Home > Blog > Workplace Injury VS Personal Injury

Workplace Injury VS Personal Injury

Posted by: at 12:15 PM on December 20th, 2018

After suffering a workplace injury, you may be wondering what legal options are available to cover your injuries and other damages. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may have two options: file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit.

Workers’ comp is a mandatory insurance program for all employers, which compensates employees in the event of an injury on the job. Workers can claim insurance payments--no matter who was at fault.

On the other hand, in order to recover monetary damages in a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove that the at-fault party acted in a negligent manner that caused your injury. You must show that the other party failed to exercise reasonable care in a fashion which resulted in harm.

While financial compensation is available through both routes, there are several differences between the two which determine which process is suitable for your case.

 
With a personal injury case, you need to show that the other party was most likely at fault to succeed. You carry the burden of convincing the jury that another person or entity is at fault for your injury. To meet this burden, you (and your attorney) must prepare and present evidence that demonstrates the defendant owed some legal duty to you, breached this duty and such a breach caused you to suffer damages.

In a workers’ compensation claim, you do not need to establish fault. An employee can often receive benefits--even if the employee was at fault.

In a personal injury case, you are entitled to all forms of damages that you have suffered. This includes medical expenses, future medical expense, lost wages, lost earning capacity, permanent impairment, as well as pain and suffering.

But in a worker’s compensation claim, you can only receive medical expenses, weekly compensation, permanent impairment benefits, and vocational rehabilitation. You cannot obtain damages for pain and suffering in a workers’ comp case.
 
As with any injury you suffer, it is important to properly document the matter and ensure that your rights are protected.  For over 40 years, we have worked to do just that for our clients across Wisconsin.   We work one on one with you to make sure that you are well informed and involved in the process every step of the way.   We always available to our clients via cell phone and work around their schedules.    If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, call us for a free consultation and review at 414 276 1233.