When a worker is injured on the job in Georgia, he or she is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include compensation for medical bills and lost wages. In some circumstances, the injured worker is entitled to more than just workers’ comp benefits. This is when a third party other than the worker’s employer or a fellow employee is responsible for the injury.
Did a third party cause your injury?
Third parties in work injury cases can take many forms. Some common examples of work accidents caused by third parties include:
- A car accident caused by a distracted driver while you were driving for work-related purposes
- A scaffold collapse caused by the negligence of a contractor
- A fire or explosion caused by faulty equipment
- A work injury caused by dangerous conditions on another person’s (not your employer’s) property
Determining the cause of an accident requires a thorough investigation. Even if you don’t think a third party caused your accident, the true underlying cause may lie hidden from view.
What are the benefits?
If a third party caused your accident, even in part, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against that party. Personal injury law allows you to seek compensation for pain and suffering and other elements not covered under workers’ compensation law. This can significantly increase the total amount of compensation you obtain for your job-related injury.
An experienced work injury attorney can help you determine if you may be eligible to pursue personal injury compensation in addition to workers’ compensation benefits. This is your one chance to seize a financial recovery for this injury, so you want to make sure you do not leave any source of compensation off the table.