Have you recently experienced an injury while you were on the job? You may have heard that you cannot sue your employer in the event of a workplace accident. In the majority of circumstances, this is the case. This is because of what are known as workers’ compensation laws, which require employers to pay for the care of employees injured on the job. But, in some cases, you may still be able to sue them. Here are a few examples.
Were you recently injured on the job? You might be able to sue your employer.
Employer Denied Your Claim for Workers’ Compensation
In the event of a workplace accident, your first course of action should always be filing a workers’ compensation claim. You may be eligible for this form of compensation regardless of fault or liability. But what if your employer denies your claim?
If you find yourself in this position, don’t despair. First, you should file an appeal with the workers’ compensation board of your state. If that fails too, a personal injury lawsuit can help to cover the cost of your injury.
Your Employer Was Negligent
In medical malpractice cases, success depends on whether or not your lawyer can prove the negligence of a medical professional. The same principles are at play in lawsuits resulting from workplace accidents.
For a lawsuit of this sort to succeed, it has to be provable that your employer was grossly negligent, and that this negligence resulted in your injury. ‘Gross’ negligence refers to reckless disregard for the safety of others. Or worse—it could even refer to when your employer intentionally caused your injury.
You Are a Contractor, Not an Employee
Workers’ compensation laws lose their relevance if you are not an employee, but an independent contractor. Thankfully, there are other avenues available for the independent contractor to receive compensation for their workplace injury.
One of the benefits of workers’ compensation laws from the employer’s perspective is that it (in most instances) immunizes them from lawsuits. If you’re an independent contractor, this can work in your favor. Because you are not an employee, workers’ compensation does not apply. But a personal injury lawsuit is on the table.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, for more information and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Call 410-THE-FIRM. Don’t just sue them. SNYDER THEM.