Work injuries, as the term suggests, occur within the scope of employment. These injuries can range from slips and falls to repetitive strain injuries, and they are typically covered by workers’ compensation insurance provided by employers. Workers’ compensation aims to provide medical benefits, wage replacement, and rehabilitation services to employees injured on the job, without the need to prove fault.
On the other hand, personal injury lawsuits cover different incidents revolving around harm, occurring at any place such as public areas, homes, or private properties. Personal injury lawsuits are for situations when someone’s intentional actions or negligence bring harm to other people. Here’s when a work injury can be considered a personal injury if you are injured in Rochester.
- Negligence of Third-Party: While the worker’s compensation will cover the injuries caused within the workplace premises, there might come a situation when your injuries are caused by the negligence of someone outside. If someone not from your company caused injuries, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. For instance, if a reckless driver caused you injuries while you’re working in your company, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the accountable driver.
- Defective Products: If a worker is injured due to a defective product or equipment provided by a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, they might have grounds for a personal injury claim. A personal injury lawyer can help you file these claims along with a worker’s compensation claim, helping you seek fair compensation from the responsible authorities.
- Harming Intentionally: If someone from the company took some actions to cause harm to another employee, it can make your case to the personal injury level. For instance, if you’re assaulted by someone in your company physically, you will have a valid personal injury claim against that certain employee.
- Exposure to Toxic Waste: When you’re exposed to hazardous materials for a long time while working in your company, it can cause severe health complications. If the negligence of your employer in handling and managing the toxic wastes made you suffer from long-term health complications and disabilities, you can contact a personal injury lawyer and file a personal injury lawsuit to receive compensation for the damages.
While the worker’s compensation scheme is there to cover work injuries, certain scenarios can be classified as personal injuries. People should know their legal rights. Contacting a personal injury lawyer is mandatory to receive the best compensation amount.
