Third Parties and Workers' Compensation Law

While injured employees who accept workers' compensation insurance benefits aren't permitted to sue their employers, they may still sue negligent third parties who are directly or indirectly responsible for their injuries. For example, if an employee was injured on the job when the ladder he was climbing suddenly snapped AND the employee accepted workers' compensation damages, the employee could not sue his company, but he could file a claim against the manufacturer of the ladder.

But there is a catch: if the employee were to file a personal injury lawsuit and win his case, he would be required to reimburse his employer for all costs out of his settlement. Further, the employer, too, could sue the third party to recover some of the funds it paid out to its injured worker.

Consult a Workers' Compensation Attorney

Employees that have been injured on the job can greatly benefit from hiring a workers' compensation attorney well-versed in employee rights, personal injury, and workman's comp cases. An attorney can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your claim to help you obtain workers' compensation benefits, and if necessary, sue a third party to hold the negligent actions of others accountable for your injuries. Find an experienced workers' compensation attorney in the LawyerShop national attorney directory.