According to National Safety Council, every 7 seconds, a worker is injured on the job. The common causes of workplace injuries are over exhaustion and slips, trip, and falls.
If you’ve suffered an injury at the workplace, it’s critical that you seek immediate medical attention to avoid worsening your condition.
After that, it’s important to understand your legal options to get compensation for medical expenses, among other damages.
Let’s learn about workers’ compensation and civil lawsuit to help you make an informed decision:
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation helps injured worker obtain benefits irrespective of the reason of the accident.
Workers’ compensation is based on the idea that injuries sustained by the workers were caused by ordinary negligence.
These benefits include, but are not limited to, medical expenses such as doctor’s fee, drug therapy, physical therapy, vocational rehabilitation, among others.
In case the victim suffers from temporary or permanent disability, which renders them unable to work, the compensation will also include lost wages.
Civil Lawsuit
Civil lawsuit is filed personally by the victim to obtain rightful compensation for their loss and sufferings when the employer or third-party intentionally causes harm to an employee.
A personal injury attorney initiates a legal claim on behalf of the victim to prove that an employer’s or a third-party’s negligence resulted in the injury.
A competent personal injury attorney can obtain compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, disfigurement, future medical treatment, and pain and suffering.
In some cases, victim can also receive punitive damages, which are meant to punish defendants whose conduct is considered grossly negligent or intentional.
Should You Sue Your Employer for Compensation Claims and Medical Expenses?
Cases that involve workplace injuries can be extremely complex. It’s important to consult a personal injury attorney before you decide to file for a claim.
Your lawyer will evaluate your case and help determine whether you should initiate a legal proceeding against the employer or file a workers’ compensation claim.
For instance, if the likelihood of the success of your claim is slim, it’s better to opt for workers’ compensation.
Conversely, if the chances of your win are strong, you should pursue a legal action to get maximum compensation for your pain and anguish.
Having a competent attorney by your side will help you to avoid settling for less amount of compensation that you rightfully deserve.
Your lawyer will carefully analyze the circumstance of your case, consider pros and cons of each choice, and help you make the right call.
Need a personal injury lawyer?
If you have sustained injuries due to negligence of your employer, contact the Law Offices of Norley E. Castañeda in Central Islip today to initiate a legal action against your employer.
Our experienced personal injury lawyer will gather evidence, testify witnesses, and devise a strong case in your favor to ensure you’re able to obtain rightful compensation for your pain and suffering.
The information contained herein is not intended to be a source of advice with respect to the material presented, and the information and/or documents contained in this website do not constitute legal advice.