As an employee in the United States, you are entitled to certain rights if you are injured while working. Almost every employer in the nation is required to have a worker’ compensation insurance plan that provides benefits to employees who sustain an on-the-job injury.
Although employers and their insurance providers are responsible for covering the injury-related expenses of their workers, work injuries are not always the fault of an employer. In some cases, other parties are liable (either fully or partially) for causing injury to a worker. When these situations occur, the injured worker could be receive additional compensation from the other at-fault parties. Victims can potentially receive the full amount of compensation they are entitled to by pursuing a personal injury claim as well as their workers’ compensation claim.
Work Injuries Caused by Defective Equipment
Some professions require the use of complicated machinery and equipment that can be hazardous if it is not operating correctly. When work equipment is defective, it can severely injure users and contribute to an on-the-job injury. In these cases, the companies that designed, manufactured, or sold the faulty product could be liable for the injured employee’s expenses.
An employer can still retain a degree of fault when a worker is injured by defective equipment, because it is their responsibility to inspect and maintain their machinery, and train employees on its use.
Car Accidents that Occur During Work
Workers who must drive for their job have a higher risk of being injured in a car accident than others. Employees who drive just to get to work may not be able to receive compensation for injuries that occur during their commute, but a worker whose job duties include driving can get workers’ compensation benefits for a car accident that happens while they are on the clock.
A Third Party is Responsible for my Work Injury — What are my Options?
Sustaining a work injury caused by a third party could entitle the victim to added compensation on top of workers’ compensation benefits. If you have a work injury claim, schedule a free consultation with The Law Office of Michael R. Green, PLLC to discuss your case.
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