Workers’ compensation is in place to aid employees after they experience a workplace accident. These employees may be unable to work due to an injury resulting from their accident. When this is the case, they may be eligible to collect workers’ compensation, which can be beneficial to make up for extra bills that have piled up. Not only does workers’ compensation help employees, but it can also be seen as beneficial for employers. Employers cannot be sued when employees collect workers’ compensation. However, when third parties are involved in these accidents, it can lead to a different outcome.

Since the third party is not the employer of the injured employee, they may be able to seek liability. They can collect workers’ compensation and then file a lawsuit against these third party companies. However, if they collect workers’ compensation and then win the lawsuit with compensation, they may have to pay back the workers’ compensation that they collected.

Why was workers’ compensation put in place?

In order to help those that are injured in the workplace, workers’ compensation was put in place. This was to ensure that employees could not get fired right after going through an accident that made them no longer able to continue their duties. It also can protect employers, too. For these instances, neither the employees or employers are to blame for the situation. No one is at fault for these claims, which is why they are proven to be beneficial.

How do I prove I need compensation?

Individuals who have been injured due to a workplace accident should seek medical attention to make sure they are in good health and to document their injuries. This can prove the extent of the injuries they sustained to collect workers’ compensation. Through workers’ compensation, victims of an accident may also be entitled to benefits including medical care, supplemental benefits, social security benefits and death benefits, along with the above cash benefits. If an employee is not able to work anymore, they may be entitled to long-term benefits that can help them sustain their quality of life. Workers’ compensation can entitle you to monetary compensation. This compensation may include economic damages can include compensation for medical bills, lost wages and lost future wages.

For strong legal representation from an experienced personal injury, bankruptcy, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, or family law attorney, contact Underwood & Micklin and we would be happy to schedule a consultation to discuss your matter.