Third-party injury claims following factory accidents

On Behalf of | Jun 22, 2020 | Workers' Compensation

What’s a third-party injury claim? If you work in a factory, you know that your job is dangerous. All it takes is one inattentive moment, and you’re hurt and unable to work. For the most part, you can expect workers’ compensation to kick in and cover your medical bills and some of your lost wages.

But what if that’s not all you have a right to receive? Quite often, workplace incidents can give rise to third-party claims. Unlike a workers’ comp claim, these personal injury claims may offer broader compensation for your losses, including payment for your pain and suffering (a facet that workers’ comp doesn’t have).

When do you have the option of a third-party claim after a workplace accident? When someone else’s negligence, not yours or your employer’s, led to your accident. Some examples include situations like:

  • You were climbing a ladder to work on something and the ladder’s step suddenly gave way under your feet because it was improperly manufactured.
  • You were cleaning a piece of equipment and had your fingers crushed when it suddenly sprung to life because of an electrical short that the maintenance and repair company failed to fix.
  • You were driving a truck full of goods to the warehouse and a distracted driver sideswiped you, causing your injuries.
  • The property owner failed to maintain the grounds and you fell right through a rotted staircase on your way back from lunch.

Since third-party claims aren’t bound by the constraints of the workers’ comp system, it’s smart to explore the possibility with an attorney who can help you evaluate your options. You don’t want to leave money on the table when you can use it to support yourself and your family in a time of need.