No matter what you do for a living, you have a right to expect reasonably safe conditions and responsible behavior from your coworkers when you are on the job. If a coworker, employer, contractor, or supplier ends up causing you harm through their own reckless or careless conduct, you may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit against them. This lawsuit will have no relation to the worker’s compensation system.
Workplace accident litigation is far from simple to get through efficiently and effectively on your own, which is why contacting a seasoned personal injury attorney should be your top priority after being hurt on the job. A West Lake Hills workplace injury lawyer can be the ally you need to achieve the best possible resolution to your circumstances while minimizing additional stress for you and your family.
It is important to distinguish workplace injury claims from workers’ compensation claims, since not every on-the-job injury allows for both types of claims to be filed at the same time. In a nutshell, if an employer provides workers’ comp insurance to their employees, they assume automatic liability for certain losses stemming from work-related accidents. In exchange, employees are prohibited from taking civil action against their job.
However, if an injured worker’s employer does not provide workers’ comp insurance, or if an accident or illness on the job stems at least in part from misconduct by a third party not directly affiliated with that employer, the injured worker may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against any and all at-fault parties. This type of claim would typically be built around proving that someone else carelessly or recklessly breached their duty of care and caused injury through this breach.
Sometimes, workplace accident cases can be built around strict liability. For example, if a worker gets hurt because of a defective work product, like safety equipment, filing a claim might be a simple process. A workplace injury attorney in West Lake Hills can go into further detail about strict liability and holding the right parties accountable during a confidential consultation.
Unlike workers’ comp, which generally limits financial recovery for injured workers to reimbursement for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages during their physical recovery, a successful workplace accident lawsuit or settlement demand could allow recovery for all of a plaintiff’s losses. For example, an injured worker can usually collect damages for both their economic and non-economic setbacks, like:
Collecting substantial compensation requires compiling evidence about the work accident in question. A detail-oriented lawyer in West Lake Hills can help with gathering the right evidence and assembling a compelling claim.
Work-related injuries can be immensely disruptive to every part of your life. If you got hurt on the job solely because someone else was negligent, understanding and taking advantage of your right to demand civil compensation from them could be crucial to preserving your future prospects in your professional and personal life.
A conversation with a West Lake Hills workplace injury lawyer could provide the preliminary guidance you need to make the right choice for your circumstances. Call today to get started.