When individuals or entities outside an employer-employee relationship become involved in incidents resulting in injury or harm to workers, they can be held liable to the extent of their involvement. As such, understanding when legal liability extends to third parties after a workplace accident can help you assert your legal rights and recover the compensation you are entitled to.
Third-party liability can arise in various scenarios. The underlying concern is that the non-employer individual or entity in question played a role in your workplace accident, directly or indirectly. Most importantly, you must demonstrate that the third party in question owed you a duty of care, which they breached, leading to your workplace accident. In other words, you must prove their negligence led to your injuries for a valid claim.
Some common examples include a workplace accident resulting from a defective product, unsafe conditions at your job or even a car crash during work-related activities. These instances illustrate how third parties, such as product manufacturers, negligent drivers or contractors, can be held legally liable for your injuries.
You can recover a wider range of damages with your claim
A third-party liability claim allows you to seek compensation beyond the limits of workers’ compensation benefits, which usually cover medical expenses and a portion of your missed wages. For instance, you may be entitled to damages for your pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, disfigurement and emotional anguish, to name a few.
It is worth noting that third-party liability claims are far more complicated than workers’ compensation claims. The complexity arises from the need to navigate varying legal intricacies, like establishing negligence, assessing your level of fault and demonstrating a direct link between the third party’s actions and the harm you suffered.
As such, reaching out for legal guidance as soon as possible can help you build a strong case, understand your rights and successfully navigate the process. This effort can significantly enhance your chances of a favorable outcome for your claim against a negligent third party.