Workers’ Compensation: You Can’t Sue Your Employer but You Do Have Rights

You work hard to collect your paycheck to feed your family. When you get hurt on the job – especially if it seems like your employer is responsible, it makes sense that you should be able to sue to be compensated for your injuries. After all, the medical bills are piling up and you are on leave from work – likely without pay – recovering from your injuries.

That’s all true and it makes sense. Unfortunately, the law is clear: you may not sue your employer when you’ve been hurt on the job. Regardless of who was at fault – unless the injury was caused by purposeful action on your employer’s part – suing your company is off limits.

Instead, you get to file for Workers’ Compensation benefits. Your employer must have Workers’ Compensation insurance that covers all employees in case of injury. As long as you follow the proper guidelines in reporting the incident, you can file for benefits and will receive medical treatment, replacement pay and, quite possibly, a cash award when it can be determined the severity of your injuries.

The Workers’ Compensation system is complicated. You will be doing yourself a disservice – possibly leaving money on the table and not taking advantage of all the benefits you are entitled to receive – when you try to go it alone. Make sure you have an experienced Workers’ Comp lawyer on your side. Talk to the skilled attorneys at Shebell & Shebell in Shrewsbury, NJ. We’ll protect your rights when you’ve been injured at work.