Can I Hold My Boss Responsible for My Workplace Injury?
When workers are hurt in Pennsylvania, they may sustain injuries that are physically painful and financially difficult. While workers’ compensation is a key support for many worker’s recoveries, there are times when injured employees want to hold a responsible party accountable.
Share the details of your workplace injury with a Bucks County personal injury attorney, a skilled lawyer can share with you facts about employer liability and inform you of your options.
Employer Liability in Pennsylvania
Exploring workers’ comp is often the first step to financial recovery after a job injury. Pennsylvania, like most states, has a workers’ compensation system that provides benefits to employees injured on the job, and the benefits are designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. All of this coverage is no-fault, but the trade-off is that employees generally cannot sue their employers for additional damages under workers’ comp laws.
While workers’ comp typically shields employers from lawsuits, there are exceptions. An injured worker may be able to hold a boss responsible, but the following two factors need to be reviewed.
- If an employer’s negligence directly caused a workplace injury, the injured employee may have a case. But it is important to note that proving negligence can be challenging, as the injured worker must demonstrate that the employer breached a duty of care.
- Intentional harm. While it is rare, if an employer intentionally causes harm to an employee, the injured worker may pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Plus, when you hire a skilled attorney, they can investigate the possibility of liability extending beyond the employer. For instance, if there is a third party, such as a contractor, manufacturer, or another company who was negligent and you were hurt as a result, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against that third party.
Navigating the Complexities of PA Workplace Injuries
To be fully informed about your recovery options, connecting with experts who are familiar with handling workplace injury cases is essential. A legal professional can assess the circumstances of your injury and determine whether you have a viable case against your employer or a third party.
If you do have a case, your Bucks County personal injury attorney will strengthen your claim by gathering evidence, such as essential documents, witness interviews, and expert consultations. Once your attorney has all of the evidence in place, they will assign a worth to your claim. This full value can be an important tool in pushing back on low settlement offers.
After all, representatives for the other party will likely work to minimize payouts, and your injury lawyer can fight on your behalf, pointing to the documentation of your losses in order to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Is a person or company responsible for your workplace injury? To prove employer liability, seek guidance from a skilled Pennsylvania injury lawyer. Consult with the legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 215-968-6602 to book your consultation.