Can I Sue My Employer?

If you have suffered a workplace injury, you may wonder if you have the right to sue your employer. The answer to this question is “no” in most cases. However, there are exceptions in cases of extreme negligence that you can gather compensation outside of damages covered by workers’ compensation. Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney is the best source to help you evaluate your legal options. The attorneys at Gross & Kenny in Philadelphia offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your injury case in

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When You Can Sue Employers For Work-Related Accidents

In exchange for providing workers’ compensation benefits, employers in Pennsylvania are generally protected from being sued by employees for injuries suffered in workplace accidents, including those inflicted by coworkers and in cases when the employer was negligent. Workers’ compensation is separate from a personal injury lawsuit, as it is a no-fault system and pays benefits regardless of fault.

However, Pennsylvania employers can be sued in cases of extreme negligence. An example of extreme negligence would be sending you into a work environment that contains known dangers without proper protection.

When You Can Sue Other Parties For Your Injury

Many accidents in the workplace are caused by the negligence of third parties. Third parties basically include anyone who does not work for your employer. Examples include:

Other drivers in car accidents
Manufacturers of dangerous machines
Manufacturers of hazardous chemicals
Vendors or contractors who work at your job site
Property owners, if different from your employer

Filing a personal injury claim allows you to collect compensation for damages not covered by workers’ compensation, including pain and suffering. Our lawyers will evaluate your case for third-party liability and help you negotiate the maximum recovery for both your workers’ compensation and personal injury claims.