Atlanta Third Party Claim Lawyer

Suffering an injury while on the job can be a life-altering event, bringing not only physical pain but also financial stress and uncertainty. While Georgia’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits for medical care and lost wages due to workplace injuries, sometimes the accident that caused your injury was the fault of someone other than your employer. In these situations, you may have grounds for a third-party personal injury claim, in addition to your workers’ compensation claim. Understanding the legal requirements for these claims is crucial for ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we have seen firsthand how complex workplace injuries and their resulting claims can be. Our Atlanta third party claim lawyer team is dedicated to helping injured Georgians navigate the legal process and fight for fair compensation. Call us at 404-975-1775 for a free consultation if you have been injured by a third party in the workplace.

What are Third-Party Personal Injury Claims in Georgia After a Work Incident?

When you are injured while performing your job duties, you are generally covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation is typically a “no-fault” system, meaning it provides benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, the benefits offered by workers’ compensation, such as medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, are usually limited. Important to note is that workers’ compensation typically does not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

A third-party personal injury claim arises when your work injury was caused, at least in part, by the negligence or actions of a party who is not your direct employer. This third party could be an individual, another company, or even a manufacturer of a defective product, among others. Filing a personal injury claim against this third party sometimes allows you to seek compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides, and that compensation could include damages for pain and suffering and other losses.

If you think you may have a claim against a third party from a workplace accident, it is best to consult with an Atlanta third party claim lawyer at Merritt and Merritt Law Firm to understand your options. We understand how these two types of claims interact and how to effectively pursue both simultaneously to ensure you receive all available compensation. Our goal is to ensure you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses.

Our Atlanta third party claim lawyer team at Merritt and Merritt Law Firm believes that every case, regardless of its size, is our most important case. We treat our clients with respect and are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. We offer 24/7 availability for initial contact and our team works diligently to provide clear communication and support when you call us for a free consultation at 404-975-1775.

Common Workplace Scenarios Leading to Third-Party Claims

Many types of workplace accidents can potentially involve a liable third party. Some common scenarios include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: If your job requires driving, and you are involved in an accident caused by the negligence of another driver who is not employed by your company, that driver is a third party. Your Atlanta third party claim lawyer has extensive experience handling car accident and truck accident cases, and can help you with your case when you call 404-975-1775 for a free consultation.
• Premises Liability: If you are injured while working on property that is not owned or maintained by your employer, such as a client’s home or another business’s premises, the property owner could be a third party. Accidents like slip and falls due to hazardous conditions on their property can lead to third-party claims.
• Defective Products: If your injury was caused by a faulty piece of equipment, machinery, or a defective product you were using for work, the manufacturer, distributor, or seller of that product could be a third party. These cases fall under product liability law, and it is best you contact an Atlanta third party claim lawyer at 404-975-1775 to discuss what kind of case you have for free.
• Construction Accidents: Construction sites often involve multiple contractors and subcontractors. If an employee of one contractor is injured due to the negligence of another contractor or their employees, the responsible party could be a third party. Falls from heights, a common cause of shoulder injuries, could potentially involve a third party if their negligence contributed to the fall.

Shoulder injuries themselves are common in jobs involving heavy manual work, repetitive lifting, or overhead tasks, putting individuals in these roles at risk for conditions like rotator cuff tears or biceps tendon injuries. These types of injuries can easily occur in scenarios involving third-party negligence, such as a fall caused by unsafe conditions or an accident involving heavy machinery operated by a third party. When shoulder injuries happen, you need the best to represent you and get the compensation you need to recover. Call an Atlanta third party claim lawyer at 404-975-1775 today to discuss your case for free and see how we can help you.

What You Need to Know to File a Third-Party Claim After a Work Incident in Georgia

Navigating a third-party personal injury claim alongside a workers’ compensation claim requires a thorough understanding of Georgia law and the claims process that our experienced attorneys at Merritt and Merritt Law Firm are well versed in. There are, however, some essential points to keep in mind before filing a third-party claim:

• Workers’ Compensation is Still Your Primary Source of Immediate Benefits: Regardless of potential third-party claims, you should still report your injury to your employer immediately and pursue workers’ compensation benefits. This is how you will likely receive coverage for your necessary medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages while you recover. Usually you have 30 days to report a work related injury to your employer, waiting too long to report your workplace accident could jeopardize your workers’ compensation benefits.
• Understand the Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, there are strict deadlines for filing both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. Generally, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
• Gather and Preserve Evidence: Evidence is key in any personal injury case. Make sure to get as much documentation as you can to document your injury and the impact it had on your life.
• Pre-Existing Conditions Do Not Necessarily Prevent Recovery: If you had a pre-existing medical condition that was worsened by the work accident, you can still seek compensation for the aggravation of that condition. Georgia follows the “Eggshell Plaintiff” doctrine, which means the negligent party is responsible for the full extent of the injury caused, even if the victim was unusually susceptible to injury. However, proving the link between the accident and the worsening of a pre-existing condition often requires detailed medical evidence and expert testimony, therefore it is essential that you disclose any pre-existing conditions.
• Coordination with Workers’ Compensation: A third-party settlement can impact your workers’ compensation claim as the workers’ compensation insurer may have a right to be reimbursed from your third-party settlement for the benefits they have paid. An experienced Atlanta third party claim lawyer can help navigate this complex issue, and will explain those details to you when you discuss your case for free at 404-975-1775.

Why Choose Merritt & Merritt Law Firm for Your Third-Party Work Injury Claim?

Dealing with a workplace injury is challenging enough; adding the complexity of a third-party claim can be overwhelming. Having the right legal representation is crucial for protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, our Atlanta third party claim lawyer team is uniquely equipped to handle third-party personal injury claims arising from workplace incidents in Georgia. Our firm has over 45 years of experience practicing law in Georgia, including significant experience in both personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.

When you’re recovering from a serious injury, the last thing you need is the stress of navigating complex legal procedures, dealing with insurance adjusters, and gathering evidence. When you hire Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we take that weight off your shoulders. We will investigate your claim, handle all communication with the parties involved, build your case, and fight for your rights while you concentrate on getting better.

Our experienced Atlanta third party claim lawyers are ready to evaluate your workplace injury case and determine if a third-party claim is appropriate. We will explain your rights, answer your questions, and guide you through the process. Don’t let a workplace injury caused by a third party leave you with uncompensated damages. Contact Merritt & Merritt Law Firm today for a free consultation today at 404-975-1775 and see how we can help you get your full compensation today.