Both accidents and repeated job duties can cause work-related injuries. For example, a construction worker who is injured after falling from scaffolding or an industrial worker exposed to asbestos may be able to collect workers compensation for their injuries. Workers’ compensation is a benefit system put in place to help injured workers receive compensation for their personal injury and return to their jobs as soon as possible. Injured employees are eligible for workers’ compensation if they are injured on the job or while performing normal job duties.
What You Should Know About Workers’ Compensation Law
What many workers’ compensation clients do not realize is that fault is not considered in workers’ compensation claims. In other words, employees who accept workers’ compensation benefits cannot sue their employer, even if the employer clearly caused or could have prevented the injury from taking place. Workers’ compensation protects workers by providing for their medical expenses and lost wages, but nothing else.
However, though an employee cannot seek compensation from the employer above and beyond the workers’ comp benefits, in some cases a lawsuit may be brought against a responsible third party. For example, if a construction worker is injured while operating a piece of heavy equipment and receives workers’ compensation benefits from the employer, the worker can still bring a case against the manufacturer of the equipment (i.e. product liability) for their role in the accident.
Workers Compensation Lawyer
If you believe that you have been wrongfully denied workers’ compensation benefits, it is important that you consult with an experienced workers compensation lawyer who can advise you of your legal rights.
