Worker’s compensation covers the cost of your medical bills and lost wages when you’re injured on the job, but it may not be enough to meet your long-term needs. Depending on the cause of your injuries, you may also be able to file a personal injury claim against a responsible third party.
At the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, we specialize in both worker’s compensation and personal injury lawsuits. We have the expertise to help you file both of your claims and recover the maximum amount possible. Call us at 770-888-8901or fill out the form on this pageto schedule a free case review.
Worker’s Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims
Under worker’s compensation, you may be eligible to receive payments for the following if you’ve experienced a job-related injury or illness:
- Medical care
- Rehabilitation support
- Temporary or permanent disability
Unfortunately, Georgia’s and many other states’ worker’s compensations laws will not compensate you for pain and suffering or a loss of potential future earnings. And you cannot sue your employer for these damages once you have filed a worker’s compensation claim.
However, if a third party was to blame, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. This gives you the potential to receive far more than you would through a worker’s compensation claim alone.
Common third-party causes of workplace injuries include:
- Co-worker negligence, including failure to follow safety regulations
- Faulty equipment or machinery and defective products
- Toxic chemicals and other harmful substances
- Work-related car accidents, including accidents in company vehicles
Whether or not you know if a third party is responsible, you should seek the advice of an experienced lawyer. We know how to determine when negligence has resulted in your injury or illness and can help you take appropriate steps to seek the compensation you deserve.
Proving the Cause of Your Workplace Injury
Even if you’re confident that a third party is to blame for your injury or illness, proving this on your own can be difficult. This is especially true when symptoms have taken years to manifest, as is often the case with toxic chemical exposure.
To hold someone else liable for your injury or illness, you must first establish the following:
- Damage: You were harmed in some way and have incurred damages as a result
- Causation: A third party’s action(s) or lack of action (negligence) was the cause of your harm
- Duty: A third party had a legal duty to protect you from harm
- Breach of duty: A third party breached their duty to you
Big corporations and insurance companies will do all they can to deny fault. We will stand up for your rights and fight for you every step of the way.
Why You Need One Lawyer for Both Claims
At the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, we put our clients first. With a focus on personalized attention, we will take the time to determine if your work-related injury or illness qualifies you for a personal injury lawsuit as well as worker’s compensation.
We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the total value of your claim(s). This includes assessing how your injury or illness will affect you and your family physically, financially and emotionally both in the short and long term. In addition, we will organize and submit all necessary documentation for you within Georgia’s statute of limitations.
Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Attorneys
Our bilingual, Spanish-speaking attorneys offer complimentary case reviews and work on a contingency fee basis. Contact the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo by calling 770-888-8901 or using the form on this page. We’re proud to serve clients in Atlanta, Marietta and Cumming, Georgia.
