What is the Difference Between a Personal Injury & Workers’ Compensation Claim?

What is the Difference Between a Personal Injury & Workers’ Compensation ClaimOn-the-job injuries happen every day. Whether you are a construction worker or someone in the food and drink industry, you will experience an injury or accident at some point in your career, either at the hands of yourself or another. Many injured employees are unsure of whether they should file a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim, though there are glaring distinctions between the two.

Employee Rights

As a worker who was injured on the job, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries no matter the cause behind the accident. Your co-workers and employer do not necessarily have to be at fault for your injury, which may even have occurred due to your own negligence. Workers’ compensation benefits are a basic right of all employees but they are quite limited in that victims cannot claim pain and suffering. Emotional damages are not considered, thus limiting the potential of your settlement.

Proving Fault in Personal Injury

If you are injured in any setting outside of work, you cannot file for workers’ compensation and instead must file a personal injury claim.
In a personal injury case, victims can recover the following kinds of damages:

  • Medical bills, current and future
  • Loss of work or wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Psychological damage such as loss of enjoyment of life
As you can see, personal injury claims are far more expansive for victims seeking emotional damages. However, they have the added complication of proving fault, while workers’ compensation does not.

Injured in Greenville? Contact Our Results-Driven Legal Team Today

Christian & Christian is led by top-rated personal injury attorneys who have cultivated a strong history of successfully fighting for the rights of the injured. With over 100 years of experience and skill on our side, rest assured you are in the right hands when you enlist our firm to represent you in your time of need. No matter how intimidating your situation may seem, nothing is possible.

Allow us to fight for you today. Don’t hesitate to call us at (864) 408-8883 to speak to a member of our team.

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