Workplace Accident Attorney in San Francisco

Personal Injury Lawsuits for Workplace Injuries

If you or someone you love has been injured in a workplace accident, you may have the right to seek compensation for your damages through a personal injury lawsuit.

As a civil claim separate from workers’ compensation proceedings, a personal injury lawsuit can allow victims to recover damages that are not available through workers’ comp, or are insufficient in covering all of their losses. However, personal injury claims require plaintiffs to prove someone else is liable for their damages.

At Bostwick & Peterson, LLP, our San Francisco attorneys represent injured workers and families in civil personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from workplace accidents. If you have questions about whether you are able to file a civil lawsuit after your accident, contact us to request a FREE consultation.

Why Choose Bostwick & Peterson

• Over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements
• Record-setting results in multiple states
• Attorneys named among The Best Lawyers in America
• Contingency fees – no fee unless we win

Personal Injury or Workers’ Comp: Can I File a Civil Claim?

In California, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for workers who are injured in the course of performing job-related duties. However, there are exceptions to the rule that may allow some injured workers to bring civil lawsuits against an at-fault party.

There are many differences between workers’ comp and personal injury claims.

• Workers’ compensation is a type of no-fault insurance carried by employers. It can provide medical benefits, wage replacement, rehabilitation, disability and other benefits to workers who suffer injuries on the job, no matter who is at fault. Injured workers do not need to prove that anyone was negligent in causing their injuries
• Personal injury lawsuits are brought by victims who claim another person or entity was negligent in causing their injuries, or are otherwise liable for their damages. Unlike workers’ comp, personal injury suits allow victims to recover non-economic damages for their pain and suffering and loss of consortium, as well as full compensation for past and future lost wages. Personal injury claims will require plaintiffs to prove fault and liability.

Workers’ compensation is important, and it can provide immediate benefits to workers after they are injured. However, it is often insufficient in accounting for all losses suffered by workers and families. When possible, a civil personal injury suit can help workers recover the full compensation they need.

When Can I Bring a Civil Lawsuit After a Work Accident?

It will depend on the facts of your case.

Generally, California’s exclusive remedy rule bars workers from suing their employers unless the situation meets one of very few limited exceptions, such as when employers intentionally harm workers, fail to carry workers’ compensation insurance, or fail to use certain protections on metal punch presses.

Because claims against an employer are rare, personal injury suits arising from workplace accidents are usually filed against a third party who is NOT the workers’ employer. This may include:

• A subcontractor on a worksite that negligently caused a construction accident or someone other workplace accident.
• A negligent motorist who causes a motor vehicle crash while a worker is on duty.
• The manufacturer, distributor, and / or retailer of a defective product, tool, or piece of equipment.
• A property owner that failed to ensure safe conditions on their premises, resulting in a preventable accident (i.e. a slip and fall accident).
• A pet owner whose dog or animal caused injured as a result of a dog bite or animal attack.

The specific facts of your case will ultimately determine if you are able to bring a civil lawsuit for your workplace accident. That is why it is important to work with experienced attorneys who can fully investigate what happened and determine if any non-employer defendants can be held liable.

Contact Us for a FREE Consultation

Bostwick & Peterson is a U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” Tier 1 firm that has recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for clients. Led by two of California’s most respected trial lawyers, we have the experience to guide injured workers and families through their legal journeys.

To discuss a workplace accident and what legal options you may have, contact us. Our San Francisco attorneys offer FREE and confidential case evaluations.