Workers’ compensation claims can be filed only against an employer. Third-party claims can be filed against anyone who was at fault or negligent that is not your employer or fellow employee. Submitting a workers’ compensation claim does not prevent you from filing a lawsuit against a third party later on, although it is important to pay attention to the statute of limitations for such lawsuits.
Find Out How A Lawyer Can Help With A Third-Party Injury Claim
At our Louisville, Kentucky law firm, we help clients who were injured on the job by the negligence of others file lawsuits arising from on-the-job injuries caused by a third party. At Hargadon, Lenihan & Herrington, we have been helping injured workers since 1925. Contact us for a FREE consultation to learn how we can help.
Examples Of Third-Party Injury Claims
Third-party claims or lawsuits can be complex. Below are some hypothetical third-party claims that could arise after a work-related injury:
- You are on a construction site and another contractor does something that injures you such as not covering a hole, failing to follow safety rules, or being run over by equipment.
- You are driving your own car to pick up a part for your employer and you are hit by another driver. The driver who hit you could be held liable for any injuries and vehicle damage that resulted from the accident.
- You are performing your usual work and a tool you are using malfunctions because of a manufacturing defect. The designer, producer or retailer of the tool, among others, could be liable for injuries occurring because of the defect.
- The cleaning crew in your office used a chemical not approved for that purpose. You became sick because of exposure to that chemical. You may be eligible to file a claim against the company that supplied the cleaning crew.
These are just four examples of third-party injury claims. Other scenarios could involve being attacked by an intruder because a security company failed to maintain a fence around your plant, suffering food poisoning at the cafeteria operated by an outside company, or being trapped or injured in an elevator maintained by an outside maintenance company.
It is important to contact an experienced attorney to get information about how workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits work together and how to maximize your recovery.
Call Our Louisville Law Firm
If you think your work-related injury might have been the result of negligence by someone who was not your employer, talk to us. Describe your situation and find out whether we can help. Call us for a FREE consultation at (866) 583-9701 or (502) 583-9701. Your may also contact us online.
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