Workers Compensation Third Party Claims

Above and beyond those rights guaranteed by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act, injured workers may also have substantial rights under state and federal laws allowing the recovery of monetary damages from a "third party," a party other than the injured employer or its employees, who through negligent activities may be responsible for a worker's injury.

Manufacturer's of defective or dangerous products, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, carelessness, or violation of a state or federal statute are examples of conditions that may create the possibility for a "third party" claim in conjunction with a workers' compensation claim. "Third party" claims generally provide monetary damages that are greater in dollar amount than the workers' compensation benefits that would be available for the same injury.

In order to determine whether a feasible "third party" workers compensation claim exists, prompt investigation and thorough legal research are necessary. Depending on the type of lawsuit and the identities of those responsible for the conditions from which the "third party" claim arises, the time limits for filing a "third party" claim may be longer or shorter than those that apply to the workers' compensation claim, even though the two cases are based upon the same incident. The possibility that a "third party" claim could arise out of a work injury is another reason why injured workers should promptly retain the services of an experienced workers compensation law firm in Chicago, Illinois, such as the Law Offices of Bradley S. Dworkin.

If you or your loved one has been injured, call us on 1-888-853-4878 or email chicagoworkinjury@yahoo.com today for a free consultation.