When you’re injured at work, the first item to come to mind may be filing for workers’ compensation. However, you may also be able to file a different kind of claim: a third-party claim. The main component of a third-party work injury claim is it happened because of the negligence of someone at a workplace other than your employer. Proving a third-party’s negligence in the workplace can be difficult, but you can give your claim a better chance with professional legal representation. Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP has experienced and skilled Ottawa third-party work injury lawyers who may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.
We’re here to help Illinois citizens who have been wrongfully injured. Our lawyers understand how an accident at work can put your life on hold, but a successful claim can put you back on the path to moving forward. With us at your side, we’ll be able to talk about your options and help you understand the process.
You may feel some hesitation to filing a third-party work injury claim. However, your health and safety weren’t prioritized, and everyone should value safety at your workplace, including third-parties who come on the premises or place their products or machinery on the premises. While accidents can happen, it can be frustrating to learn that someone’s poor decisions are the reason why you’ve sustained injuries. You deserve to put your well-being first. Before learning more about how a third-party work injury claim can help you, let’s look into how negligence occurs in the workplace.
Negligence at Work
While there may be some professions that are a bit more dangerous than others, like those who work in construction, any workplace environment can become dangerous when there are third-parties present. If the person in charge of a third-party, whether it’s a supervisor, manager, or employee of a third-party, doesn’t take safety precautions, then they are putting others at risk.
Let’s take a closer look at construction. These workers are often around heavy machinery that’s complicated to operate, power tools, and may be on a worksite that has different companies, general contractors, or sub-contractors. Those in charge need to make sure the workers operating the machinery appropriately, have proper training, and know what they’re doing. They also need to coordinate the work and trades that are present. If an inexperienced worker is put in charge of something they don’t know how to use, they could accidentally hurt someone else on the site.
There’s also a chance a construction worker is operating faulty machinery. If the product is defective, then the worker may have an accident even if they had the proper training to use the machine. In this situation, the worker may hold the manufacturing company that made the hazardous machine liable for their actions.
But that’s only the construction industry. Many industries revolve around people working in an office. When you sustain an injury at work, it may not necessarily your employer’s fault. A negligent third-party could make reckless decisions that lead to your injury.
Workplace negligence can result in a number of serious injuries. We’ll list out the types of injuries that can happen.
What Injuries Can Occur?
If you’re not in a safe working environment, you may be at risk for injuries that could have significant consequences. In serious cases, workers could suffer from the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Electrocution
- Amputation
- Burn injuries
If you’ve had a falling accident, you may have hit your head, fallen on your back, or broken an arm or a leg. When machinery is involved, injuries from electrocution, amputation, or sustaining other severe injuries are more likely. These injuries have the potential to cause great harm and possibly affect you for the rest of your life. If your injuries leave you unable to work or prevent you from returning to your specific type of job, you should reach out to us.
While other injuries may not be as severe as those above, they can still cause pain and will take time to heal:
- Sprains and other soft tissue injuries
- Bruises
- Cuts
After a work injury, you’ll want to make a report of the incident. However, if you’re severely injured or are in an emergency situation, you need immediate medical attention. When you’re able, you can make an account of your accident.
When you’re reporting the accident, you should inform the person who is in charge at the time and make a written account. Your report should be as detailed as possible, which is why it’s best to do this right after the incident so everything is fresh.
If you have an accident and don’t feel any immediate symptoms, it doesn’t mean you’re uninjured. Your report also creates a paper trail in case you develop symptoms later. After any kind of accident, it’s imperative to see a doctor. Their evaluation will inform you of any injuries and what it will take to treat them.
Our Ottawa Law Firm Can Help
After a work injury, your main focus should be on healing. You can’t do that when you’re concerned with how you’re going to pay for medical expenses and how long you’re going to be missing work. Our lawyers will do everything to get you full and fair compensation for what you’ve been through. Call our office today so we can get started.
