Catering And Kitchen Injury Claims
Specialist Personal Injury Lawyers
“Osbornes Law have captured the magic of keeping the customer service levels of a smaller firm whilst having all the expertise and power of the biggest firms.”
Commercial kitchens are a notoriously dangerous environment. Where water, oil, and flames combine with noise, speed and people there is always the prospect of an accident happening. There are thousands of kitchens in the hospitality and catering industry in the UK, in restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels, and some engage a low paid workforce with high staff turnover. The challenge is to train all staff in safe practices so they are not a danger to themselves or colleagues, and to ensure that the working environment is as safe as it reasonably can be.
Dangers arising from a slippery kitchen floor
One particular danger, which causes the most accidents in the kitchen, is the slippery floor. All kinds of liquids and substances end up on the floor of a busy kitchen, but attention to safety and observing proper drills will greatly reduce the risk of kitchen workers slipping and suffering injury. A kitchen is a place of hard surfaces and edges, and busy kitchen workers will often be carrying hot or heavy items, so a slipping accident can sometimes rest in a serious injury. The Health and Safety Executive recognises the difference safety flooring can make, and has published guidelines for employers in how to make the floor surface of their kitchens low risk for slips.
Avoidable injuries in the kitchen
Another occupational hazard for chefs and kitchen workers is the risk of burns and cuts. Burns can be from the oven, hob or other hot surface or pot and pan. Cuts are common from use of the array of very sharp knives and slicing machines used in catering. Of course all chefs accept the risk of a scald, burn or cut from a moment of inattention, and nobody else will usually be to blame for that, but sometimes the lack of concentration is caused by fatigue from long hours (that perhaps breach the Working Time Directive). Other times the injury will be caused by the carelessness of a colleague, for which the employer will be liable, or a system failure which exposes the worker to a foreseeable risk.
Risks to front of house restaurant staff
Waiters and waitresses spend much of their time entering and leaving kitchens and there needs to be a safe system for them to collect trays, plates, food and drink and to pass between the kitchen and the front of house without collisions and slips. A surprisingly high number of establishments seem to have doors to the kitchen that open both ways but contain no window, so waiters can crash into each other.
Injuries occurring at factory stage
The food production industry is highly mechanised and often operates a factory model, where workers have a set task which is repeated endlessly, and with output targets to meet. Unless planned carefully, with appropriate variation and breaks, this work can cause repetitive strain injuries.
Osbornes has acted for very many chefs, waiters, pot washers and other kitchen workers. Unless the accident was caused by the injured person’s own carelessness the claim will usually be successful.
A recent case
Mrs B was one such client. She loved her job running a kitchen and spent most of her spare time looking after her disabled children. She suffered a nasty and entirely avoidable injury at work when the industrial dishwasher broke down and started leaking water onto the kitchen floor. She reported the problem but her employers failed to repair or replace it. As a result she continued to use it and mopped up the water as best she could, but a few days later there was a pool of water she had not noticed and she slipped on it, landing other elbow and suffering a bad fracture. As a result she needed surgery, was not able to work for months, and was left with a disability that meant she could no longer do the heavier work in the kitchen. She became depressed because she missed the job she so enjoyed and she was not able to look after her disabled son for the period of her own rehabilitation. Her employers admitted liability and she was compensated for the injury, her loss of earnings and for the psychological and domestic effect on her.
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"A small but high-powered team, dealing with cases of significant value and complexity."
"An excellent firm which achieves fantastic outcomes for clients."
"Osbornes Law have captured the magic of keeping the customer service levels of a smaller firm whilst having all the expertise and power of the biggest firms."
"A superb boutique catastrophic injury firm."
"Really good at dealing with people who have suffered a serious injury."
"Affable and charming with very good client-handling skills."
"superb firm with consummate professionals and a human touch."
Osbornes now has a team of highly experienced personal injury lawyers; particularly strong on high-value quantum cases, workplace accidents and claims involving foreign workers injured in the UK.
The team provides fantastic strength-in-depth for personal injury claims. It is also particularly well placed to service clients from Eastern Europe with specialist native language speakers. From the smallest case to a multimillion-pound spinal injury case, Osbornes has the right staff to manage every claim.
Ben Posford remains pre-eminent in his field with expert understanding of litigating cases of the upmost severity. His experience builds on Stuart Kightley’s running of the firm with recent partner additions of Rob Aylott making a fantastic addition.
A firm going from strength-to strength-which retains its client care whilst being able to offer a full personal injury service.
Beneath Ben Posford’s calm and reassuring presence, which clients love, lies a formidable tactical and legal brain. His experience tells and he gets it right at every stage of the process from arranging the best possible rehabilitation, to ensuring, so far as possible, a polite relationship with those acting for the defendant in order to ensure best and early resolution of the claim.
"Clients say he is very impressive, in terms of both his experience and his management of the personal injury team."
"They have an expanding profile in personal injury and clinical negligence and offer a superb, broad service in accidents abroad, enabled by their recruitment of bilingual legal executives who can guide non-English speakers through complex litigation."
"Solid personal injury practice well equipped to advise on high-value and high-profile claims arising from fatalities and severe head and spinal injuries."
"Offers specialist expertise in cycling-related injury claims."
"Offers specialist expertise in cauda equina syndrome cases."
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"Stuart Kightley is an incredibly empathetic solicitor who is very knowledgeable about traumatic brain injury."
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"Osbornes has a growing influence and impressive work load and is gaining a reputation for handling complex catastrophic work."
"Osbornes often handles claims valued at over £1m, particularly relating to severe brain and spinal cord injuries and niche areas such as cauda equina syndrome and cycling accidents."
"The hard-working, thorough and committed Robert Aylott, who brings significant heavyweight personal injury experience."
"Key team members include the energetic and personable Stuart Kightley who is head of the personal injury department."
"Catastrophic injury cases head Ben Posford is an excellent practical litigator who offers exceptional service."
Thank you for the hard work and patience and for being so patient with my constant questions.
"I have found Osbornes to be thorough, clear and understanding from the initial call. They do exactly what they say they will and with passion! I would recommend them to anyone".
Very good efficient service. Would not hesitate to use again.
I will use Osbornes for any future needs.
I don't think I could have asked for anything more. One of the best dealings I've had with the legal profession.
Sam was excellent and very professional in dealing with our claim.
Head of the personal injury department, Stuart Kightley is a first-rate practitioner, wholly focused on getting his client the best outcome in a pragmatic, sensible and consensual manner.
As a real specialist in spinal cord injuries, Ben Posford is always looking at new angles on how to maximise his cases.
Ben Posford is one of the best catastrophic injury lawyers around.
They provide exceptional service, great knowledge and understanding of the law, excellent client care and tactical nous
Stuart Kightley is praised for his expertise in catastrophic and fatal claims. Clients say he is very impressive, in terms of both his experience and his management of the personal injury team.
My claim was dealt with efficiently and professionally. Communication was excellent, and timely. Shrewd and sound advice was provided at every stage of the claim from beginning through to completion. On the basis of my personal experience I would strongly recommend Osbornes.
I just wish to thank you for your hard work and successful outcome. I am pleased with the result and would recommend you and your firm to anyone in the future.
Ben Posford … is ‘tactically astute’ and ‘one of the best personal injury solicitors around’.
Ben Posford ‘knows how to maximise the value of the claim for his clients’.
Personal Injury FAQs
How do I choose the best personal injury lawyer for me?
First, look out for a personal injury solicitor that is regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and more widely accredited. This means experts that are members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers or involved with organisations such as Headway and other charities. You can also check whether they are particularly well respected by looking at Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, which provide a ranking based on reviews.
Next, do a bit more research. Ask for recommendations for a personal injury solicitor near you and take a look at their Trustpilot or Google reviews. Have a look through examples of their accident law work and clients testimonials.
Finally, have an initial conversation with them – whether on the phone or in person. You need to be happy you trust your personal injury solicitor and their approac
How much do personal injury lawyers charge?
When you book your initial conversation we’ll take you through all the options and work out the best way to fund your Personal Injury case.
In the vast majority of cases, your accident or injury lawyer will be able to proceed on a No Win No Fees basis. This means there isn’t any financial risk to you if your case isn’t successful.
How long does the legal process take?
You usually have three years from the date of an accident or injury – but we’d always advise getting in touch as soon as possible.
Because each case is different it’s impossible to say exactly how long your personal injury claim will take. It will depend on the severity of your injuries and whether or not your opponent admits blame.
A relatively simple case – like minor whiplash or when the other party admits responsibility – could be settled in a few months. A case relating to more serious injuries – or where the other party doesn’t admit responsibility – will take longer as we’ll have to seek medical evidence. This is partly so that we can make sure any compensation supports you for your longer-term medical needs. We may also have to wait to understand the full impact of your injuries because compensation may depend on how long it takes you to heal.
Other factors that could prolong your case might include whether it has to go to court when a criminal offence has been committed and police charges also have to be brought and if you’ve been injured in a hit and run accident when the police and insurance companies will be trying to locate the driver.
Your personal injury solicitor or legal assistant will be able to give you a clearer idea, once you’ve had your initial conversation.
Will my personal injury case go to court?
Although in the majority of cases we’re able to settle out of court, sometimes this isn’t possible. In particular, if the opponent refuses to accept responsibility or if criminal proceedings have to be brought, we might have to start court proceedings. Don’t worry, your personal injury lawyers will be by your side handling this for you at every step of the way. If this is the case we’ll explain each step and what will happen so as to make things as simple and straightforward as possible.
What are the different ways of resolving my claim?
Where possible we’ll always try to settle your case without going to court. We understand that neither party wants to go to court if it can be avoided. Typically a case will be resolved through negotiation between your personal injury solicitor, your insurer and the defendant (the person opposing). This can be done gradually through correspondence, a formal meeting such as a joint settlement meeting or mediation. Alternatively, we might look to something called ‘early neutral evaluation’ (where a judge, retired judge or QC hears each side’s submissions and then states their view of what the likely outcome at trial will be), arbitration (where each side puts forward their submission to an arbitrator, who will make a binding decision) or a court trial (where each side argues their case in front of a judge).
Before any decisions are made as to how your case will be resolved, we’ll talk you through the options available, to get the best result.
Personal Injury Accreditations
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Mr C a young Romanian national, came to this country for work in 2015. He soon found work as a cleaner...
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Our client suffered numerous fractures to their left leg requiring surgery. He was working in a room on a construction...
Read more18.5.2021Accident on a residential property site
Our client worked as a carpenter/bricklayer on a building site at a residential property in North London. He was...
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