Representing Those Hurt on the Job
Typically, if you are injured on the job, your medical bills and lost wages will be paid for by the workers compensation policy of your employer. However, there are certain circumstances under which you may be entitled to additional compensation or benefits.
If you are interested in exploring the possibility of a third-party claim for coverage not included in workers compensation, the Valley Forge and Harrisburg lawyers of Graham & Mauer, P.C. can help evaluate your case.
Why File a Third-Party Claim?
People are injured on the job every day. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2010 there were over three million workplace injuries in the United States, over 30 percent of which required days away from work. Furthermore, there were 4,206 workplace fatalities the same year. While most of these cases qualify for workers compensation benefits – usually covering medical costs and lost wages – there are many situations in which workers comp does not adequately cover the losses the victim suffers.
Moreover, if your injury occurs at work but is not directly the fault of your employer, those who are responsible for the negligence that led to your injury are never held accountable if you simply apply for workers comp. A third-party claim allows you to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent company or individual that caused your injury – and may allow you to recover more than you would in a simple workers compensation claim.
You may be able to seek compensation in a third-party case and also receive workers compensation. Furthermore, through a third-party case, you can often gain coverage for past and future medical costs, loss of earnings, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, emotional distress and other pain and suffering – much of which is not available through workers compensation.
Examples of Third-Party Cases
You can only file a third-party claim if your injury occurred at work but another party than your employer was responsible. Common types of third-party cases include the following:
- Injury owing to a defective product, material, machine or tool
- Owners or general contractors who fail to provide a safe work environment at a construction site
- Careless or reckless car or truck drivers
- Negligent employees of other companies
- Factory collisions
Call Graham & Mauer – Speak to Our Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured at the work site, Graham & Mauer, P.C. is prepared to help you obtain fair compensation. With offices in Valley Forge and Harrisburg, personal injury lawyers from our firm are easy to reach for clients throughout eastern and central Pennsylvania. Call us toll-free today at 800-218-0808 for a free phone consultation on workplace accidents like slip and fall injuries and dog bites, or contact us online.