If you work in either construction or transportation, you may risk serious injury daily. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in these two industries have some of the highest job injury rates in the country.
After a work injury, you may be able to collect important benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy, including payment for medical bills and lost wages. However, if a third party contributed to your injury, you may be able to receive additional compensation by filing a personal injury claim.
What is a third-party injury claim?
If you work on a busy job site, you may interact with employees from several different companies and handle heavy or complicated equipment. As a trucker or delivery driver, you may also risk injury due to the negligence of other motorists. In either case, if someone other than your employer or a coworker caused or contributed to your job injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim in addition to a workers’ compensation claim.
What are some examples of negligent third parties?
Common examples of third parties who may be responsible for work-related injuries include:
- A machine, tool or vehicle manufacturer who provided faulty equipment
- Another driver who caused a collision while you were driving on the job
- A subcontractor or general contractor who neglected job site safety
- A property owner who failed to keep premises safe for workers
Why file a third-party lawsuit?
If your injuries were severe, workers’ compensation alone may not be enough. That is especially true if you are facing a long recovery or now have a permanent disability that prevents you from returning to work. Filing a third-party claim may help you receive the full amount you need to stay financially secure into the future.
