working at Panda Express.
Third Party Lawsuit for an Accident at Work
As a general rule, employees are forbidden from suing their employer for a workplace injury if they are approved for workers’ compensation. But some cases of workplace injury are caused by third parties, like a contractor or negligent product manufacturer. For example, a defective appliance may have caused a fire that resulted in burn injuries to a Panda Express worker. In this scenario, the employee may have the right to file a third party lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Workers who are eligible for a lawsuit can still receive payment from workers’ comp, so you should file a claim through your employer right away. Then, contact our law firm and speak to a workplace accident lawyer, who will help you initiate a third party lawsuit.
Panda Express Workers’ Compensation Claims Average Case Value
How much you can receive in workers’ compensation benefits is unique to your accident and the injuries you are left with. As a result, some people will receive around $2,000 to $5,000, while others are awarded $100,000 or more. When we set out to calculate a client’s compensation award, here are some of the factors we examine:
- The extent of your injuries and the medical treatments you will need, including lifetime medical care.
- How long you are expected to be out of work
- Your ability to continue your job duties after you’ve reached MMI (maximum medical improvement)
- Whether you will need retraining benefits in order to find a new line of work
How Long Do I have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
From the time you are injured, you have 30 days to report your accident to your employer. In addition, you must submit a claim with your employer’s insurance company within 1 year. Even though you have 30 days, we strongly urge you to speak with your supervisor right away, so that they can begin the claims process with the company’s insurance provider. The last thing you want is to add to the amount of time it takes before your claim is approved. If you have any questions or concerns about the claim forms or your rights as an injured worker in California, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
How Long Does it Take to Settle a Workplace Injury Case?
If the details of your case are relatively straightforward, and there are no major disagreements between you and the insurance company, your payments may start in as little as 30 days. On the other hand, if there are more complicated issues that hold up the process, you may need to ask for a court hearing. For example, you may have sustained a serious injury, but you and your employer’s insurance company disagree on your level of disability. Based on how long these issues take to resolve, it may be one or more years before you receive payment from a workers’ comp case.
Lawyers with Experience in Workers’ Compensation Claims
Those who are injured at work are entitled to compensation for their medical costs and lost wages. But it’s not always easy to succeed in a workplace injury claim, and many workers are left without the benefits they deserve. Our lawyers are here to look out for you and ensure that you receive the full range of benefits allowed by law if you are an injured Panda Express worker.
To learn more about the ways we can assist you, please schedule a free case evaluation. Or, if you have a claim that’s already in progress, contact us for a free second opinion. There is no obligation to do anything beyond speaking with us. However, if you decide to retain us for a workers’ compensation or third party lawsuit, you won’t have to worry about legal fees, thanks to the Zero Fee Guarantee. You pay nothing out of pocket, as we only receive payment by bringing you compensation from a successful workplace accident claim.
We look forward to helping you on your journey to recovery. Please contact us to receive guidance from a Panda Express workplace injury accident attorney.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Panda Express Accident Injury Lawyer