Does my work injury qualify for workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit?
Answer:
A covered injury arising out of and in the course of employment may support workers’ compensation benefits. If a legally responsible third party caused it, a separate injury claim may also be possible. The claims need coordination, including review of deadlines and the compensation carrier’s reimbursement rights.
An injury connected to work duties may fall within the workers’ compensation system when the statutory requirements are met. Being on the clock is relevant context, but coverage and the relationship between the injury and employment still need review.
Our attorney gives an example of an employee driving for work who is struck by another motorist. That situation may involve both a workers’ compensation claim and a separate claim against the legally responsible driver.
Those claims are not handled as entirely unrelated recoveries. Coordination may be needed because of the compensation carrier’s lien, reimbursement rights, and other procedural requirements.
A workers’ compensation attorney can review the incident, the employment relationship, and any third party’s role to explain which claims may be available and how to protect them.