When a worker is injured on the job, he or she typically thinks of filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits in order to obtain the necessary financial recovery. But, depending on the circumstances of the workplace accident, you may also be able to recover compensation in a third-party personal injury lawsuit.
Common Third-Party Causes of Action
- Auto Accidents. If you are injured in a car accident while on the job, you may be able to obtain financial recovery from the negligent driver. For instance, if you are a delivery driver working your route or you are a salesperson driving to a client meeting, and you are injured in a car accident, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver.
- Construction Accidents. Construction sites often have a number of different teams of subcontractors involved on the project, but it is the obligation of the general contractor to oversee, coordinate and organize the subcontractors and their specific projects. General contractors are also obligated to recognize work hazards, repair hazards, and warn others about unsafe conditions. If the general contractor fails to do so, subcontractors and their employees who are injured in a construction accident may be able to purse a legal claim against the general contractor.
- Slip and Fall Accidents. If you are injured on the property of another while on the job, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the property owner under the legal theory of premises liability. For instance, if you are making a delivery to a homeowner and you are injured as a result of a negligent hazard on the property, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the homeowner.
- Medical Malpractice. If your work-related injury or illness is exacerbated due to medical error, you may be able to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit against the negligent doctor or hospital.
What to Do If Injured in a Work-Related Accident
If you are injured in a work-related accident, you should immediately notify your employer. Injured workers are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who was at fault for the accident, but in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, you must provide prompt notification of the accident, injury, or illness to your employer.
You should also contact a personal injury lawyer who has experience with workplace accidents. The personal injury lawyers at Cogan & Power, P.C. focus on helping accident and injury victims in and around Chicago obtain maximum financial recovery for a variety of personal injury accidents, including work-related accidents and injuries. We will seek full compensation from all possible sources, including workers’ compensation benefits and personal injury damages from any negligent third parties.
If you were injured in a work-related accident, please contact our office at (312) 477-2500 to schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated Chicago personal injury lawyers.