Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims
In Maine, the workers’ compensation system covers medical care and lost wages and benefits, but these claims don’t cover damages like pain and suffering. If you were injured during a construction or worksite accident while on the job, you may not realize that you are eligible for claims against a third party if they were involved in any negligence that caused your injury. For example, if someone other than your employer or another employee was responsible for the setup of important safety equipment, or maintenance of a machine that failed, or you were injured by someone’s actions who isn’t part of your company, you may not be limited to workers’ compensation benefits.
That’s where an experienced personal injury attorney can assist you in determining if you have an additional claim. Your third-party claim against a party that is not your employer can often provide a more substantial recovery than workers’ compensation benefits and may provide for you beyond the statutory requirements.
Construction sites are an all too often source for serious injuries to Mainers. The very nature of excavation, temporary scaffolding, and working at heights means that a simple failure can result in a catastrophic injury. When construction and worksite accidents happen, one of your first calls should be to a personal injury attorney.
