Workers who are injured on the job are generally entitled to collect workers’ compensation benefits. However, if the injury was caused as a result of another person or party’s negligence, the injured person may want to file a personal injury lawsuit. The Indianapolis workers’ compensation attorneys of Golitko & Daly can help those who have been injured on the job decide whether to file a personal injury or a workers’ compensation claim. In certain cases, it may be appropriate to file both. 

Proving a Workers’ Comp Claim

In a workers’ compensation claim, employees are not required to show any negligence on the part of the employer or another worker. Instead, the employee must show medical records detailing the type and severity of the injury. Additionally, the employee needs to provide evidence that the injury occurred at work. An example of a straightforward workers’ comp claim is an office worker who develops carpal tunnel due to working on the computer for several hours a day. Another example is a mover who suffers a pinched nerve from carrying heavy objects for several hours a day.

Proving a Personal Injury Claim

When an employee is injured on the job, they have the option of filing a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim may be filed against:

• The employer: if you elect to file a personal injury suit against your employer, you waive the right to any workers’ compensation benefits.
• A third party: this may include another construction company working at the site or the manufacturer of a defective product.

In some cases, the injured party may file a workers’ comp suit against the employer and a personal injury suit against a third party. The injured party could also file a personal injury suit against the employer and a third party. The best option for each worker depends on the unique circumstances of the case.

To prove liability in a personal injury case, our Indianapolis construction accident attorneys will investigate. We’ll reconstruct the event to determine which parties played a contributory role in the accident. We may be able to prove fault if:

• The employer or another construction company at the site did not properly train workers
• The employer or third party did not establish safety protocols according to OSHA
• A worker was not following proper safety regulations.
• Construction tools or equipment were found to be defective
• The premises were unsafe
• Hazard signs were not posted in appropriate areas
• Safety barriers were not in place

After we review your case, we’ll determine the right strategy for your claim and help you navigate the legal process. To schedule a case evaluation at Golitko & Daly, contact our Indianapolis practice today.