The Third-Party Claim Many Workers Never Hear About
After a work injury, most workers are told to file for workers' compensation and assume that is the end of it. For many, it is not — a separate claim can seek far more.
Comp is only part of the picture
Workers' compensation is a no-fault claim against your own employer. It covers medical care and part of your lost wages, but it does not pay for pain and suffering or your full losses. For a serious injury, that gap can be enormous.
A third party may owe you more
Many workplaces bring together several companies. When one of them — not your employer — created the hazard that hurt you, you may have a third-party claim against that company for your full damages, on top of comp.
It does not target your employer
Because a third-party claim is against a different company, it does not put you against your own employer or your job — a common and understandable worry. It simply reaches the company actually at fault.
And the comp lien is manageable
A comp lien may let comp seek reimbursement from part of a third-party recovery, but it is negotiated and often reduced. Coordinating the two protects your net result. A free review can explain how it fits your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a third party is responsible?
By mapping every company involved and who controlled the hazard that hurt you. If a company other than your employer was responsible, a third-party claim may be available. That investigation is what we handle.
This article is general information about Workplace Injuries injury law, not legal advice. Every case is different — talk to a lawyer about your situation.
The law depends on your state
The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to workplace injuries.
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