Sometimes workers’ comp and personal injury claims intersect

On Behalf of | Nov 19, 2020 | Workers' Compensation |

The work ethic in Connecticut and nationally has always been strong and firmly on display. The United States thrives because of the pride that individuals take in making meaningful and consistent efforts at their workplaces.

Employment is in fact a central personal identifier for legions of Americans, regardless of their particular work sphere.

And their jobs are steeped in reciprocity. On the one hand, employees willingly work hard to promote company objectives. On the other hand, they expect in return that their employers will provide them with a work environment that is positive and that duly rewards their labor.

One key marker of a progressive and productive worksite is a constant employer focus on taking actions to keep workers safe from harm. That starts with a proactive plan and well-considered safety protocols and linked training. Risks must be identified and minimized.

Workers must also be adequately provided for when they suffer on-the-job injuries. Workers’ compensation is the key employment scheme put into place to ensure that.

The workplace injury realm: notably deep and diverse

It is hardly surprising to note that the vast and varied job universe links to injury catalysts just as broad and wide-ranging.

Put another way: Injury sources and outcomes in workplaces spanning Connecticut and the country yield workers’ compensation claims of seemingly limitless variety. Those spotlight slip-and-fall mishaps, equipment malfunctioning, unsafe machines, toxic exposure, workplace violence and more. A legal overview of workers’ comp injuries cites these representative injury types from a much larger universe of possibilities:

  • Repetitive trauma/stress injuries
  • Back, neck and spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Electrocution, burns and scarring
  • Impact injuries involving vehicles
  • Hand, arm and shoulder injuries
  • Occupational diseases (e.g., respiratory ailments, cancers)
  • Blindness and hearing loss

Where to turn for a remedy following a work-linked injury

As stated above, workers’ compensation coverage comes to the fore for many employees injured at the workplace. A proven personal injury legal team with a deep well of experience in workers’ comp matters can help an injured worker secure benefits that include the following:

  • Payment for medical costs and charges
  • Compensation that fully recoups lost wages
  • Disability payments
  • Coverage for necessary rehabilitation/therapy

Many injured workers might want to note an additional point relevant to an expanded workplace injury remedy, which can be vitally important in a given case.

That is this: If an on-the-job injury victim suffered because of the negligence of a party in addition to or other than an employee or co-worker, he or she might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking damage. Any recovery would be in addition to that secured through workers’ compensation.

Every workplace needs to be safe and focused on injury-free outcomes involving workers. When that is not the case, an injured employee has strong legal rights marked by a meaningful remedy against negligent behaviors.