What workers need to know about third-party injury claims
What workers need to know about third-party injury claims
Suffering an injury at work unfortunately is all too common. In 2019, about 2.8 million private industry employees suffered injuries at work in the United States. Plus, those who work physical labor jobs – those in the construction, healthcare, trucking or manufacturing industries – are more likely to suffer workplace injuries than other workers.
If you suffer a workplace injury, you may feel frightened and overwhelmed. You also might not realize that you have a third-party personal injury claim as well as a workers’ compensation claim.
Third-party personal injury claims after a workplace injury
Here are some examples of when workers may have a third-party personal injury claim as well as a workers’ compensation claim:
If you are a construction worker and you suffer an injury because another company working on your job site didn’t install site scaffolding properly. You may have a third-party personal injury claim against that company.
If you are a delivery truck driver and a semi driver rams into your vehicle and you suffer whiplash. You could have a third-party injury claim against the semi driver or the company they work for because of the accident.
If you are a healthcare worker and you slip and fall because the hospital’s contracted cleaning company didn’t set out warning signs after cleaning a floor. You could have a third-party injury claim against the cleaning company.
If you are a manufacturing worker and one of the tools you use on the job malfunctions and you suffer an injury as a result. You could have a third-party injury claim against the tool’s manufacturer.
Getting help after suffering a workplace injury
You should consult an attorney who understands workers’ compensation if you suffered an injury at work and think you may have a third-party injury claim. You want to ensure you receive proper compensation for your injuries, especially if your injury will require you to miss significant time from work or leave you with a permanent disability.
You need to protect your interests when recovering from a work injury, especially if your injury was the result of someone’s else’s negligence. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you will pay your medical bills or compensate for your lost wages as you recover from a work injury.
