According to OSHA, poultry and meat workers suffer double the rate of injuries compared to other workers. Injuries in the meat processing industry can be severe and common – which is why experienced meat processing injury lawyers are essential for helping injured workers obtain justice.
If you or a loved one has been injured at a meat processing plant, a workers’ compensation lawyer at our firm can help you recover the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
If your injuries were the result of somebody else’s negligence, we can also file a personal injury claim on your behalf seeking additional compensation such as punitive damages or compensation for pain and suffering.
We also file product liability claims on behalf of injured workers who were hurt by defective products in meat processing plants.
We have been handling cases involving meat processing injuries, such as poultry processing plant injuries, since 1990, and have recovered over $750,000,000 for clients. We have extensive experience in recovering benefits for injured employees like you, which will allow us to recover the most compensation possible on your behalf.
We will not charge you any fee until and unless we recover compensation for your meat processing plant injuries. We only charge a percentage of the compensation we recover for clients.
Call us today for a FREE consultation at (800) 718-4658 if you or a loved one was injured at a meat processing plant. A workers’ compensation attorney at our firm can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost income and more. You can also contact us here, text us from this page or fill out this page’s free case evaluation form. We’re available 24/7.
The Danger of Meat and Poultry Processing Jobs
Meat processing workers suffer high injury rates – especially poultry processing workers. In 2024, there were 2.6 injuries per 100 poultry workers.
Meat processing workers get hurt five times as often as the average worker, according to the Department of Labor.
Dangers involved in meat processing jobs include:
- Sharp equipment and tools
- High-speed machinery
- Extreme cold
- Slippery floors
- Long hours standing
- Repetitive motions
- Exposure to pressurized or hot water
- Exposure to dangerous or strong chemicals
- Loud noises
Common Meat Processing Plant Injuries
Workers can suffer serious injuries in meat processing plants. These injuries can include:
- Cold-related injuries from freezer environments
- Back and joint injuries from heavy lifting
- Slip and fall injuries from slick floors
- Repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Deep lacerations and punctures
- Amputations from machinery
- Hearing loss from loud noises
- Varicose veins or plantar fasciitis from long hours standing
- Diseases from exposure to feces and blood
- Illness from chemical exposure
When to File a Meat Processing Plant Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers in California are entitled to benefits if they suffer work-related injuries while on the job.
If you have been injured while on the job at a meat processing plant, you should file a workers’ compensation claim within 30 days of the incident. The sooner you file your claim, the better.
A lawyer at our firm can help you to file your workers’ comp claim and receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Why Do I Need a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?
There are many reasons you may need a workers’ comp lawyer. You should hire a workers’ comp lawyer if:
1. Your Employer Is Refusing to Pay
When California employers refuse to pay out workers’ comp benefits after workplace injuries, it’s crucial to know what rights you have and what steps you need to take. If your employer is refusing to pay your benefits, our lawyers can get them to pay you fair compensation for your workplace accident-related injuries.
2. Your Employer Won’t Report Your Injury
Should your employer be refusing to report your injury, it is vital to quickly act to protect your legal rights. You should first notify human resources or your immediate supervisor directly that your employer isn’t reporting your injury. Then, document your report by keeping a written record of it, including the person notified and the time and date they were notified. This documentation is something you should share with your lawyer.
3. You Haven’t Received Benefits
It can be daunting to navigate the world of disability benefits, particularly when you have not received benefits you are entitled to. It’s crucial to know the application process and eligibility criteria to secure support.
A workers’ compensation attorney can help you by guiding you through the entire claims process, advocating for your legal rights and maximizing the benefits that you eventually receive.
4. You Got Fired After Your Injury
Injured workers are protected by California law, which prohibits employers from firing employees just for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
5. You’re Not Sure You’re Receiving the Benefits Which You Are Entitled To
It can be overwhelming to figure out what benefits you’re eligible for. A workers’ compensation lawyer can review your case, clarify what entitlements you’re eligible for, and make sure you don’t miss out on crucial benefits.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you recover compensation for medical treatment, temporary disability, lost wages, permanent disability, permanent loss of function, job displacement, retraining and more.
6. You’re Having Difficulty Communicating With Your Employer’s Doctor
It’s vital to effectively communicate with your employer’s doctor if you want your workers’ comp claim to be successful. Should you be having difficulty with this, knowing what legal rights you have can help to address this.
7. Your Employer Won’t Offer You Alternative Tasks After You Return to Work
It’s vital to understand your legal rights if you’ve returned to work and your employer refuses to provide suitable alternative or modified work. You have a right to modified or alternative work if medical restrictions or physical capabilities prevent you from doing your old work.
8. Your Employer’s Doctor Says You’re Ok to Work When You’re Not Comfortable With That
It can be stressful to disagree with your employer’s doctor. You have a legal right to look for a second opinion on this matter. If you have a worker’s comp lawyer, you can agree upon a medical examiner with your employer and have that examiner do a reevaluation.
9. You’ve Gotten Offered a Lump Sum Regarding Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Lump sum settlements are pivotal decisions in workers’ comp claims. They are one-time payments in place of benefits over time for permanent or temporary disability. You need to consider pros and cons carefully, and a lawyer can help you do this.
10. Your Employer Is Delaying Benefits
Employers are mandated by California law to provide prompt responses to workers’ comp claims. It’s vital to understand your legal rights if your benefits are being delayed.
How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me?
Our workers’ comp lawyers can help you by:
Handling Disputes and Filing Claims
We can make sure your claim gets filed on time and accurately, avoiding pitfalls which can lead to denials or delays. We can advocate for your benefits and protect your rights when disputes arise. We resolve problems effectively and swiftly when we deal with uncooperative insurance companies and employers.
Navigating Deadlines and Legal Complexities
There are strict deadlines and intricate rules involved in the workers’ comp system. Your claim can be jeopardized by missing a single deadline. We understand all nuances of labor laws in California. We’ll make sure you comply with every legal requirement. You can just focus on recovering from your injuries while we handle all the complex stuff.
Maximizing Your Compensation And Benefits
The insurance company will try to minimize your payout, leaving you with not enough to cover things like medical bills or ongoing care. We’ll fight to secure all of the benefits you’re entitled to, meticulously evaluating your claim to make sure you receive every penny California law allows.
Representing You in Settlement Negotiations and Appeals
We can file an appeal for you if your claim gets denied. We have decades of experience in overturning unjust decisions. We also have decades of experience in negotiations, and fight to avoid litigation and recover favorable settlements for our clients.
What If Faulty Equipment Caused My Meat Processing Injury?
Some injuries at meat processing plants such as meatpacking plants can be the result of dangerous equipment that is defective or poorly maintained.
If you’ve been injured by equipment that was serviced by an outside company or had a design flaw, we may be able to file a product liability claim on your behalf.
That being said, if an injury occurred because your employer failed to provide proper maintenance, it’s likely still their fault. In this situation, we can still seek to recover compensation for you from your employer.
How Long Do I Have to File a Meat Processing Injury Claim?
There is a one year time limit in California to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, there’s a 30 day time limit to notify your employer of your injury.
For personal injury claims such as product liability lawsuits, the time limit is typically two years from the date of the injury. However, there are exceptions to this time limit which can shorten or lengthen the time limit.
It’s important to act fast and preserve evidence if you want your workers’ comp claim or personal injury claim to be successful.
What To Do If You’re Injured Working in a Meat Plant
If you’ve been injured working in a meat plant, you should:
Seek Medical Attention
If you require emergency medical attention after an accident at work, your first priority is obtaining that medical attention. If you don’t need emergency medical attention, you should still receive medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not think you have suffered serious injuries. Keep all medical records related to your injuries. This medical documentation can be crucial in terms of recovering workers’ comp benefits.
Report the Injury to Your Employer
You have only 30 days to report your injury to your employer. Failure to do this can forever bar you from recovering benefits for your injuries. Report your injury as quickly as possible to avoid this.
Document Everything
You should take notes regarding the incident, such as when it happened, where it happened, what happened and how it happened. Collect contact information and statements from any witnesses. Take pictures of your injuries and any hazardous conditions. Keep proof of any income you’ve lost. Keep copies of everything you submit to medical providers or your employer.
Call a Lawyer
An experienced lawyer will quickly work to preserve evidence and protect your rights. They will also give you an accurate figure as to how much your claim is worth. This way you don’t end up settling for less than what you are entitled to.
Contact a Meat Processing Injury Attorney Today
Call us today for a FREE case evaluation at (800) 718-4658 if you or a loved one has been hurt at a meat processing plant.
We’ve been helping injured workers for over 30 years and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of injury victims. We have the experience and resources to make sure you recover every penny of benefits that you are entitled to.
You won’t owe us a single penny until and unless we recover compensation for you, so there’s no risk behind calling us. Call us today.
