After a workplace accident, employees usually file for workers’ compensation. These benefits help cover medical bills and lost wages without having to prove someone was at fault. Sometimes, though, workers’ compensation is not your only option. If someone other than your employer played a part in your injury, you might think about filing a third-party lawsuit.
Should you consider a third-party lawsuit?
If another person or company contributed to your workplace accident through their negligence, you may want to consider taking legal action against them. This third-party lawsuit – a personal injury lawsuit filed against someone other than your employer – will hold them responsible for their part in a workplace accident.
A third party might be involved in a workplace accident in a variety of ways. These include:
- Defective products: If a faulty machine or equipment at work injures you, you might sue the manufacturer if the product was unsafe.
- Toxic substance exposure: If a chemical’s manufacturer did not properly label those materials as hazardous and you get sick or hurt as a result, you could have a case against the company.
- Negligence of non-employees: If someone who is not your coworker, like a contractor, does something careless that causes your injury, you might take legal action against them.
- Vehicle accidents: If another driver’s irresponsible actions cause a car accident while you are driving for work, you can file a claim against that driver.
- Property owner negligence: If unsafe conditions on another person’s property led to your injuries while working on that job site, you might sue the property owner.
A third-party lawsuit can help you get money for harm that workers’ compensation does not cover. This could include pain and suffering, all your lost wages and the impact of an accident on your future income. If the third party was especially reckless, you might also get punitive damages to prevent them from harming others in the future.
Workers’ compensation is helpful but might not cover all your losses after an accident on the job. If you are hurt at work, it’s important to look at all your legal options. A third-party lawsuit can provide you with additional support.