Getting Millions In Compensation For Employees All Over The U.S.
Third-party liability claims let you seek additional compensation and hold others accountable for their actions. In some cases, workers who aren’t eligible for workers’ compensation might fully rely on these claims to cover the costs of their injuries.
At Fieger Law is here to help you fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is a Third-Party Liability Claim?
A third-party liability claim is a lawsuit filed against someone other than your employer who contributed to your workplace injury. Unlike workers’ compensation, which covers medical expenses and lost wages but excludes pain and suffering damages, a third-party liability claim allows victims to seek additional compensation for non-economic damages. This holds negligent parties accountable and provides financial relief that workers’ compensation alone does not offer.
Common Scenarios Leading to Third-Party Liability Claims
In many workplace accidents, a third party’s negligence can play a significant role in causing injuries. While workers’ compensation typically covers employees for injuries sustained on the job, a third-party liability claim can provide additional compensation when someone outside your employer is at fault. Here are some common scenarios:
- Negligence by Subcontractors or Vendors: On job sites, subcontractors or vendors may fail to follow safety protocols, leading to accidents that harm workers.
- Unsafe Premises Owned by Property Owners: Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions. If unsafe premises lead to injuries, they may be held liable.
- Defective Equipment or Machinery: Manufacturers of tools, machinery, or safety gear can be held accountable if their products are poorly designed, defective, or malfunction and cause injuries.
- Work-Related Vehicle Accidents: Third-party drivers involved in crashes with employees traveling for work may be liable for damages beyond workers’ compensation.
- Neglected Maintenance by Service Companies: Maintenance companies tasked with servicing equipment or facilities can be held responsible if neglect or improper repairs result in accidents.
For instance, consider a construction worker injured by a defective crane. In this scenario, the worker may pursue a third-party claim against the crane’s manufacturer while also receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
Common Workplace Injuries in Third-Party Claims
Workplace accidents involving third-party negligence can result in severe and life-altering injuries, such as:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Caused by falls or falling objects
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially leading to paralysis or chronic pain
- Burns and Chemical Exposure: Common in industrial settings
- Crush Injuries: From defective machinery or vehicles
- Fractures, Lacerations, and Amputations: Resulting from unsafe conditions or defective equipment
Compensation Available in Third-Party Liability Cases
When a workplace accident involves the negligence of a third party, injured workers may be entitled to additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides. These third-party claims allow victims to seek a broader range of damages, addressing both financial and emotional impacts.
Medical Expenses
Third-party liability claims can cover a wide array of medical costs, including:
- Emergency care, hospital stays, and surgeries.
- Rehabilitation therapies, such as physical or occupational therapy.
- Long-term medical care for permanent injuries or disabilities.
- Medications, assistive devices, and any future medical needs related to the injury.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
Victims may recover compensation for:
- Time missed from work during recovery.
- Diminished earning capacity if injuries prevent them from returning to their previous job or earning the same income in the future.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond financial losses, third-party claims often include non-economic damages for:
- Physical pain endured during and after the accident.
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of enjoyment of life, especially when injuries limit daily activities or hobbies.
Wrongful Death Damages
In cases where a workplace accident caused by a third party results in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of financial support and benefits the deceased would have provided.
- Emotional suffering and loss of companionship.
Third-party claims can significantly enhance the compensation available to workplace accident victims or their families, providing much-needed financial stability and justice
How Fieger Law Can Help
At Fieger Law, we have extensive experience helping injured workers through the complex process of third-party liability claims. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Extensive Experience: Decades of success in handling complex workplace accident cases.
- Comprehensive Investigations: Gathering accident reports, safety records, and expert testimony to build a strong case.
- Skilled Negotiation and Litigation: Working tirelessly to secure maximum compensation, whether through settlement or trial.
- Client-Focused Advocacy: Offering compassionate support and keeping you informed at every stage.
- No Fees Unless We Win: Our contingency fee arrangement allows clients to focus on recovery because there’s no upfront costs or financial risk.
Contact Fieger Law Today
If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident caused by a third party, you deserve justice and full compensation. At Fieger Law, our Michigan third-party liability accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.
