Catering Injury Claims*

Personal Injury Solicitors

Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors understand that accidents can happen anywhere, including in the catering industry. Whether you are a catering employee, a customer at a catered event, or a visitor to a catering establishment, you have a right to safety. If you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence in a catering setting, our experienced team is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer expert legal advice and representation to guide you through every step of the claims process.

Common Catering Accidents

Catering environments, by their nature, involve a combination of heat, sharp objects, slippery surfaces, and heavy lifting, all of which can lead to various types of accidents. Some of the most common accidents resulting in personal injury claims include:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: These are frequently caused by wet floors, spilled food or drinks, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or obstructions in walkways. Kitchens, dining areas, and serving stations are particularly prone to such incidents.
• Burns and Scalds: Hot liquids, steam, cooking equipment, and hot food can cause severe burns. This is a significant risk for kitchen staff and can also affect customers if hot items are served negligently.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Knives, broken glass, and faulty equipment are common culprits for cuts and lacerations, especially in busy kitchen environments.
• Manual Handling Injuries: Lifting heavy trays, equipment, or boxes without proper training or assistance can lead to back injuries, sprains, and strains among catering staff.
• Food Poisoning and Allergic Reactions: While not always a direct physical injury, severe food poisoning or allergic reactions due to improper food handling, cross-contamination, or failure to disclose allergens can lead to significant health issues and may form the basis of a claim.
• Falling Objects: Items falling from shelves, trolleys, or serving stations can cause head injuries or other physical harm.
• Equipment-Related Injuries: Malfunctioning or improperly maintained catering equipment, such as fryers, ovens, or dishwashers, can lead to accidents.

How to Claim* for a Catering Injury

Making a personal injury claim can seem daunting, but with Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors, you’ll have expert guidance. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Ensure you receive appropriate medical treatment for your injuries. This also creates a crucial medical record of your injury.
2. Report the Accident: Report the incident to the catering establishment or event organiser as soon as possible. Ensure it is recorded in an accident book, and obtain a copy of the entry if possible.
3. Gather Evidence:
   • Photographs: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any contributing factors (e.g., spilled liquid, faulty equipment).
   • Witness Details: Collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident.
   • CCTV Footage: Inquire if there is any CCTV footage of the incident.
   • Receipts/Records: Keep records of any expenses incurred due to your injury, such as medical bills, travel costs, and lost earnings.
4. Contact Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors: As soon as you are able, contact us for a free initial consultation. We will assess the merits of your case and advise you on the best course of action.
5. Investigation and Liability: We will conduct a thorough investigation, gather further evidence, and establish who was responsible for your injury. This often involves reviewing health and safety regulations, witness statements, and medical reports.
6. Notification of Claim: We will formally notify the responsible party (or their insurance company) of your intention to make a claim.
7. Negotiation and Settlement: We will negotiate with the opposing party to achieve a fair settlement that covers your pain, suffering, medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other damages.
8. Court Proceedings (if necessary): While most claims settle out of court, we are prepared to represent you in court if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached.

Time Limits on Claiming*

It is crucial to be aware of the strict time limits for making a personal injury claim. In Ireland, generally, you have two years from the date of the accident or the date of knowledge of the injury to initiate legal proceedings. “Date of knowledge” refers to when you first became aware that you suffered an injury, that the injury was significant, and that it was attributable to the act or omission of another person.

There are some exceptions to this rule, particularly for minors (where the two-year period begins when they turn 18) or individuals with mental incapacities. However, it is always best to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss these critical deadlines. Delaying your claim can significantly jeopardise your chances of success.

Frequently Asked Questions on Making a Catering Personal Injury Compensation Claim*

How much compensation can I expect for a catering injury claim*?

The compensation amount varies significantly based on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, medical expenses, loss of earnings, and future care needs. After reviewing your case, we will provide a realistic assessment of your potential compensation.

Do I have to go to court?

No, most personal injury claims settle out of court through negotiation. We always strive to achieve a fair settlement without needing court proceedings. However, if a fair offer does not come through, we are fully prepared to represent you in court.

What if I was partly to blame for the accident?

If you are partly responsible for the accident, we refer to this as “contributory negligence.” In these cases, we may reduce your compensation proportionally to your degree of fault. However, you may still be entitled to claim compensation, and we can advise you on how this could affect your case.

What evidence do I need to support my claim*?

Key evidence includes medical reports, accident book entries, photographs of the scene and your injuries, witness statements, CCTV footage, and records of any financial losses incurred (e.g., wage slips, receipts for medical treatment or travel). The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case becomes.

How long does a catering injury claim* take?

The duration of a claim can vary widely, from a few months to several years. This variation depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether someone disputes liability. We will keep you informed of your claim’s progress at every stage.

What are your fees?

We offer a transparent fee structure. During your initial consultation, we will discuss our fees and any potential disbursements. In many personal injury cases, we operate on a “no win, no fee” basis, meaning you only pay our legal fees if your claim succeeds. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without upfront financial risk.

Can I claim for psychological injuries as well as physical injuries?

Yes, you can claim for psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident, provided a medical professional diagnoses them and attributes them directly to the incident. We often refer to these as “pain and suffering” or “general damages.”

What if the catering company denies liability?

If the catering company denies liability, we will rigorously challenge their position by presenting compelling evidence and strong legal arguments. Our expertise in personal injury law enables us to counter such denials effectively and fight for your rights.

Trusted Personal Injury Accident at Work Solicitors in Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare & Nationwide – Ph: 01 663 2000

At Sherwin O’ Riordan, you are never just a case number. You are a person with a story, and we make sure it is heard.

* In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.