Understanding the Difference between Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury Cases

Understanding the Difference between Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury Cases

 

Sustaining an injury at work can be devastating and the thought of starting a legal battle can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to determine what type of case to file and what legal options may be available. Injuries sustained by employees can result in different types of legal claims depending on the situation. Workers’ compensation and personal injury cases are two such claims that can arise from work-related injuries. Understanding the difference between the two can help you obtain the compensation you’re entitled to. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the differences between workers’ compensation and personal injury cases.

 

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that covers employees who sustain work-related injuries or illnesses. If you sustain injuries at work, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation. The cherry on top is that it’s fast and easy to receive the benefits. No liability or fault needs to be determined, and the employer’s negligence or fault is not a factor.

The Benefits of Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation benefits include medical expenses, lost wages, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, and rehabilitation costs. If you’re injured on the job and can’t work, the insurance carrier will pay for your lost wages. Workers’ compensation may also pay for any medical treatment you need to recover from your injury, from emergency care to surgeries and physical therapy.

Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases typically require you to prove fault or negligence on the part of another party, such as an employer or third party who may have contributed to your injury. Unlike workers’ compensation claims, personal injury cases involve suing the party responsible for your injuries. Personal injury claims are designed to compensate you for the losses you've endured due to the negligence of another party.

The Benefits of Personal Injury Cases

If you file a personal injury lawsuit, you may receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning potential, and pain and suffering. The compensation can be much higher than that of a workers’ compensation claim if negligence or fault can be established.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s important to understand the differences between workers’ compensation and personal injury claims so that you can choose the most appropriate legal option for your situation. A workers' compensation claim may be the best option if your injury is work-related, and personal injury may be more appropriate if an employer or a third party’s negligence was involved. If you find yourself in a situation where you need legal assistance regarding workers' compensation in Orlando, FL, contact ARL Attorney today for a free legal consultation. With our experienced team of legal professionals, we can help you navigate the complexities of workers' compensation and personal injury claims.

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