Is A Third Party Responsible For Your Workplace Injury?
Workers’ compensation is designed to provide benefits such as medical care and lost wages if you are injured at work. In exchange for these benefits, workers generally cannot sue their employers or co-workers except in cases of extreme negligence. In some cases, however, on-the-job injuries are caused by third parties — people or entities who do not work for your employer. If you are injured by a third party, you may have both a workers’ compensation and personal injury claim.
At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, our lawyers are experienced in handling both workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. With offices in Harrisburg and Enola, we represent injured workers throughout central Pennsylvania.
What Is a Third Party?
A third party is a person or entity that does not work for your employer. The following are examples of third parties in worker injury cases:
- Another driver in a car accident that occurs while you are working
- A property owner, subcontractor or subcontractor at a construction site
- The company that manufactures or installs factory equipment
- A delivery truck driver
- A company that manufactures or sells chemicals used on your job
- A customer or vendor who injures you
Filing a personal injury claim allows you to obtain compensation for losses that aren’t covered by workers’ compensation benefits, such as pain and suffering.
How A Personal Injury Lawsuit Affects Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has the right to place a lien on any recovery you make from a third party. Therefore, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced attorney before you accept any personal injury settlement offer. Our attorneys can ensure that you keep as much of your personal injury settlement as possible.
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
For dependable advice about your legal options after a workplace injury, call our office at 717-229-6580 for a free consultation.