Can I sue my old job?

Question

I used to work at a movie theatre last year (when i was 16) and the popcorn popper was broken. it was spitting burning kernels all over the place and those things BURN because the kettle is kept to hundreds of degrees. well one kernel fell down my shirt, and got stuck in my bra while helping a customer. i ran to the back and cried because it burned so bad. i now have a few 2nd degree burns on my chest and breast and its still there and its been a year ago. when i confronted my boss and told them i have been burned, they were so apathetic and nonchalant. "what do you want me to do, give you a band aid?" my manager asked. and then i asked could i at least switch to another department (taking tickets) and he said "no, now get back to work". i wanted to cry, i was in tears. can i sue?

Answer 1

can you sue?

God I hope not.........................

this would be covered under workers comp and the fact that you failed to file a claim will make it hard  to do so now but if you have proof of the injury you can still file and should.

as already noted workers compensation pays medical bills and if you miss work a portion of your wages. no doctor would have put you off of work for this and your injuries have not caused any permanent disability.  a doctor probably would have put a band aide on the burn and given you some antibiotic burn cream and sent you home.

perhaps the manager was a jerk, inconsiderate and failed to properly help you but nothing you can sue for. being a jerk and a bad manager is not illegal or subject to civil litigation.

Answer 2

look at this legally, you got burned, was a report taken? did you see a doctor, why didn't you file any action prior, as go further down it gets harder, it can be done, make sure you have the retainer money for a lawyer.  

Answer 3

If this was so important why didn't you quit your job and sue then the burns on your chest didn't just appear overnight.

WHAT'S WITH PEOPLE SO DARN SUE HAPPY

Answer 4

Yes.  Especially if you incurred any medical expenses.  Contact a lawyer.  

Answer 5

You probably can't sue successfully.

Most states require employers to carry workers compensation insurance.  Under the schemes in most states, employees injured on the job cannot sue their employers for those injuries; their only recourse as concerns the employer is to make a workers comp claim.  You can collect medical expenses and lost wages from workers comp, but not pain and suffering.

That said, you may be able to sue the pop corn machine manufacturer or other third party that was negligent.  Contact a lawyer.

Answer 6

You can try to sue in small claims, but, its gonna be a tough one. Because you never went to a doctor and you never filed a complaint. Your statue of limitations is about two years for you to sue. Be prepared to answer why you never went to the doctor or filed a complaint. Try it, whats the worst that can happen.

Answer 7

Most definitely!

I would. Especially since the injuries are lasting.. not like you just got a little ouchie that went away after a few days. This was second degree burns that are still there and they didn't even let you switch to a different department. And let's not even discuss the fact that it's probably embarrassing to wear a bathing suit or something when you've got burns on your b***s. Especially if people stare or ask you about it.