If you were hurt on the job, your first thought may be to file a workers’ compensation claim. In some cases, another party may be responsible for your injuries, and you may be able to file a separate personal injury claim. At Schaffer & Associates, we help injured workers understand the full range of their legal options. If you are unsure whether you have a third-party claim, it is important to speak with a lawyer who knows how workers’ compensation cases work in this state. A local attorney can help you compare third party vs workers’ compensation claims in Findlay and guide you in the right direction.
We are proud to serve injured workers in Findlay and the surrounding area. As local attorneys born and raised in northwest Ohio, we know how to navigate complex injury claims while making sure our clients feel supported and informed. Our small team will take the time to understand your story and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The state-run Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) provides workers’ comp benefits in Ohio. These benefits cover medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses related to a work injury, regardless of who was at fault. The process does not require you to prove negligence, but it limits what you can recover.
On the other hand, a third-party claim is a civil lawsuit you can file against someone other than your employer. These claims can offer broader compensation, including pain and suffering, full lost income, and future medical costs. You must prove that the third party’s negligence caused or contributed to your injury.
Common third-party claims include:
In Findlay, it is possible to pursue both types of claims simultaneously, so you can receive workers’ comp benefits while also filing a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party. We can help you explore whether this is an option in your case.
The workers’ compensation system intends to offer fast access to benefits, but it does not always cover all damages. For example, a typical workers’ comp payout in Findlay does not include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term loss of enjoyment of life, which is why third-party claims are so important. They give you the chance to recover full compensation when someone outside your employer caused the accident.
At Schaffer & Associates, we work with injured workers throughout Findlay and the surrounding area to evaluate every possible source of recovery. If your injury resulted from a defective ladder, a careless driver, or an unsafe job site controlled by another company, we can help you pursue a claim against that party in addition to your BWC case.
Keep in mind that civil courts handle third-party claims and must follow Ohio’s statute of limitations. We will ensure all deadlines are met, help gather evidence, and represent your interests in settlement negotiations or trial if necessary. We understand how these two types of claims interact, and we can help protect your benefits while pursuing all available legal remedies.
If you are unsure about your legal options, our team is ready to help. Understanding third party vs workers’ compensation claims in Findlay can make a major impact on your recovery. Contact Schaffer & Associates today to speak with a local attorney who will take the time to explain your rights and pursue every available path to compensation.