Third-Party Claims and Workplace Injuries in Cleveland

At Robin J. Peterson Company, LLC, we make it our business to see that our clients receive maximum compensation for their work-related injuries. When you secure our services, we don’t just pursue the easy claims that get you the minimum payout; we carry out in-depth investigations, gather all the evidence, and make sure we have the whole picture before accepting any offers. Exploring opportunities for a third-party claim is often an integral part of this process.

Third-Party Claims in Cleveland

If you were injured at work, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) system protects both you and your employer from having to go through the rigors of a drawn-out lawsuit. In most cases, injured workers will not be able to bring a lawsuit against their employers, even if negligence on the part of the employer or a co-worker caused the accident. The exception is when someone other than your employer or a co-worker caused or contributed to the accident that resulted in your injuries. If the circumstances surrounding your accident involved a third party, our experience as attorneys can help you pursue a personal injury or third-party claim for compensation.

Understanding Third-Party Liability

In the context of workplace injuries, a third party can be any individual, entity, or organization other than the employer or co-worker who might have contributed to the accident leading to the injuries. These could include manufacturers of faulty work equipment, non-employee contractors, or even the property owner if the workplace environment contributed to the accident.

Some common third-party liability accidents include:

• Equipment malfunctions: When work equipment, machinery, or safety gear fail to operate as intended and leads to an injury, the manufacturer or provider of that equipment may be held liable.
• Contractor negligence: If a non-employee contractor's negligent action leads to an accident causing injury, they could be considered a liable third party.
• Auto accidents during work-related travel: If an employee is injured in a traffic accident while on duty (excluding commute to and from work), the driver at fault can be held responsible.
• Unsafe property conditions: If an injury occurs due to hazardous conditions on a property, such as poor maintenance, the property owner may be considered a liable third party.

Common Injuries in a Third-Party Injury Case

Third-party workplace injuries often occur due to negligence, lack of proper safety measures, or failure to follow protocols by an outside party. These incidents can happen in a variety of work settings. The subsequent injuries suffered by workers can range from mild to severe, depending on the nature of the accident.

Here are the most common injuries caused by third-parties in workplace settings:

• Slip and Fall Injuries: These often result from unsafe property conditions, such as wet or uneven surfaces, cluttered work areas, and poor lighting. Such injuries could range from sprains and fractures to more serious conditions like head trauma.
• Burns: Caused by faulty equipment or improper handling of flammable materials by a contractor, burns can vary in severity and may require extensive treatment.
• Electrocution: Faulty wiring or malfunctioning electrical equipment provided by a third-party manufacturer could lead to serious injuries or even death.
• Falling Object Injuries: These occur when items stored improperly fall and injure workers. The responsibility may lie with a third-party if they are in charge of maintenance or storage.
• Vehicle Accidents: These may occur during work-related travel when a third-party driver is at fault. Injuries can range from whiplash to more life-threatening conditions like internal bleeding or spinal injuries.
• Exposure to Hazardous Materials: If a third-party contractor improperly handles or disposes of hazardous materials, workers may suffer injuries due to exposure.
• Machinery Accidents: These are often the result of equipment malfunction where the manufacturer could be held liable. Such incidents could lead to amputations, crush injuries, or other severe trauma.

Understanding the most common types of third-party workplace injuries can be beneficial in identifying potential hazards and preventing future accidents.

Hire A Law Firm You Can Count On

At Robin J. Peterson Company, LLC, we have more than 30 years of experience handling third-party workers’ compensation claims, including:

• On-the-job truck or car accidents
• Slip-and-fall injuries that occur on a client’s property or other off-site premises
• Accidents involving defective machinery such as tools, forklifts or other equipment
• Accidents caused by or pertaining to vendors
• Accidents involving suppliers of materials or hazardous products
• Contractors who may have contributed to or caused an accident

By filing a personal injury claim against a responsible third party, you may receive remunerations in addition to your workers’ compensation benefits. These additional funds can help ensure that you and your family are taken care of as you recover or continue to adjust to the life changes you may be forced to face.