Being injured while performing a construction job can lead not only to severe injuries and significant time away from work, but also to financial disaster when you face steep medical bills and living expenses that you cannot pay. Workers’ compensation benefits can help, but in many cases they are not enough. What’s more, if you have received workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace accident, you are legally prohibited from also filing a personal lawsuit against your employer regarding the same injury. However, if your injury was caused by someone other than your employer, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against a third party.
Third party lawsuits
If you are injured on the job due to the negligence of someone other than your employer, you may be able to pursue a third party lawsuit. For example, if you were injured when a piece of machinery malfunctioned, you may be able to sue the manufacturer of the defective machinery. The manufacturer is a third party. Or, if you were injured while doing work for a contractor or subcontractor that was not your employer, you may be able to sue the contractor or subcontractor. In this case, the contractor or subcontractor is a third party.
Damages in third party lawsuits
There are a variety of damages that may be pursued in a third party lawsuit. You may seek compensation for medical expenses incurred due to the injury as well as future medical expenses related to the injury. You may also seek compensation for lost wages, both present and future. You may also be able to pursue compensation for pain and suffering caused by your injury.
Working in the construction industry presents many hazards, some known and some unknown. If your injury was caused by the negligence of someone other than your employer, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Doing so can give you the opportunity to pursue the compensation you are entitled to, so you can focus on healing without worrying about the many costs associated with a construction injury.
