When you have been hurt at work, your employer is liable for your medical care and lost wages. You will be reimbursed through the coverage your employer has under worker's compensation. As long as you fill out all of the required paperwork and your injuries occurred on the job, you will receive the benefits that you deserve. However, though you will be paid by the insurance company, there are reasons that you can seek further damages for your injuries beyond worker's compensation.
You Were Hurt Because a Product Was Defective
While you will be refunded by worker's compensation for your medical bills and lost wages, pain and suffering isn't considered part of a worker's compensation claim. If you were hurt because of a defective product, you may have a personal injury lawsuit against the product manufacturer. These types of accidents are common in industrial workplaces, where many employees work on machinery. If the machine is deemed defective, and it has caused your injury, it is likely that you can file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to your worker's compensation claim.
A Toxic Substance Caused Your Injury
While it's possible that you work with a number of toxic materials in your line of work, getting hurt by a toxic substance should not be something to take lightly. Even when you follow safety protocols, you have the potential for getting injured by a toxic substance. Depending on how you are hurt, you may be able to file a toxic tort lawsuit against the manufacturer of the toxic material you were working with.
When You are Hurt Because of the Negligence of Your Employer
Some people get injured at work because they are forced to perform duties that are beyond their capabilities. Others are asked to perform under unsafe conditions, despite regulations that exist prohibiting the conditions. Some employees are hurt because they are asked to work extra shifts or too many hours in a row. If you have been injured at work and you believe your employer has been negligent, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer.
If you have become permanently disabled because of your injuries, it will become almost necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit beyond your worker's compensation claim. This is because short- and long-term disability payments can be pretty low, and it will be difficult for you to survive on these benefits if you are no longer able to work. Contact a personal injury attorney today to receive further advice and help.
Share30 September 2015
Were you injured at work and fighting to get the workers compensation that you have paid into each year? Sometimes, getting those payments can be very difficult. What do you do when an employer fights the claim? Do you need a lawyer to help you through the process? How will you pay for a lawyer if you cannot even pay your electric bill? You are probably as lost as I was when I went through the process. Fortunately, you can learn from my experience with the system and find the answers to many of the questions that you have about filing a workers comp claim and fighting the system when it is denied.
