No one expects to sustain an injury while they are at work, but accidents happen. After an on-the-job injury, you might be worried about covering the cost of your medical care or needing time off work to recover. While workers’ compensation benefits will cover some of these losses, they are not always enough. Employees cannot sue their employers for a work injury, but when a third party is responsible, they can seek compensation beyond what workers’ compensation insurance covers.
When you are injured at work and believe a third party was at fault, contact a Doraville work injury lawyer now to discuss your options. At Robert James Trial Attorneys, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial burden that accompanies a serious injury, and we treat you with respect and professionalism every step of the way. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys want to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions about third-party liability for work injuries.
Common Workplace Accidents Involving Third Parties
When an outside party’s negligence contributes to a work injury, they can be held responsible. For example, if an employee is hurt while using a machine, the company that manufactured the machine might be liable. Likewise, if an employee is driving a work vehicle and is injured in a car accident due to a random driver’s negligence, they could sue the at-fault driver.
In cases like these, the injured employee would have a workers’ compensation claim, but also a separate claim against the third party. A workplace injury attorney in Doraville could help analyze the facts and determine fault, no matter how an on-the-job accident occurred.
Proving Fault Against a Third Party for a Work Injury
Third-party cases are separate and distinct from workers’ compensation claims. Proving fault here is similar to proving fault in any other personal injury claim for negligence. The injured employee must prove that the person or entity they are suing owed a legal duty, and that their actions constituted a breach resulting in harm. For example, when suing a company over a defective product, the injured worker would need to prove that the entity was negligent in the design, manufacturing, or advertising of the product. Likewise, when suing a driver for a car accident, the injured person needs to prove they were negligent in causing the collision—for example, by texting and driving.
In addition, there are various situations where third-party fault would not apply. Employers and coworkers cannot be sued for work injuries under most circumstances. If a coworker is negligent in operating a machine and it injures another employee, this is not automatically grounds for a third-party suit. When liability is unclear, a Doraville work injury attorney could review the circumstances of an accident and investigate whether there is a potential third-party claim.
Turn To a Doraville Work Injury Attorney for Guidance
When you or a loved one suffers an injury at work, it can be overwhelming to make ends meet. A Doraville work injury lawyer understands—and knows how to help. While injured employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, in some cases, a third party’s negligence is a factor in the accident. Our firm could help you hold them responsible through a personal injury lawsuit.
Work injury cases involving third parties can be complicated, so it is beneficial to rely on the expertise of a professional. Our team is available 24/7 to help hardworking employees like you. Schedule a free consultation today to learn about your legal rights and remedies.
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