Strong Justice For Serious Disease

Benefits and downsides to suing employer after a work injury

On Behalf of | Sep 30, 2016 | Work-Related Deaths

On work days, workers have to rise-and-shine, and get to work. Most Pittsburgh workers are diligent and work very hard. That is what makes it so hard to swallow when a worker suffers a work-related injury. There are several ways that a person can collect, and from different parties after a work-related injury.

The main differences are who an injured person is collecting from and why. If a person decides to pursue a workers’ compensation benefits, these are often available to workers regardless of fault.

This means, even if the worker was at a fault for the injury, they are likely to collect under Pennsylvania workers’ comp law. These collections are often modest, but better than nothing for an injured worker and their family.

Another option is to sue an employer, which is a favorable option if they were inherently negligent or caused dangerous situation resulting in workplace injury. The downside is that it can potentially revoke workers’ comp benefits.

The upside is that a winning personal injury case against an employer can repay damages, such as punitive damages, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and mental anguish. Not all of these financial hardships associated with work injury are typically covered by workers’ comp alone.

In the long run, losing workers’ comp benefits may be a small price to pay, if succeeding in a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent employer. Each case of workplace injury is different and will have the correct corresponding reactions. Understanding what path is best for you and your family after injury can be established. Moving forward is possible after a workplace injury.

Source: Injury.FindLaw.com, “Workers’ comp benefits explained,” accessed on Sept. 26, 2016

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