Third-Party Claim

Attorneys who understand how a third-party claim can help

A workplace accident may not only be the responsibility of your employer. Third party negligence may be a factor. Turn to the experienced attorneys at Gary Martin Hays & Associates to help you sort through the insurance company red tape and get the compensation you deserve. 1-800-898-HAYS.

Compensation and third-party claims

If your workplace injury was the result of a work-related car accident, or if you were the victim of a construction accident in which a sub-contractor's negligence led to your on-the-job injury, you may be entitled to additional sources of compensation beyond workers' compensation benefits. In any case where someone other than your employer or a coworker caused your injury, a lawyer may be able to file a personal injury claim against that third party on your behalf.

These third party negligence claims can be filed in any type of workplace accident, but commonly are part of construction accident cases. Many tradesmen such as electricians or carpenters who work for subcontractors might be working at a construction site. If a construction worker is injured or killed on the job because of the negligence of one of those entities, this may be grounds for a third-party lawsuit.

Such claims also might arise out of a car accident. For example, a truck driver or professional driver who is injured because of the negligence of a drunk driver can file a lawsuit against that drunk driver. The injured worker at the same time would generally be eligible for workers' compensation benefits.

Other examples of third party liability in Georgia

In some work accident cases, a defective product lawsuit may be necessary. For example, a construction worker who is injured by a piece of heavy equipment because of defect with the equipment may be able to take legal action against the manufacturer of the equipment. The product might have had a design flaw or was inherently dangerous. The injured employee may be entitled to receive compensation for pain and suffering and other damages from the product manufacturer.

Toxic substances that cause injuries or death also may give rise to a third party personal injury lawsuit. A worker who is exposed to a toxic substance may experience the adverse effects of the exposure immediately (known as acute injuries) or the injuries may take years to appear. These are known as latent injuries and may include cancer and other diseases that develop over time.

Toxic substances that have caused injuries to workers include asbestos, which was used in manufacturing jobs, including the construction industry and in ship repair. This substance was used for insulation of pipes and in floor tiles and building materials. Asbestos also was used in vehicle brakes and clutches.  When breathed in, the fibers can cause a serious condition known as asbestosis as well as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

In cases such as product liability, the legal responsibility for the injury is complex, with many parties such as a manufacturer or distributor who could be at fault. No matter how complex the legalities, you deserve justice. We aggressively pursue all possible sources of financial compensation for our clients. Contact us today to begin your path to justice: 1-800-898-HAYS.