Posted On September 18, 2012 Personal Injury

Instances That Would Lead to a Personal Injury Claim in Addition to Your Worker’s Compensation

When you are injured at work, you are entitled to worker’s compensation benefits through your employer, but there are also some instances that would lead you to have a personal injury case in addition to the worker’s comp claim. When the accident you were involved in was the fault of someone other than your employer you may also have what is known as a third party claim that will provide you with additional compensation for your injuries—speak with a personal injury attorney in New Jersey today to learn of your legal rights to collect damages.

Accidents With Third-Party Claims

For example, if you were involved in a car accident while working, you may have a claim against the insurance of the at-fault driver in addition to the worker’s compensation benefits that you are entitled to. So, in this situation, your employer would be responsible for certain coverage such as your medical treatment and lost wages, but beyond that, you are still able to seek compensation from the other party’s insurance policy.

Another instance where a third party claim may be available to you is in the case of a premises liability accident. Say you are at work and there is a hazard within the building such as damage to the floor and your employer does not own the building (just rents the space). If you fall because of that defect in the flooring, and it was supposed to be the responsibility of the building owner to make such repairs you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond your worker’s comp benefits.

Defend Your Legal Rights to Compensation

The same goes for any instance where the accident was caused by another person (not your employer) while in the course of your job. Some people are wary about pursuing legal matters such as worker’s compensation or personal injury claims, but there is no reason to harbor bad feelings towards these areas of law. The insurance industry exists so that there is money to compensate for an unexpected incident such as an accident resulting in injury—the money is owed to you under these policies.

At Console & Associates P.C., our worker’s compensation attorneys never go after an individual to compensate you for your injuries, we only pursue insurance companies. We will handle all aspects of your worker’s compensation and third-party claims while you focus solely on your recovery. For more information about your rights regarding worker’s compensation or for a free evaluation of your claim, call us today at (866) 778-5500.