An 18-year-old high school senior recently suffered serious third-degree burns to her hands, arms and face in a work-related accident at a local bagel shop. The teen was working at the Mountain Lakes Bagel shop, in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, during her part-time shift, when a can of cooking spray exploded.
The can of pressurized vegetable oil had fallen to the floor and rolled under a grill, where the heat caused it to explode, resulting in a small fire, burning the employee. Staff members at the bagel shop were able to extinguish the fire and contact emergency responders. The injured teen was taken to St. Barnabas Medical Center’s Burn Unit in Livingston, New Jersey. Another worker sustained minor burns from the fire, and others suffered minor bruises and bumps during evacuation of the premises.
The local police and fire department are still investigating the scene to determine how the incident occurred and whether it could have been prevented. The injured teen is currently recovering, but her family will incur significant medical costs for her current treatment and anticipated surgical procedures.
Burns and explosion injuries are not unusual occurrences in the food industry where ovens, grills, deep fryers and explosive gases and liquids are commonly used. It is important that employers and their employees follow safety regulations and guidelines, and use common sense at all times to prevent potentially injurious or deadly accidents from occurring. If a third-party, such as a contractor, employer, equipment manufacturer etc., by virtue of their negligent or careless acts or omissions, caused an accident resulting in injury, they may be held accountable through a personal injury claim.
If you or someone you love has been harmed in a work-related accident, you may be able to secure benefits and other assistance through workers’ compensation to cover the cost of your care and other loses. Additionally, a personal injury claim may result in you obtaining further monetary compensation for your injuries and loses. To learn more about your legal options and rights, do not hesitate to contact the NJ worker injury attorneys at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari. We provide no-cost consultations. Call 973-845-4421.