Suffering a serious or catastrophic injury while you are on the job can be devastating. You may face a long and difficult recovery that racks up exorbitant medical costs, and you’ll likely be unable to perform your workplace duties for the foreseeable future. While filing a workers’ compensation claim can help to secure you some form of financial assistance, significant injuries often require much more compensation than you’ll be able to collect from the workers’ compensation insurance system. It’s important to recognize that you also have the right to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit against those responsible for your injury. Here’s what this process entails.
When Workers’ Compensation is Not Enough
If you suffer an injury at your place of employment, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim to obtain benefits through your employer’s insurance carrier. Such claims often cover some of the medical costs associated with your injuries, but these payments can be insufficient for those who suffered major or catastrophic injuries. If it can be demonstrated that a third-party was responsible for your injury, then you have the option of pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against this entity to recover additional damages.
Pursuing a Third-Party Lawsuit
The first step in determining whether you should file a third-party lawsuit is to discuss your situation with an experienced personal injury attorney. Third-party, on-the-job claims often involve faulty equipment or industrial negligence, which can occur at construction sites, factories, and other locations where large-scale machinery is frequently used. Perhaps you sustained an injury while operating a faulty crane or forklift—you may be able to seek financial damages from the manufacturer by filing a third-party lawsuit.
Building a Successful Case
When you work with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, you can trust that every detail stemming from the circumstances of your injury will be scrutinized and analyzed thoroughly. Through a variety of legal tactics, such as interviewing witnesses, investigating the machinery or site for hazards or defects, and other strategies, your attorney can help you prepare a compelling third-party claim against those responsible for your injury. If you’ve suffered due to the negligence of someone else, you should take swift action in order to obtain the compensation you are owed.
Call the dedicated legal team at Gash & Associates, P.C. today at (914) 328-8800 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Westchester County personal injury attorney who is committed to securing you the compensation you deserve.
