Thousands of workers in South Carolina sustain severe injuries every year, and workers’ compensation is not always enough to help them fully recover. In many cases, these injuries are the fault of someone other than the worker’s employer and co-workers, which opens the door to a third-party personal injury lawsuit.
A third-party workplace injury lawsuit gives injured workers a chance to pursue compensation for a broader range of losses, which can provide additional means to move forward after an injury at work.
The South Carolina workplace injury lawyers at the Jebaily Law Firm want to help if someone other than your employer or a co-worker caused the accident that injured you. We have more than 100 years of combined legal experience and a proven record of successful results for our clients. We understand the ins and outs of SC third-party lawsuits and can handle all the legal work while you heal from your injuries.
Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Why You Need a Third-Party Workplace Accident Lawyer from Our Firm
Having the right legal team by your side is crucial to winning SC third-party lawsuits. Furthermore, not having an attorney could leave you vulnerable to lowball settlements and complex legal systems that are hard to navigate on your own.
With the Jebaily Law Firm, you gain a partner committed to seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Here are a few reasons to choose us to represent you in a third-party workplace injury claim:
- Decades of trust – Our half-century commitment to our community means we’re not just attorneys. We’re your neighbors, and we’re deeply invested in your well-being.
- Extensive experience – Our lawyers’ combined century-plus of experience gives us unparalleled insights and strategies for your case.
- Proven success – We’ve secured millions for our clients, underlining our capability to deliver the results that matter.
- Core values – Our firm adheres to the core values of integrity, advocacy, teamwork, and commitment, driving us to fight tirelessly for your rights.
What Is a Third-Party Lawsuit for a Workplace Accident?
You might have grounds for a third-party lawsuit after a work-related accident if someone other than your employer and co-workers contributed to your injuries. Unlike a workers’ compensation claim, which provides benefits regardless of fault, a third-party claim targets additional parties whose negligent actions played a part in the accident. These parties may include vendors, contractors, other drivers, or the manufacturer of faulty equipment, for example.
Crucially, while workers’ comp might cover your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages, a third-party lawsuit settlement opens the door to additional compensation. It may include money for your medical expenses and the full extent of your lost wages, as well as your pain and suffering, and potentially even punitive damages.
However, the path to compensation in a third-party claim involves proving the other party did something wrong to cause your injuries. That is a crucial difference from workers’ comp claims, where fault is not a factor. Demonstrating fault requires a solid understanding of the law and a strategic approach to evidence, making it essential to have a knowledgeable legal team like the Jebaily Law Firm by your side to fight for the compensation you deserve from the third-party defendant and their insurance company.
Examples of Potentially Liable Third Parties in Workplace Accidents
Identifying the potentially liable parties is crucial for pursuing a third-party injury claim. The liable parties depend on the specifics of the accident but may include the following:
- Equipment manufacturers – If your injury resulted from malfunctioning or defective equipment, the manufacturer could be responsible for failing to ensure the safety and reliability of their product.
- Contractors and subcontractors – These entities may be liable if their actions or lack thereof on a worksite created an unsafe environment.
- Property owners – When accidents happen on property that your employer does not own, the property owner may be liable if their negligence in maintaining a safe environment led to your injury.
- Vehicle drivers – In cases where a work-related accident involves a vehicle, the driver (if not a co-worker) may be liable if their reckless or negligent driving caused the car accident.
- Maintenance companies – If a company responsible for maintaining equipment or safety systems fails in its duties and that failure causes an accident, the maintenance company may be legally responsible for any resulting injuries.
Types of Compensation in Third-Party Workplace Accident Cases
While workers’ compensation benefits are generally limited to your medical costs and a portion of your lost income, a third-party case allows you to seek compensation for a broader range of losses related to your injuries.
Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be entitled to seek compensation for the following losses as part of a third-party work-related injury claim:
- Past and future medical expenses
- All your lost income
- Reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
Filing a Third-Party Claim and Receiving Workers’ Compensation
Injured workers in South Carolina have the right to pursue both a third-party lawsuit and recover benefits from workers’ compensation after an accident at work. The dual-path approach helps ensure that you can start receiving immediate financial support through a workers’ compensation case. At the same time, filing a third-party claim allows you to demand broader compensation but requires proving a third party’s negligence.
How Long Does a Third-Party Lawsuit Take?
The timeline of a third-party lawsuit depends on the facts of the case, the amount of compensation you seek, the available evidence, and other factors. Some cases resolve within a few months after your injuries have healed, while others may take longer, particularly if the other party refuses to negotiate in good faith and a trial becomes necessary.
What’s important is to stay patient and let your attorney keep fighting for you. Otherwise, you might agree to a settlement that does not reflect the full extent of your on-the-job injuries.
Get Help from a Third-Party Lawsuit Attorney in SC Now
The Jebaily Law Firm fiercely fights for the rights of injured workers in South Carolina and can help you seek the money you need to rebuild your life through a third-party liability claim. Call us today or reach out online for a free case evaluation.
