When you go to work, you likely want to do your job and go home. However, when someone else makes that impossible, it can be frustrating. Unfortunately, other co-workers may not have the same priorities as you, and you can end up injured due to a co-worker’s negligence. If this is the case, you may worry that you will not receive workers’ compensation. Keep reading to learn more about these circumstances and discover how a Broward County work injury lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to.
What Kinds of Work Injuries Are Common?
Unfortunately, there are several kinds of injuries you can sustain while on the job. Injuries caused by co-workers can include, but are not limited to:
- Being struck by an object
- Electrocution
- Slips-and-falls
- Collisions
- Fooling around
- Improper use of equipment
It’s important to note that if both you and your co-worker are fooling around, you will not be able to receive compensation. However, if you were actively engaged in work, but your co-worker’s shenanigans injured you as a result, you can receive payment.
Unfortunately, these incidents can cause several injuries, such as broken bones, neck and spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputation, and disfigurement.
Can I Still Recieve Worker’s Compensation if My Injuries Are from a Co-Worker?
If you are injured due to a co-worker’s negligence, you will still be eligible for workers’ compensation.
The only exceptions, in addition to engaging in tomfoolery, are if you are on your lunch or another break, you and your co-worker engage in an alternation, or you are engaged in illegal activity at the time of the injury. If any apply, you will not be eligible for compensation.
You may think that because the injury was caused by an entity of your employer, you cannot receive compensation. However, this is far from the truth. Any time you are injured while on the job, regardless of whether or not your employer was negligent. As such, you can receive compensation in most instances when you are injured at work.
It is important to understand what damages you can recover with workers’ compensation. You will receive coverage for your medical expenses and any additional costs directly related to your injury, like rehabilitation. Workers’ compensation will also provide a portion of the income you would have received if you could continue working.
You should know that if you receive workers’ compensation, you relinquish the right to pursue a lawsuit against your co-worker for the damages they caused.
The Finizio Law Group believes everyone should receive the compensation they are entitled to. If you are denied workers’ compensation even though you have a valid claim, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about we can assist you through these challenging times.
