Sometimes injuries happen because the employer was negligent, and when that happens workers ask us – “Can I sue my boss for injuring me?”
The short answer is…generally no. The workers’ compensation system is designed to provide injured workers medical care, lost wages, and other benefits to compensate employees who sustain injuries on the job regardless of who is at fault. Before workers’ compensation, injured workers received no medical care or wage loss unless they could prove, in court, that the employer was negligent. This took years to happen. Most injuries are not anyone’s fault and those workers could not sue.
The workers’ compensation law is a compromise between employers and employees. Employees get benefits quickly regardless of fault. Employers have to pay for those benefits but they cannot be sued by their employees for work injuries.
There are some exceptions and if someone other than your employer caused your injury – you can sue that person for their negligence in addition to getting workers’ compensation. You should always consult with a lawyer because your facts may different.
Workers’ Compensation can be difficult, confusing, and very complex. Kaplan Morrell has helped thousands of injured workers since 1997 get the benefits they deserve. Contact us here or call us at 303-780-7329 for your FREE CONSULTATION.