Sometimes, workers’ compensation insurance may not be the only compensation that you can receive if you are injured at the workplace. There are situations where you may sue for damages. Here are some examples.
Injury by a defective product
If you are injured by a defective piece of equipment that failed to work due to neglect on the part of the manufacturer, the manufacturer can be held responsible for your injuries. This applies to any product where you can prove strict liability or negligence.
Injury by a toxic substance
Several substances used in the workplace have been shown to cause harm to employees. Some examples include radium, silica, asbestos, and benzene. Any substance that harms you may be the subject of a workplace injury lawsuit.
You may sue for acute injuries that are apparent on your body and latent injuries that may appear after several years. Poisoning and chemical burns are acute injuries while latent injuries may be cancers and lung diseases from inhaling such substances.
Intentional injury by the employer
In many countries, if the employer hurts you intentionally, you can sue the employer for injuries beyond your workers’ compensation coverage. This includes pain and lost wages from the employer’s action.
Injury by a third party
You can sue a third party if he or she is responsible for your injury at the workplace. You must prove fault lies with the third party.
Workplace injury without worker’s comp
You can sue your employer if you are injured on the job and he or she does not offer worker’s compensation insurance. However, you may have to prove your employer to be at fault, something that the insurance coverage does not require.
If you have been injured at work and are struggling to pay your bills, please contact our law offices today for a free consultation.
