An on-the-job or workplace injury is one suffered by an employee while working. Workplace injuries can occur by Accident or as a result of an occupational disease or exposure. Depending on the situation, workplace injuries may be covered by Workers' Compensation laws, tort law or both. The laws surrounding work-related injuries are complex and can be difficult to understand without the assistance of a qualified attorney.
Workers' compensation laws govern the provision of benefits to workers and their dependents after an injury or death in a work environment. Compensation may include medical benefits, weekly or biweekly income, vocational rehabilitation, permanent disability compensation and possibly death benefits. In serious injury cases, these benefits may be substantially less than the injured worker could recover under tort law. If an injury is covered by workers’ compensation, it may affect the ability of an employee to recover other damages from the employer. However, claims against other liable parties (third party claims), such as property owners or equipment manufacturers, are not precluded by workers’ compensation laws and additional damages may be sought under tort theories such as Negligence. Every workplace injury should be evaluated by an attorney to determine if a third party claim exists.
If you or someone you know has suffered a workplace injury or has been involved in accident on the job, contact The Scranton Law Firm today for a free consultation.
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