Can A Worker Receive Workers' Compensation If The Injury Occurred Due To A Third-Party Action?

When a worker is injured in the workplace, workers' compensation typically covers medical expenses and lost wages. However, if the injury occurs due to the actions of a third party (someone other than the employer or a co-worker), the situation becomes more complex. In such cases, the worker may still receive workers' compensation, but they may also have the option to pursue a claim against the third party responsible for the injury.

Steps to Take If Injury Is Caused by Third-Party Action

Report the Injury: The worker should immediately report the injury to their employer, as required for workers' compensation claims.

Seek Medical Treatment: Obtain medical care for the injury, and keep all records and receipts for medical expenses, as this will be crucial for both the workers' compensation claim and any potential third-party lawsuit.

Determine the Third Party's Role: Identify the third party responsible for the injury. This could include an outside contractor, manufacturer of defective equipment, or even a fellow worker who isn't employed by the same company.

File Workers' Compensation Claim: Even if the injury was caused by a third party, the worker is still generally entitled to workers' compensation benefits. This covers medical costs and lost wages, regardless of fault.

Consult an Attorney for Third-Party Claim: A worker can pursue a personal injury claim against the third party for additional compensation. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer is critical in understanding how to navigate both workers' compensation and a potential lawsuit against the third party.

Avoid Double Recovery: If the worker is awarded compensation from both the workers' compensation insurer and the third party, they may be required to repay some of the workers' compensation benefits as part of the settlement, in order to avoid double recovery.

Ensure Proper Documentation: It's essential to maintain all documentation, including the workers' compensation claim and any legal proceedings against the third party, to ensure a seamless process.

Legal Actions and Protections

Third-Party Lawsuit: In many cases, a worker may file a lawsuit against the third party for damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or lost future earnings.

Liability of the Third Party: The worker must prove that the third party was negligent or directly responsible for the injury. This could involve gathering evidence, eyewitness testimony, or expert opinions.

Coordination with Workers' Compensation: If the worker pursues a third-party lawsuit, the workers' compensation insurer may have a right to be reimbursed for the benefits they paid out, depending on the laws in the jurisdiction.

Example:

A worker is injured while using a piece of machinery at their job site, and it turns out that the machine was defective, having been manufactured by a third-party company. In this case:

• The worker should report the injury to their employer to initiate a workers' compensation claim.
• They should seek medical treatment and document all medical records.
• The worker can file a claim against the third-party manufacturer for a defective product that caused the injury, seeking damages beyond what workers' compensation provides.
• The worker may be required to coordinate the third-party claim with their workers' compensation benefits, potentially repaying a portion of the workers' compensation benefits if they win the lawsuit.