Every day people suffer injuries in workplace accidents. Fortunately, when you are the victim of an incident like this, you can pursue compensation for your damages. These payments often come from workers’ compensation benefits or a negligent third party who caused the incident and subsequent injury.
If you are looking for more information on workers’ compensation claims, take a look at our Practice Areas page on that topic. Our lawyers have tried work comp cases to verdict in courtrooms across Alabama. We’ve represented injured workers at every stage from medical care, to mediation, to trial, and on appeal. Our lawyers understand Alabama’s Workers’ Compensation Act. We are frequently asked to teach on important workers’ compensation topics.
After a workplace accident, a Huntsville workplace accident lawyer could sit down with you to evaluate your legal options. In doing so, our seasoned injury attorneys could review your case to determine who bears responsibility for the incident that hurt you. Contact our local legal representatives today to learn more about getting started on your claim.
Common Workplace Accidents
A workplace injury occurs when performing a work-related task or duty. These injuries can happen both in and outside of the workplace. Common examples of work-related incidents include:
- Fires
- Exposure to chemicals or radiation
- Falls from ladders or other heights
- Machinery defects
- Vehicle accidents
Those working in an industrial setting and on construction sites are often exposed to dangerous conditions. Unfortunately, not every injured worker can collect workers’ compensation benefits. However, a knowledgeable attorney in Huntsville could determine whether an injured employee is eligible to receive workers’ comp payments. If they are not, the legal representative could file a lawsuit on the worker’s behalf.
Filing a Workplace Accident Lawsuit
Many injured workers do not pursue legal action for their injuries because they are unaware of their options. For example, not many know that the law allows those injured in a workplace accident to pursue workers’ compensation benefits in addition to a lawsuit against a third-party for their injuries.
Third-party liability arises when a separate individual or entity from the employer causes a workplace accident. A third-party lawsuit is not available against an employee’s supervisor or coworker unless they acted intentionally to harm you. Instead, third-party liability arises from other everyday situations, like manufacturing or design defects, drivers who cause car accidents that injure a worker, and owners of businesses that a worker visits as part of a job. For example, if a drunk driver strikes an employee while on the job, the injured employee can obtain workers’ compensation benefits and also pursue a third-party lawsuit against the negligent driver who caused their injuries. Similarly, if a worker suffers injuries due to a defective product, they can bring a third-party claim against the manufacturer.
There are many different reasons why an injured worker would consider filing a third-party lawsuit. While workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses and partial lost income, the payouts are limited and do not consider the injured person’s pain and suffering or emotional trauma. In a third-party claim, the injured worker can seek compensation for these noneconomic damages. In sum, a third-party lawsuit lets the injured worker recover compensation beyond what a workers’ compensation claim offers. A Huntsville workplace accident lawyer can work with injured employees to determine all avenues for compensation. It is important your lawyer understand and prepare both your workers’ compensation and third-party claims so that you can obtain all the available compensation you may be owed.
Contact a Huntsville Workplace Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
The aftermath of a workplace accident can be overwhelming for victims and their loved ones. That said, when you suffer injuries in an on-the-job accident, contact a Huntsville workplace accident lawyer for a free and confidential consultation.
Our experienced attorneys can review your case to determine if you have a claim against a third party for your injuries and help you collect compensation for the cost of your medical care, lost wages, disabilities, and the pain and suffering. Our lawyers have represented injured workers at every level of court across Alabama. Do not hesitate to contact our office to discuss your legal rights and options.
(256) 261-1315
