In Chicago, most workers believe that if they get hurt on the job, workers’ compensation is their only option. While that system is a vital safety net that covers your medical bills and a portion of your wages, it often doesn’t tell the whole story of your accident.
If your injury was caused by someone who is not your boss or a co-worker, you may have the right to file a third-party work injury claim. This allows you to seek justice and far more compensation than a standard workers’ comp claim provides.
What is a Third-Party Claim?
A third-party claim is a personal injury lawsuit against a separate person or company whose negligence caused your accident. Unlike workers’ comp, where you don’t have to prove fault, in a third-party claim, we prove that another party was responsible for your pain.
Common examples of “third parties” in Chicago work sites include:
- Subcontractors: If you are a roofer and a different company’s scaffold collapses under you.
- Equipment Manufacturers: If a defective machine in a factory fails and causes a severe injury.
- Property Owners: If you are a delivery driver for UPS or Amazon and you trip on a broken stair at a customer’s building.
- Negligent Drivers: If you are a logistics worker or driver and someone crashes into your vehicle while you are working.
Why Suing a Third Party is a Game-Changer
The standard workers’ comp system is limited. It does not pay for the emotional and physical toll of an accident. By filing a third-party claim, you can recover money for:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical agony and mental stress you’ve endured.
- Full Lost Wages: Workers’ comp typically only pays a percentage; a lawsuit can seek the full 100% of your lost income.
- Loss of Quality of Life: Money for the things you can no longer do, like playing with your kids or enjoying your hobbies.
You Don’t Have to Choose One or the Other
You can—and often should—file both a workers’ comp claim and a third-party lawsuit at the same time. Your workers’ comp benefits start paying your medical bills immediately, while we build the stronger case against the negligent third party to secure your family’s long-term future.
Jack Is Your Mentor and Protector
Navigating two different legal paths is complicated, and insurance companies will try to confuse you to save themselves money. Many workers, especially in the Latino community, worry that speaking up will put them at risk.
Jack and his team act as your shield. We investigate every detail of your accident to find every party that should be held responsible. We speak your language, we treat you like family, and we ensure that your status never stands in the way of the full justice you deserve.
Were you injured by someone else’s mistake while you were on the clock?
Don’t leave the majority of your compensation on the table. You deserve a mentor who will fight for every penny you are owed. Call Jack today for a free, confidential consultation. We don’t get paid a single cent unless we win money for you.
Is the insurance company trying to tell you that “workers’ comp is all you can get”?
