What You Need to Know About Third-Party Personal Injury Claims

After an on-the-job injury, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits to help you cover your medical expenses and lost wages. However, these funds are not always enough to help you get your life back on track.

In Tennessee, you may be able to pursue additional damages from at-fault parties. Here is what you need to know about third-party claims.

What Is a Third-Party Claim?

For workers in Tennessee, you can not sue your employer for a workplace injury. Instead, you must utilize the workers’ compensation system to cover your medical bills and wages. Fortunately, the state provides the option to pursue a claim against other individuals and businesses who acted negligently to cause your injury.

Who Are Potential Third Parties?

A third party is a company or individual that is not employed by your employer. These could include vendors, contractors, drivers and manufacturers. For example, if a supplier’s delivery driver hits you, you may be able to pursue damages against either the supplier or the driver.

How Is a Third-Party Claim Different from Workers’ Compensation?

Both workers’ compensation and third-party claims provide the means for you to recover after an injury at work. You can recover more damages, including for pain and suffering, with a personal injury lawsuit, but the burden for proving negligence is higher.

You are not limited to either workers’ compensation or a personal injury suit. If you find that your workers’ compensation benefits are not sufficient, you should consider whether you have a case against a third party.