Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit if I Suffered Burn Injuries Due to Faulty Equipment at Work?

If you have been injured at work in Georgia, including burn injuries, you may think that your only option is to file a worker’s compensation claim. While this rule is generally true, there are exceptions to the worker’s compensation rule. This exception is for workers with more serious personal injury claims. With the help of a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia, a worker who has suffered burn injuries at work may be able to sue for damages.

Who Can You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against?

Here are the situations where you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against someone else for injuries at work.

• If you were injured by a defective product or piece of equipment, you may be able to bring a product liability personal injury claim against the manufacturer of that product or equipment.
• You were injured by a substance which was toxic. You may be able to bring a toxic tort lawsuit against that substance’s manufacturer.
• If your employer does not have worker’s compensation insurance, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer in a civil court or collect compensation from a Georgia state fund.
• You were injured due to intentional conduct on the part of your employer. It may be possible to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
• If you were injured by a third party. It may be possible to file a personal injury lawsuit against that party.

Payments from worker’s compensation can provide funds and benefits to a worker who is injured. However, these payments are typically on the lower end. They also will not consider compensating the worker for additional damages like pain and suffering. Workers compensation also does not include any punitive damages. Punitive damages can be awarded if an employer is negligent, maintains poor safety controls or forces employees to work in dangerous conditions. If you have suffered a burn injury at work consult with a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta, GA right away. They will help you better understand your rights. They can also help you file a personal injury claim outside the workers compensation system.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for Burn Injuries due to Faulty Equipment

Sometimes an equipment manufacturer may be held liable. When a machine is defective, inherently dangerous, or failed to work as it should, liability may be on them. If the manufacturer knew that the danger existed and failed to warn users, negligence may be found. In a situation like this one, the equipment maker would need to compensate the worker for their injuries. These may be burn injuries or any other injury mentioned in a personal injury lawsuit in Atlanta, GA.
You should speak to a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta, GA if you have suffered an injury at work. A personal injury lawsuit outside the workers compensation system may be an option. You could then recover compensation for your emotional distress, pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

Personal Injury Law Firm for Unsafe Working Conditions

If your employer knew a danger was present and you were injured, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim against your employer. Workers compensation is the only recourse for many workplace injuries. However, burn injuries and other injuries as a result of negligence on the part of your employer may warrant a personal injury lawsuit outside of the workers compensation system.
You may also be able to file a complaint with the state Department of Labor’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Moreover, this can be done in addition to a workers compensation claim, as opposed to in lieu of. This is important if your employer is still forcing employees to use the dangerous equipment or work in unsafe conditions. To learn more about your rights in a personal injury lawsuit outside of the workers compensation system, contact an experienced Atlanta, GA personal injury lawyer at the Bethune Law Firm serving Atlanta, GA today.