Compensation Above and Beyond Workers’ Compensation Benefits

On Behalf of Hullverson Law Firm   |   Jan 25, 2023   |   Personal Injury Knowledge Panel, Workers’ Compensation

You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you have been hurt or gotten sick on the job. Workers’ comp may help you preserve some financial security during your recovery, but it is essential to be aware of its limitations. In some cases, a third-party personal injury claim pursued in addition to a workers’ comp claim can provide additional compensation for non-economic damages.

Limitations of Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation benefits apply when an injury occurs in the workplace or working conditions cause a job-related disease or disability. Therefore, filing a workers’ compensation claim is a logical step when injured or ill. However, workers’ comp insurance companies do not always play fair. Their priority is to protect their bottom line, often at the expense of a worker’s financial security.

Workers’ comp benefits cover economic damages such a medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages, such as the psychological impact of the injury, are not covered by workers’ comp. Suppose you have sustained a loss of quality of life or other non-economic damage as a result of your injury. In that case, you have the right to contact a personal injury lawyer who will fight for just compensation in light of these damages.

Does A Third-Party Personal Injury Claim Apply To My Injury?

Depending on the circumstances of your injury, illness, or disability, you may be entitled to more compensation than workers’ comp can provide. For example, if your injury occurred at work but your employer or co-workers were not responsible, you may file a third-party personal injury claim in addition to seeking workers’ comp.

Third-party personal injury claims can provide additional compensation for your pain and suffering and other non-economic damages such as physical impairment, inconvenience, and diminished quality of life. Third-party injury claims can be made alongside workers’ comp claims, which may provide additional compensation for medical bills accrued and wages lost.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate these claims and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery.