Workers Compensation for Hotel & Hospitality Workers in Maryland

Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Helping Employees in the Hospitality Industry

Protecting the rights of hotel and hospitality workers who were injured on the job

Here in the Baltimore area, we get a lot of tourists enjoying destinations like the Inner Harbor, with sightseeing attractions like the National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center. This area has encouraged the development of many hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality-based industries. In fact, Marriott International Inc. headquarters is located right in Bethesda. The employees of these types of jobs—housekeepers, servers, bellhops, cleaning staff—spend their days and nights giving their customers a more pleasurable experience. This means hard work.

If you've suffered an injury on the job as a hotel or hospitality worker, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., we are experienced in filing for benefits, and will fight on your behalf if you are denied the benefits you're owed or if you don't receive the maximum amount you deserve. Our attorneys are here to help you today.

Common injuries to Maryland hotel workers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 18,000 hospitality employees are injured on the job each year. The most common injuries are sprains and strains, and 26% of injured employees miss more than a month of work.

Hotel staff are constantly bending and stooping and lifting heavy objects. Wait staff are on their feet for hours at a time. All of this work takes a toll on the body that can suddenly (or over time) make it difficult or impossible to perform their jobs. Just like any other workplace, the hospitality industry is full of risks and hazards that can cause injury and necessitate workers' compensation benefits.

Job responsibilities of hotel and hospitality workers vary by job position, but there are some common injuries that tend to crop up again and again. These injuries or sicknesses can cause an employee to miss work for a few days or weeks, or even become permanently disabled.

  • Falls. Common areas for falls are entryways or staircases, as well as cleaning or food areas where pipes or sinks tend to leak. Slips and falls can cause a number of injuries like fractures, sprains, or back strains.
  • Back problems. Many back injuries can be traced back to work duties, especially in the case of hotel staff. Carrying heavy linens, lifting up mattresses, bending over to clean tubs—all of these can cause or aggravate back problems.
  • Repetitive motion injuries. Performing the same motion day after day, whether it's keystrokes into a computer or vacuuming, can contribute to the onset of arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Hazardous chemical injuries. In a hotel or hospitality setting, employees will generally run across a lot of cleaning agents. Many of these can be toxic or harmful when used or inhaled on a regular basis without proper safety protection from your employer.
  • Burns, scalds and cuts. Kitchen staff are particularly vulnerable to these types of injuries, from hot water, steam, or improper use of knives.

Workers' compensation benefits for Maryland hotel and hospitality employees

If you are hurt on the job and need some time to recover—or will be permanently disabled—there are several types of workers' compensation benefits available to you depending on your particular situation. Workers' compensation does not mean you are suing your employer, and you do not have to prove negligence on the part of your employer to collect benefits. You are simply making a claim for benefits under your employer's workers' compensation insurance plan.

  • Temporary total disability benefits: You are eligible for these benefits if you're unable to work for a temporary period due to your injury. If you're disabled for less than two weeks, benefits kick in after the third day. If you're disabled for more than two weeks, your benefits will kick in on day one.
  • Temporary partial disability benefits: If your injury allows you to work in a limited capacity or part-time, and you are earning less than you usually do, these workers' compensation benefits make up for the financial difference.
  • Permanent partial disability benefits: When an injury leaves you with a permanent impairment, but you are still able to work in some capacity, you are also entitled to compensation. Your benefits are based on the body part injured and the severity of the injury.
  • Permanent total disability benefits: If you suffer an injury on the job that leaves you permanently disabled and unable to work, you're eligible for permanent totally disability benefits equal to two-thirds of your weekly wage.

Other types of workers' compensation benefits available in Maryland related to your hotel accident include:

  • Medical benefits: Coverage of any medical expenses like doctor visits, physical therapy, hospitalization, medication, crutches or splints, etc.
  • Vocational services: When an injury prevents you from returning to your original job, these benefits entitle you to services that assist you in finding alternate work.
  • Death benefits: If a hotel employee is fatally injured, his or her spouse or dependent can file for death benefits, which include coverage of funeral expenses and a percentage of the employee's earnings.

Even when you take the most proactive steps to avoid injury, accidents still happen. And when they do, it's important you're protected—both medically and financially. You should never be unable to pay your bills because you were hurt on the job. Let our workers' compensation lawyers answer all of your questions about your hotel work accident or claim. And if your claim is denied or delayed, we will help you get to the bottom of the issue.

Consult with our Maryland workers' compensation lawyers today

Workers in the hotel and hospitality industry spend their days and nights helping other people feel comfortable. It's only right you're taken care of in the event you're injured on the job. The workers' compensation attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. are well-versed in working with insurance companies and can help you if your claim is denied, or if you are not receiving the benefits to which you're entitled. We're here to help. To learn more, or to schedule a free consultation, please call 410-730-7737 or fill out our contact form.