Have you been injured at work? Your employer may not be the only one responsible for your injuries. In addition to filing a claim through the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation system, injured workers may also be entitled to file a lawsuit against other potentially responsible parties.
While Workers’ Compensation can compensate injured workers for medical bills and lost wages, other damages such as pain and suffering, are not reimbursable. An injured worker must file a “third-party liability lawsuit” in order seek compensation to which they are entitled from other responsible parties.
One of the most common types of third-party liability claims involves a design, manufacturing or marketing defect of a product or equipment used at work. Malfunctioning and defective equipment can cause serious and often catastrophic personal injuries. For example, faulty forklifts can be particularly dangerous at a worksite. Injuries resulting from defective products and equipment include broken bones, hand injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death.
Toxic exposure claims against manufacturers of chemical substances can be pursued for injuries caused by asbestos, silica, lead, radium, benzene and other chromium compounds. Injuries resulting from exposure to toxic materials may appear shortly after exposure or years later (called latent claims). The manufacturers of toxic compounds face liability for injuries resulting from toxic exposure.
Other types of third-party claims can include auto accident claims against other drivers, including commercial drivers and their employers. Injured employees may also have slip and fall claims and other premises liability claims against the property owners of work sites. In addition, if an employer acts egregiously or in cases of gross negligence, an employee may have an intentional and wrongful conduct claim for punitive damages in addition to a Workers’ Compensation claim.
These are just a few examples of third-party liability cases that a worker may have when injured at work. In order to understanding fully your rights to compensation for your injuries, you should consult with an experienced work injury lawyer that is part of a team of knowledgeable personal injury lawyers with a history of successful outcomes.
The Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Galfand Berger can handle all of your work injuries claims, including Workers’ Compensation claims and third-party liability lawsuits. Our attorneys have obtained substantial recoveries in all types of work accidents cases. We can help you obtain the justice you deserve for your injuries against all responsible parties.
The law offices of Galfand Berger are conveniently located in Philadelphia, Reading and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. We represent clients throughout Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, including the Harrisburg and Allentown regions. Call Galfand Berger today to schedule a free consultation at 1-800-222-8792 or contact us online.