Workplace Injury Lawsuits - Things You Should Know

Workers’ compensation is your protection against losing a significant amount of money after being injured at work. Medical costs, rehabilitation costs, loss of wages, and partial or total disability are covered by workers’ compensation insurance claims, regardless of who is responsible for your injuries.

Unfortunately, not every employer follows the law and protects employees from suffering needless losses if they are injured on the job. If your employer does not have proper workers’ comp coverage, you may be injured and have no recourse except a lawsuit.

What forms the basis of a workers' comp lawsuit?

Gross negligence or misconduct by the employer can also be grounds enough to support a winning lawsuit. These cases are somewhat hard to prove, so make sure enough evidence is gathered to prove the employer was negligent and did not protect workers sufficiently. Injuries caused by third parties such as property owners, subcontractors, or equipment manufacturers could also be grounds for workplace injury lawsuits.

Lawsuits against employers are difficult to win. Under most circumstances, employees cannot sue employers because most employers have workers’ compensation insurance in place. However, an unscrupulous employer may try to re-classify an employee so he or she is not covered, in which case consulting with a qualified attorney will be helpful.

Workers’ compensation is an important protection for employees, but there are limits to the amount of damages you can recover. Sometimes, workers’ compensation covers only part of the cost of rehabilitation or lost wages. Workplace injury lawsuits can add additional compensation for pain and suffering, partial or total loss of ability, future medical treatments, and even a reduction in the quality of your life.

Always consult with an experienced workers compensation attorney who is familiar with the type of lawsuit you would like to bring. An attorney will help you navigate the confusing legal process to get you the compensation you deserve.