The difference between a personal injury claim and a workers’ compensation claim can be hard to recognize. Some people even think that workers’ compensation claims are a type of personal injury claim. In reality, workers’ compensation claims and personal injury claims are their own separate types of cases. While you can file some cases as either workers’ compensation or personal injury, there are key differences that you should know about before you make your decision. Help make the choice easier for yourself by using this information from top Bullhead City personal injury attorneys.
Differences Between Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ Compensation claims normally only cover specific types of injuries, while personal injury claims are more general. To qualify as a worker’s compensation claim, the injury has to meet certain conditions, including the fact that the injury had to occur while the victim was performing a function of their job.
One benefit of workers’ compensation is that the plaintiff does not have to prove fault or negligence. Workers’ compensation can apply to certain injuries, even if no one specific is to blame for that injury. This can make receiving payment easier, because you do not have to prove that your employer or your boss caused the injury. For a personal injury claim, you would have to prove that someone else’s negligence was at least partially to blame for your injury.
One down side to workers’ compensation claims is that they cannot include payment for pain and suffering. Personal injury claims are better if you want to sue for the pain and suffering that you have experienced as the result of the injury. Personal injury claims have a couple other benefits as well when it comes to the payment. The payout from a personal injury claim has the possibility to come as one big lump sum of money. On the other hand, workers’ compensation payments normally come in regular installments (for example, weekly or monthly).
Keep in mind that you give up your right to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer as soon as you file for workers’ compensation. So talk to our top Bullhead City personal injury attorneys before making your decision.
Reasons to Choose Personal Injury Vs. Reasons to Choose Workers’ Compensation
The biggest reasons to choose personal injury cases include all of the following:
- You are not eligible for workers’ compensation.
- You want to sue for pain and suffering.
- The injury was not directly caused by your job.
- You can prove that someone else was liable for your injury.
On the other hand, there are also a lot of good reasons to choose workers’ compensation:
- The injury took place while performing your job.
- You need the money more quickly. Payouts for workers’ compensation are normally much faster.
- You cannot prove anyone else’s liability for your injury.
- There is no need to sue for damages like pain and suffering.
- You are eligible for workers’ compensation.
If you have any questions about which option is right for you, get in touch with some of our top Bullhead City personal injury attorneys. We will be able to help you find the right approach.
Top Bullhead City Personal Injury Attorneys
Dealing with an injury can be stressful, but you have options to get the help you deserve. Contact top Bullhead City personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys. Our team of hardworking aggressive yet compassionate attorneys will even give you free consultations, so there is no fee unless you win your case.
At Lerner and Rowe, we pride ourselves on giving free consultations, because we are committed to helping our clients reduce stress after an accident. That commitment to our clients is one of the things that makes us top Bullhead City personal injury attorneys. Call us today at 928-222-2222 to start working on your case. Our office hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but we are available 24/7 to take your call. You can also contact us via our online form or by using our LiveChat feature.