Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Workplace Injury?

Laws in Washington restrict employees from filing personal injury lawsuits against their employers when they get hurt at work. Employees in these scenarios may be limited to recovery through workers’ compensation. The workplace injury attorneys at Schauermann Thayer can help you determine whether someone besides your employer may be at fault. We will fight for your legal rights when you have been injured at work.

Your Employer Usually Cannot Be Sued for Job-Related Injuries

When an employee is hurt on the job, they generally cannot pursue a personal injury claim against their employer. However, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to seek payment of your medical expenses and lost income. There are very limited circumstances when an employee can bring a claim against their employer following an injury. Usually, the only way that you are able to file a personal injury lawsuit for a workplace injury is when some other person or entity (other than your employer) is at fault. Recoverable damages in a personal injury lawsuit include medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for things like pain, suffering, and disability.

Other Parties That May Be Responsible for Your Injuries

Depending on the type of personal injury claim, a variety of third parties may be held legally responsible for your injuries. Some examples include:

• A driver: If you were injured in a car accident when you were on the job, you may have a personal injury claim against the other driver.
• Product manufacturers: parties involved in designing, manufacturing, and selling defective products that injured you could be held liable in a lawsuit.
• Contractors and subcontractors: You are typically only restricted from bringing a personal injury claim against your own employer. If another contractor or subcontractor’s actions caused your injury, you may be able to pursue a claim against them.
• Property owners: If the owner of a site that you are working on was negligent, you may have a claim against the owner.

Workers’ Compensation Claim

Regardless of your ability to pursue a personal injury claim against a third party, you may file workers’ compensation claims for any job related injury. Remember that you can always file a workers’ compensation claim for any job related injury.

Contact a Vancouver Workplace Injury Law Firm Today

If you have been injured on the job, get legal help from the Vancouver workplace injury lawyers at Schauermann Thayer. The first step is to reach out to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys. You can speak to a lawyer by visiting our website or by calling us today at (360) 818-2725.