What You Need to Know About Filing Workers’ Comp and Personal Injury Claims

A workplace injury can happen in the blink of an eye, whether you’re working in an office, on a construction site, or behind the wheel of a delivery truck. As a worker, you have rights when it comes to workplace injuries. But navigating the workers’ compensation process and understanding the legal aspects of your case can feel overwhelming.

If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be eligible for compensation through workers’ compensation insurance. However, if your case involves negligence, third-party liability, or serious injuries, you may also have a personal injury claim to pursue. At DuFault Law, we specialize in helping workers and victims of workplace accidents receive the compensation they deserve. Let’s take a closer look at the types of injuries and claims that might result from a workplace accident and how DuFault Law can help guide you through the process.

Common Work-Related Injuries and Their Causes

Workplace injuries come in many forms. From slips and falls to repetitive stress injuries, the range of accidents that can occur on the job is vast. Here are some of the most common types of injuries that can occur in various workplace settings:

Slips, Trips, and Falls: These accidents are one of the leading causes of injury in nearly every type of work environment. Whether it’s a wet floor in an office building, uneven pavement in a parking lot, or cluttered aisles in a retail store, a slip or trip can result in severe injuries like broken bones, sprains, and head trauma.

Repetitive Stress Injuries: These injuries happen when the same motion is repeated over time. Jobs that require constant typing, lifting, or performing tasks with the same movements often lead to injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and back pain. These injuries may take years to develop, and their effects can be long-lasting.

Construction Accidents: Construction workers face numerous hazards on a daily basis. Whether it’s a fall from scaffolding, being struck by falling debris, or machinery accidents, construction injuries are often severe. Construction accidents are one of the most common reasons people file workers’ comp claims.

Heavy Machinery and Equipment Accidents: Accidents involving heavy equipment or machinery are dangerous and often lead to catastrophic injuries. Malfunctioning equipment, poor maintenance, or improper training can lead to serious incidents like crush injuries, amputations, or burns.

Vehicle Accidents: For those who work in jobs that require driving—whether it’s delivery drivers, truck drivers, or salespeople—vehicle accidents are a common cause of workplace injuries. A collision can result in broken bones, whiplash, head injuries, and even long-term disability.

The Role of Workers’ Compensation in Your Claim

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance program that provides compensation for injuries sustained while on the job. Most workers are eligible to receive workers’ comp benefits regardless of who is at fault for the accident. These benefits typically cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. However, there are limitations to workers’ comp:

• Workers’ comp does not cover pain and suffering. This means you may not be able to recover compensation for the emotional distress, anxiety, or long-term mental health effects caused by the injury.
• If you were injured due to third-party negligence—like a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or a negligent driver—workers’ comp may not be your only option. You may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the third party for additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp covers.

The Role of Workers’ Compensation in Your Claim

While workers’ compensation provides essential coverage, it doesn’t always fully compensate you for your losses. If your injury was caused by the negligence or recklessness of a third party (someone other than your employer), you might be able to pursue a personal injury claim in addition to workers’ comp benefits. For example:

• If your injury occurred due to a defective piece of equipment, you could file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
• If you were injured in a car accident while performing job duties, the at-fault driver may be liable for your damages.
• If a third-party contractor was negligent in causing an accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.

In these situations, workers’ comp may only cover part of your medical bills and lost wages, but a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover compensation for pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and other non-economic damages.

How DuFault Law Can Help You Navigate Your Claim

At DuFault Law, we specialize in both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. If you’ve been injured on the job, our experienced team can help you understand the ins and outs of both systems and how they work together.

• We’ll help you file your workers’ comp claim to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
• If a third-party is involved, we can help you pursue a personal injury claim to recover additional compensation.
• We’ll handle all the paperwork, negotiations, and legal hurdles, so you can focus on your recovery.
• Our goal is to help you secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation.

Get the Legal Support You Need with DuFault Law

If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to act quickly. Whether it’s a workplace accident or a third-party liability issue, you may be entitled to compensation. Navigating the legal process can be complicated, but DuFault Law is here to help. We specialize in both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims, ensuring that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

From filing workers’ comp claims to pursuing third-party lawsuits, our team is ready to fight for your rights. Don’t wait to start your recovery.

Contact DuFault Law now for a free consultation and let us protect your rights. The sooner you reach out, the stronger your case will be. Call 239-422-6400 or email contact@dufaultlaw.com today.