Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Liability Lawsuits

If you have been seriously injured or disabled in a Pennsylvania workplace accident, you may be eligible to file for Workers' Compensation. It's important to note that while accepting Workers' Compensation means you no longer have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against your employer, it doesn't leave you without other modes of legal recourse.

Overview of Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation

In the fiscal year 2004-2005, there were nearly 93,000 cases of work-related injury or illness reported to the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Bureau. Workers' Compensation is an insurance program that provides compensation to workers who suffer on-the-job injuries or illness related to their employment.

A Workers' Compensation settlement provides benefits to the injured worker for medical treatment and lost wages. In some cases where the worker has suffered a fatal injury, the family might be able to collect Workers' Compensation benefits after their death.

When Workers' Compensation Isn't Enough

While Workers' Compensation often provides critical financial support for injured workers in their time of need, you may find that the money from Workers' Compensation isn't enough to cover all of your medical bills and living expenses. This is especially true if you have suffered a severe injury-i.e., a traumatic brain injury or permanent disability-which will require life-long medical care and other costly adjustments to your living arrangements.

That is why, even if you accept Workers' Compensation after a work accident, it is a good idea to contact a Pennsylvania injury lawyer who can work with you to investigate the details of your injury case. In many work-related accidents, there is often a third party at fault for the accident and resultant injuries. In such cases, you may be eligible to file a third-party liability lawsuit against the negligent individual(s).

Third-Party Liability Lawsuits and Philadelphia Work Accidents

A third-party liability lawsuit may be brought against any company or individual whose negligence played a role in your Philadelphia work accident and injuries. Some examples include:

• A contractor at a construction site;
• The manufacturer of any defective products that caused or contributed to your work accident (i.e. product liability claim);
• Property owners; and
• Any other non-employee individuals whose negligent actions caused your injury.

This list only scratches the surface of the types of third-party liability claims that exist in a Philadelphia work accident. An experienced Philadelphia injury lawyer who has handled third-party liability claims-particularly those that involve product liability-can help you to examine your options for pursuing a fair settlement that will address your needs.

How a Philadelphia Injury Lawyer Can Help

Unlike a Workers' Compensation settlement, which will be awarded to you regardless of fault on either party's behalf, you must be able to prove negligence in a third-party liability lawsuit. That is why a Philadelphia injury lawyer is so important at a time like this. They can help gather evidence and secure expert witnesses in order to build a strong case that fully details the way in which someone else's negligence caused your injuries.

You shouldn't have to suffer and pay for expensive medical bills that were caused by another person or company's negligence. Contact a Philadelphia injury lawyer at White & Williams LLP today. We will provide a free, no obligation consultation on your case. 1-877-944-8396.