Most of the time, when someone gets hurt on the job, they get benefits through workers’ compensation. However, there are situations in which it may be possible for the victim of a workplace injury to bring a civil lawsuit against their employer or a third party for their role in the situation.
If any of the following scenarios apply to you, you could potentially have grounds for a personal lawsuit against someone involved in the workplace accident that left you hurt.
There were faulty safety devices or machinery at your job
If your employer tries to comply with safety rules and regulations, you can still wind up hurt because of defective tools or safety gear. For example, a power tool that short circuits and electrocutes someone could lead to a severe fall from a significant height while on the job. That kind of situation might mean that the manufacturer of the tool or the company that rented it out to your employer has liability.
Someone other than your employer made a mistake that caused your injury
If you were working near the road as part of your standard job responsibilities and a drunk driver swerved off the street and hit you on the sidewalk, that individual may have personal liability for your injuries even if you were on the job at the time that it happened. There may be a possibility to take action against them for their wrongful acts or negligence that caused an issue for you.
Your employer violated the law or safety regulations
There are critical rules in place meant to keep workers as safe as possible on the job. When your employer knowingly violates those to cut costs, they put you and other workers at risk. Those who get hurt on the job because of employer negligence or lawbreaking may have grounds for a lawsuit instead of or in addition to any workers’ compensation claim that they file.
