Injuries in the workplace happen, but what should you do if you know that the actions or negligence of a particular co-worker were to blame for the injuries you suffered? In situations like these, filing a claim for workers’ compensation may not seem like enough. You may want to hold someone accountable for the dangerous situation you were put in. This is something a Corpus Christi, Texas work injury lawyer from our firm can help you with.
Should I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim if I Get Injured By My Co-Worker?
It almost always makes sense to file a workers’ compensation claim if you get injured at work. Keep in mind that you do not usually have to prove anything, like neglect or inaction of a co-worker, when you are asking for workers’ compensation. The fact that you were injured at work should be enough reason to receive compensation.
It is important to remember that workers’ compensation only covers a few things. It is meant to cover medical bills and a portion of the wages that you missed out on. If your accident at work was particularly serious or caused significant mental distress, it may be wise to pursue a personal injury case.
Should I File a Personal Injury Suit Against My Co-Worker?
Who can be held liable though? In most cases like this, the co-worker who caused you harm should be held accountable. If you can show that their negligence caused you harm, you can collect damages that help cover:
- Medical bills
- All lost wages, past and future
- Any pain and suffering, past and future
Your employer could also be held liable in a personal injury suit. If you can show that they knew that your co-worker was reckless, irresponsible, or somehow a danger to others, you can pursue them for damages. You should not have been put into this dangerous situation begin with.
Can Workers’ Compensation Take Part of My Settlement?
If you decide to pursue a personal injury case after taking workers’ compensation, you should know that the program will end up looking for reimbursements if you win your case. Otherwise, you are essentially getting paid twice for the same thing.
For example, you were out of work and missed $3,000 in wages. Workers’ compensation gave you two-thirds of your wages, $2,000. Then you win a personal injury lawsuit and receive $3,000 for all of the wages you missed out on. That $2,000 from the workers’ compensation program would end up going back to it. Otherwise, you just received $5,000 for your $3,000 in lost wages.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are considering filing a personal injury case, you should talk to our legal team first. Schedule a meeting with Sahadi Legal Group and learn more about how we can help you secure the compensation that you need to pay your bills.
