WHAT IF ANOTHER COMPANY OR PERSON IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR A WORKPLACE INJURY?
2. Premises liability In a premises liability case, the owner of a property or building fails to maintain their premises in a safe manner, and another person is injured as a result. In this scenario, the injured person may pursue a lawsuit against the property owner for their injuries. Example: At a construction site, an electrician falls two stories through the floor due to improper construction. In this situation, the electrician could sue the property owner, construction company, and/or other contractors for their negligent or reckless conduct in keeping the construction site safe for all workers. 3. Product liability When people are injured as a result of a dangerous and defective product, they may pursue a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the equipment or machinery. Example: While operating a wood chipper, a worker is pulled into the machine and later dies from his injuries. Upon investigation, it is determined that the wood chipper’s guarding design was
Many times, another company or person (who is not your employer or coworker) can cause or contribute to a work injury. In this situation, you can collect workers’ compensation benefits. In addition, you may also have a claim against a negligent or reckless defendant who is not your employer.
Here are three examples of how a third party may contribute to a work injury.
1. Negligent actions of another company’s employee A person (or company) is negligent when they fail to use reasonable care, causing the injury or death of another person. Example: Another company’s truck driver backs his trailer up to a warehouse. However, he fails to lock or chock his brakes. When a forklift enters the trailer to unload the cargo, the tractor-trailer rolls away. As a result, the forklift and its driver fall four feet to the pavement below. The forklift driver sustains permanent spinal injuries from the impact. In this situation, the forklift driver could pursue a case against the trucking company because its driver was negligent in failing to lock or chock his brakes.
faulty. In this case, the family of the worker could file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the wood chipper. If you have any questions about a work injury, we’re always here to answer your questions. We’ll point you in the right direction.
– Jack Cannon
NEW BOOK COMING SOON: Understanding the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program We’re excited to announce a new Shannon Law Group publication by Jonathan Svitak. His upcoming book dives deep into a federal program called the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. To get your free copy as soon as Jon’s book hits the shelves, text Joe at 312-847-2428 with your mailing address.
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