You may be amongst the hundreds of thousands of workers who are under the opinion that if you were injured at work your only compensation will be that which you receive through your employer’s workers compensation policy. In most cases this is true, but like most things, there are exceptions to the rules. There are numerous situations where you can hire a Chicago workers compensation lawyer and sue for damages. Examples are:
* Injured by a product which is defective – you might be able to sue the manufacturer of the product
* Injured by a toxic substance – you might be able to bring a toxic tort action against the substance manufacturer
* Injured as result of intentional action – you might be able to sue your employer for personal injury
* If your employer does not have workers compensation insurance
* If the injury was caused by a third party you might be able to sue the individual for personal injury
Workers compensation will provide you with money and certain benefits if you are disabled either temporarily or permanently. The payments from workers comp are quite low and the money certainly does not compensate for pain and undue suffering that is a result of the injury. Workers comp also does not punish the employer by mandating punitive damages for his lack of providing safety guards, etc.
One of the major causes of injury that may allow you to sue for damages is being injured by a piece of machinery or equipment that is defective or did not work as it is intended to do. In cases like this a Chicago workers compensation lawyer can bring suit against the manufacturer of the faulty apparatus. The manufacturer would be held responsible for compensating the injured employee for lost wages, pain and suffering and all medical bills.
There are numerous situations where you can get compensation for injuries that happen on the job other than compensation through workers comp. To discuss your particular case you are invited to contact the Shea Law Group. Follow us Google+ Page.
