Whether you own a bar, restaurant, catering business, food truck, café, or another food service business, managing a team of employees presents its own unique set of challenges. One of these challenges involves making sure both you and your employees are protected in the case that someone is injured on the job. This is where worker’s comp comes in.
What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Also sometimes referred to as workman’s comp insurance, workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage in cases where employees suffer harm while performing work-related duties. In the food service industry, this can include everything from cooking-related burns and appliance malfunctions to standard slips and falls.
Worker’s compensation provides financial assistance for related medical expenses, such as hospitalization and diagnostic testing. It also provides recovering employees with disability payments to make up for lost wages while they can’t work. The amount of disability pay an employee will receive depends on state laws and policy details, but it is meant to allow employees to continue meeting normal financial obligations while they heal.
Workers’ Liability Insurance Protects Both Employees and Business Owners
While worker’s comp is usually thought to be primarily for the benefit of employees, it’s also meant to protect businesses from legal action and potentially serious losses. Employees receive financial compensation without having to prove fault and, in return, they’re prevented from filing personal injury lawsuits against their employer.
Especially if you’re a small or newly established business, the potential impact of a personal injury suit on your finances and reputation can be devastating. In some cases, it can be enough to put you out of business entirely. By carrying worker’s comp insurance coverage, you significantly reduce your risk of being sued and provide valuable peace of mind for yourself and your employees.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Law
No matter what kind of food service business you own, you have an obligation to provide your employees with a reasonable degree of protection and support. In the case of workplace injuries, every state has a set of workers’ compensation laws that come into play. When one of your employees is hurt on the job, it’s important to understand how these laws will affect your business.
Workers’ compensation laws are designed to ensure that working citizens have some way of paying their expenses and managing their recovery without losing all of their income. It’s also designed to protect the business sector from litigation risks.
It’s important to note, however, that there may be some exceptions to these litigation protections, such as in cases of toxic substance exposure or intentional harm. Make sure that you’re aware of your state’s specific worker’s comp laws and exceptions.
Need Workers’ Comp Insurance? We Can Help!
If you own a food service business and need to get workers’ compensation protection for your business and employees, Tabak Insurance Agency can help you find the coverage that suits your needs and your budget. We’ve saved our clients an average of 20% on their insurance premiums over the last two years, and we have the industry experience to help you understand your specific obligations and coverage options as a food service business.
Get a fast insurance quote right now by filling out our online form, or call us at (281) 769-5274 for more information.
Latest Resources
Discover more tips and tricks to help you make the most of your bar or restaurant insurance coverage.
