Can I Pursue a Claim If I Was Injured While Working?

If you’ve been injured on the job, you’re likely wondering if you can pursue a claim. The answer depends on specific circumstances. You’ll have to prove that someone was liable for the injuries you’ve suffered.

Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at J&Y Law can help you explore your options when you’ve been injured on the job. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients throughout our years of business. We have 80 years of combined legal experience.

What to Do After an On-the-Job Injury Involving a Third Party in Los Angeles

If you were hurt while working but believe someone outside your employer caused the accident, it’s important to take the right steps early on. Even though it happened at work, your case may qualify as a third-party personal injury claim, meaning you could pursue compensation from the at-fault person or company. 

Start by getting medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Not only does this protect your health, but it also creates a medical record linking your injuries to the incident. Next, document everything: take photos, gather witness names, and write down as many details as possible about what happened.

Finally, contact a personal injury lawyer who can evaluate whether a third party may be legally responsible for your injuries. These cases can be complex, especially when they involve multiple parties or happen on someone else’s property. 

Pursue a Third-Party Liability Claim If You Were Injured While Working

When you’re injured on the job, you may assume that your employer is the only party responsible. However, you may have a claim against third parties, such as independent contractors, manufacturers, or property owners, whose negligence contributed to your injury. 

Liability Beyond Employer

In many work injury cases, the employer is not the only party liable for damages. You may be able to pursue a claim against other parties whose negligence contributed to your injury. This is known as third-party liability claims. Common liable parties include:

• Equipment manufacturers: If a defective product caused your injury, you may have a claim against the manufacturer.
• Property owners: If your injury occurred on someone else’s property, you may be able to hold the property owner liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• Other contractors or employees: If you were injured due to the actions of another contractor or employee, you may be able to pursue a claim if you were injured while working.

It’s important to explore all potential sources of liability coverage to maximize your compensation.

Independent Contractors Involved

If a third-party contractor was involved in your work injury, they may share liability for your damages. You can pursue a third-party liability claim against the contractor or their employer if their negligence contributed to your injury. 

This could include equipment failures, inadequate training, or hazardous work conditions. Consult with an attorney to determine the best course of action and increase the chances that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Why You Should Still Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer

After an injury on the job, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure about your next steps, especially if the situation seems complicated. That’s exactly why speaking with a personal injury lawyer is so important. 

Insurance companies often try to settle quickly or shift blame, and without legal guidance, you might accept far less than your injury is truly worth. A lawyer can step in to gather evidence, deal with paperwork, and handle negotiations so you can focus on healing instead of stressing about the process.

Even if you’re not sure whether your situation qualifies for a personal injury claim, it costs nothing to ask. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and only get paid if they win for you. That means there’s no downside to reaching out and potentially a lot to gain.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawsuit?

If you were injured on the job due to the negligence of someone other than your employer, you may be entitled to file a third-party personal injury claim. These claims can provide broader compensation than typical work-related benefits, covering both economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost wages: For the time you were unable to work due to your injury.
• Loss of future earning capacity: If your injury limits your ability to return to your previous job or earn at the same level.
• Pain and suffering: For the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury.
• Property damage: If personal belongings were damaged in the incident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injury prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.

A third-party claim allows you to pursue full damages from the responsible party. This can make a significant difference in your financial recovery and long-term well-being.

Statute of Limitations for Work Injury Claims

You have a limited time to pursue a claim for a work-related injury, and the statute of limitations dictates that timeframe. This statute sets claim deadlines, which vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of your case. It’s important to understand these deadlines to guarantee you file your claim on time. Here’s what to know:

• In California, you have two years from the accident date to pursue a claim if you were injured while working.
• Statute interpretation can be difficult, and claim deadlines may be extended or tolled under certain circumstances, such as if you’re unable to work due to your injury.
• Failure to meet these deadlines can result in your claim being barred, so it’s important to consult with an attorney who can guide you through the process and confirm that you meet all applicable deadlines.

Learn More About Pursuing a Claim If You Were Injured While Working

As you seek compensation for your work-related injury, remember that timely reporting and medical attention are important. If your employer’s insurance coverage is insufficient, you may need to explore a personal injury lawsuit. At J&Y Law, we understand the importance of seeking rightful compensation for your injuries. 

Contact us today for a free consultation.