If you were injured in a workplace accident, you may not know all of your legal options. Many individuals assume that workers’ compensation is the only avenue for recovery. California law does give most injured employees the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, there are situations where you have the right to file a third party claim as well. Knowing the difference between third party vs. workers’ compensation claims in Van Nuys is essential after a serious workplace injury.
Contact the workers’ compensation attorneys at Glauber Berenson Vego to get a clear understanding of your rights after a workplace injury. We could help you fight for maximum compensation and prevent delays that often come with handling a claim on your own.
Whether filing a third party or workers’ compensation claim in Van Nuys, you should immediately report the injury to your employer and seek medical attention. Depending on the circumstances, the employer may witness the injury and contact emergency services. If the injury clearly is not severe, you may seek non-emergency medical attention after leaving the workplace. Sometimes, injuries go unnoticed, or the severity is not immediately clear, leading to delays in proper medical care.
While the workers’ compensation system exists to help injured workers, disputes do arise. Most commonly, delays stem from insurance companies questioning the extent of injuries, which prolongs the time it takes to receive necessary care. When these situations arise, having experienced legal guidance could make all the difference.
A third party claim is a separate legal action from workers’ compensation in Van Nuys. Third party claims help you seek compensation when someone outside the workplace causes the injury. These claims apply when a third party contributes to the injury. Some examples of workers who can file these claims include:
In these situations, you can still seek workers’ compensation benefits. However, you could also pursue a third party claim for additional damages. These cases have a different procedure for recovery. Third party claims are resolved through civil court, not the workers’ compensation system.
In many cases, you can file both third party and workers’ compensation claims in Van Nuys. If the injury happened at work but a person other than the employer is responsible, you could pursue both options at the same time. It is important to remember that these claims are different. Timelines and legal standards vary, so having a knowledgeable attorney at the start of your case could make filing for both claims easier.
How you respond after an injury could have a major impact on your case. It is important not to wait too long to report the injury. An attorney could also help gather evidence faster and explore options to hold third parties accountable. Waiting to contact an attorney or file a claim may lead to lost evidence, inability to contact witnesses, and other complications. Having an attorney is one of the best ways to protect your rights, as they help with:
The attorneys at Glauber Berenson Vego understand that dealing with claims after an injury is stressful. You should focus on healing, not legal complications. Whether it is a third party or workers’ compensation claim, our Van Nuys attorneys are here to take the pressure off you and effectively manage your case.
If you get injured on the job, reach out to an attorney to determine whether you could pursue third party vs. workers’ compensation claims in Van Nuys. Glauber Berenson Vego has decades of experience helping injured workers understand their rights. Get in touch with us today to learn how we could help you move forward.
