Third-party claims
Third-Party Claim in Gwinnett County after a Work Injury
Workers in Georgia cannot file suit against their employers if injured in the workplace. Instead, the law provides them access to workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, however, third-party claims after work accidents make it possible for you to receive additional compensation for the damages you suffered. These personal injury suits are possible if someone other than yourself, a co-worker, or your employer caused the accident. John Morrison can help you file a third-party claim in Gwinnett County for your work injury, so get in touch with us today to discuss your eligibility.
What is the difference between workers’ compensation and a third-party liability claim?
Under Georgia workers’ compensation laws, an employer’s insurance company pays for your medical treatment if you are injured on the job. You are also entitled to disability benefits, which pay part of your pre-injury wages and may provide permanent impairment benefits.
But if a third party, such as a manufacturer of a defective piece of equipment or another subcontractor, is responsible for your accident, you may file a personal injury lawsuit against that party. You are not bound by limits in the workers’ compensation system when filing a third-party liability claim. And while workers’ compensation does not compensate you for pain and suffering, a third-party claim may.
What kind of compensation can I get from a third party liability claim?
When you file a personal injury claim against a third party who is responsible for your work accident, you can ask for compensation to cover the full amount of the wages you lost and your potential future income. Other common types of damages awarded in these suits cover:
- Medical costs
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
In the case of a wrongful death suit, funeral and burial costs may be recoverable.
What kind of accidents have led to successful third-party liability claims?
A variety of workplace accidents may entitle injured workers to file a third-party claim. Below are just a few examples.
- When someone is injured in an accident while driving for work.
- When a worker is hurt by defective machinery.
- When a manufacturer did not adequately warn about risks of machinery.
- When workers are exposed to a toxic substance such as asbestos, radium, or benzene.
- When employees are injured because a property owner has not properly maintained the job site.
How can John Morrison help with my work-related injury today?
There is a two-year statute of limitations on personal injuries in Georgia, and the clock begins to tick the day you are injured or when you discover or should have discovered an illness or injury.
At The Law Offices of John Morrison, LLC, we can help hold those responsible for your accident liable and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 770-951-8900 to schedule a consultation to discuss your injury.