What To Know About Legal Action Against Your Employer For Workplace Injuries
When you’ve been injured on the job, navigating the complex landscape of potential legal action can be overwhelming. At Skibiel Law, we believe that knowledge is power, and we’re here to illuminate the path to financial recovery for injured workers like you.
Our lawyers are well-versed in both workers’ compensation and personal injury law. Our comprehensive approach ensures that no stone is left unturned as we strive to get you every penny you deserve. We will take the time to delve into the details of your case, guide you through your workers’ compensation claim and assess the possibility of any third-party personal injury claims.
Can I Sue My Employer For A Work Injury?
The short answer is no. The law that prevents you from suing your employer for a work injury is called the exclusive remedy doctrine. It has been the law in Georgia since 1923, and it prevents an employee from suing their employer, even if the employer or another employee’s negligence or carelessness caused their work injury.
Instead of suing your employer, you can seek workers’ compensation benefits through your employer’s insurance company. You may be entitled to benefits even if your injury was caused by your own negligence at work. Payment for medical treatment and weekly income while you can’t work are the primary benefits. Georgia workers’ compensation laws do not provide compensation for pain and suffering.
Can I Sue Someone Other Than My Employer For A Work Injury?
If a work injury is caused by the negligence or fault of a third party, you have the right to sue that individual or business. A third party could be anyone other than the injured worker’s employer or other employees. Any compensation you obtain through a lawsuit will be in addition to your workers’ comp benefits.
The personal injury process is much different than workers’ compensation. Suing an individual or business starts with the filing of a lawsuit in the courthouse and ends with a settlement or jury trial to determine damages and compensation.
When Can I Sue A Third Party?
You can sue a third party if their negligence contributed to your accident or injury. Some examples of cases that we’ve handled involving both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims include:
- Car, truck and other vehicle accidents for employees whose job requires driving
- Job accidents involving negligently designed equipment
- Construction accidents caused by the employees of other employers or contractors at the job site
- Negligently installed ladders and other equipment
These are just a few examples of the many third-party injury claims that might stem from work injuries. Our lawyers can evaluate whether you have one of these claims.
We Can Help You Pursue All Options For Financial Recovery
At Skibiel Law, our attorneys have successfully recovered both workers’ compensation benefits and compensation for damages in personal injury claims for clients injured on the job by a third party. We offer free initial consultations to thoroughly investigate all facts in your case to help you with your workers’ compensation claim and to determine whether you have a third-party personal injury claim.
Call 770-400-0963 or toll-free at 770-968-3554 to schedule a consultation at our Jonesboro or Atlanta office.