What Is the Difference Between Workers’ Compensation Benefit Claims and Civil Lawsuits?
Workers’ compensation is a substitute for a lawsuit against your employer. When you bring a workers’ compensation claim, the claim is controlled by the workers’ compensation system and not the courts. Because you are bringing a claim under the workers’ compensation system, you are entitled to benefits, no matter if your accident was your fault or your employer’s fault. Before the workers’ compensation system was created, employees had to go to court to receive compensation for their work-related injuries. However, the current workers’ compensation system allows most employees to receive benefits. In addition, this system shields employers from lawsuits brought by employees. Bear in mind that even if you file a claim in the workers’ compensation system you make still be able to file a lawsuit in the court system as well. You may be able to bring a lawsuit as well, but only if your injury was caused by someone other than your employer or by a faulty product or defective piece of equipmen