Workers compensation is designed to provide benefits without focusing on whether the employer was at fault. That system can help workers receive benefits more quickly, but it can also cause injured people to overlook other legal rights. If your injuries were caused by someone outside your employment relationship, such as a visiting electrical contractor, a negligent repair company, a defective machine manufacturer, or another outside party, you may have a personal injury claim in addition to your workers compensation case.
Examples of third-party situations include severe burns caused by exposed live wires left by an outside contractor, factory equipment malfunctioning after negligent repairs, or long-term occupational illness caused by unsafe chemical exposure. In these situations, a workers compensation claim may provide important benefits, but it may not fully compensate you for the total damage done. A lawyer with experience in both workers compensation and personal injury law can investigate all potential avenues of recovery.
Our firm fully assesses the facts of your accident, the nature of your injuries, the identity of all potentially liable parties, and the compensation options available to you. We help injured workers pursue benefits, protect their rights, and determine whether third-party negligence supports an additional claim for medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability, and wrongful death damages where applicable. We handle recoverable claims on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no legal fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Why should I hire a workers compensation lawyer if I cannot sue my employer?
A lawyer can protect your benefits, help with disputes and denials, and determine whether a negligent third party gives you the right to pursue an additional personal injury claim.
Can a third party be responsible for my on-the-job injuries?
Yes. Outside contractors, repair companies, equipment manufacturers, property owners, and other non-employer parties may be liable if their negligence caused the injury.
What kinds of third-party situations can lead to additional claims?
Examples include exposed live wires left by another contractor, machinery failures after negligent repairs, and long-term illness caused by unsafe chemical exposure linked to outside parties.
What evidence matters when evaluating a workers compensation and third-party case?
Important evidence may include accident reports, medical records, maintenance records, repair history, witness statements, contracts, safety records, photographs, and expert review.
Can I recover more than workers compensation benefits if a third party was negligent?
Possibly, yes. A third-party claim may allow recovery for losses not fully covered under workers compensation, including pain and suffering and other major damages.
Do I lose workers compensation benefits if I explore a third-party claim?
Not necessarily. In many cases, workers compensation and a third-party claim can exist at the same time, depending on how the accident occurred.
How much does it cost to hire your firm after a workplace injury?
We evaluate workplace injury matters and handle recoverable claims on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.