Did you know that you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering in addition to workers’ compensation if your work accident was caused by the negligence of a third-party?

In the context of Massachusetts workers comp law, a third-party is, essentially, a person or company that is not part of your employer’s company. Unlike workers comp benefits, which are very limited in nature, compensation from a third-party claim includes payment for pain and suffering caused by your injury.

For instance:

• If you were injured while working at a construction site, your injury may have been caused by the negligence of a third-party such as the general contractor or a subcontractor. In such a case, you may have a potential third-party claim in addition to a claim for workers comp benefits.
• If you were injured in a car accident while working, you may have a potential third-party claim against the negligent driver or owner of the car that caused the accident in addition to a claim for workers comp benefits.
• If you were injured due to a defective condition (example: defective steps or stairway) while working on someone else’s property, you may have a potential third-party claim against the negligent property owner in addition to a claim for workers comp benefits.

In order to protect ALL YOUR POTENTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS after a work accident, you should consult a lawyer experienced in Massachusetts workers comp law as soon as possible. You owe it to yourself and your family.

Copyright © 2009 John J. Sheehan