Key Takeaways:
- Workers’ compensation is the main path for injured employees—but it’s not always the only legal option.
- In some cases, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to (or instead of) workers’ comp.
- If a third party, such as a contractor, driver, or equipment manufacturer, caused your injury, they may be liable.
- These third-party claims can lead to much higher compensation than workers’ comp alone.
- Hines Law helps injured workers across Georgia—especially in high-risk industries like poultry plants, warehouses, and construction—explore every possible path to recovery.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ comp is a no-fault insurance system that covers most Georgia workers who are injured on the job. It provides:
- Medical treatment
- Partial wage replacement
- Disability benefits
But it doesn’t allow you to sue your employer—even if they were negligent.
That’s why many workers don’t realize there could be a separate personal injury case, outside of the workers’ comp system, that gives you more.
When Workers’ Comp Isn’t the Only Option
If someone other than your employer or a coworker contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a lawsuit against that party—and still receive workers’ comp.
These third-party cases are separate and can be filed in addition to your workers’ comp claim.
You might have a case if:
- A delivery driver from another company hit you at work
- A contractor or subcontractor created a hazard
- You were injured by a defective machine or tool
- You fell at a client’s job site or offsite location
- You were in a company vehicle hit by another driver
These cases are often missed or overlooked, especially by undocumented or non-English-speaking workers who aren’t told all their rights.
Examples of Third-Party Liability in the Workplace
Here are a few real-world examples:
1. Injured by a Contractor
A poultry worker in Gainesville is hit by a forklift operated by an outside sanitation crew. The sanitation company, not the employer, may be liable.
2. Delivery Driver Crash
A construction worker driving between sites is rear-ended by an Amazon van. The Amazon driver can be sued in a personal injury claim, separate from workers’ comp.
3. Defective Equipment
A meat slicer malfunctions and severs a worker’s hand. The equipment manufacturer may be liable in a product liability lawsuit.
These third-party claims can lead to significantly higher compensation than workers’ comp.
Why Personal Injury Lawsuits Offer More Compensation
Workers’ comp limits what you can recover:
- No pain and suffering
- No full wage replacement
- No punitive damages
But in a third-party personal injury case, you can pursue:
- Full medical costs
- Lost wages and lost future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- In some cases, punitive damages for gross negligence
This is where Hines Law steps in to evaluate every possible claim, so no dollar is left on the table.
What to Do If You Think a Third Party Caused Your Injury
- Report the injury to your employer right away (this keeps your workers’ comp rights active)
- Document everything – take photos, get names of witnesses, note any outside companies or contractors present
- Don’t assume your employer will tell you all your options
- Call Hines Law – we’ll investigate and let you know if a third-party claim is possible
Even if you’re undocumented or paid under the table, you may still be eligible for both types of compensation.
How Hines Law Helps Injured Workers in Georgia
We’ve helped clients across Gainesville, Marietta, Jonesboro, Dalton, and metro Atlanta win compensation for:
- Factory and poultry plant injuries
- Warehouse accidents
- On-the-job vehicle crashes
- Defective tools or machinery
- Falls at third-party job sites
- Bilingual attorneys and staff
- We work with your doctors and manage the paperwork
- No upfront cost – we only get paid if we win
- We protect your immigration status and keep everything confidential
FAQ – Workplace Accidents and Third-Party Lawsuits
Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury?
Usually no—but you may be able to sue a third party involved in the accident.
What if I’m already getting workers’ comp?
You can still file a third-party personal injury lawsuit at the same time.
Do I need evidence that another company or person caused it?
We’ll help investigate and gather that evidence. That’s part of what we do.
What if I’m undocumented? Can I still sue?
Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to file a personal injury claim in Georgia.
Think There’s More to Your Workplace Injury? Call Hines Law Today
Don’t settle for just workers’ comp if someone else was also responsible for your injury. You may be missing out on thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars in compensation.
- Call or WhatsApp us 24/7
- Free consultations in Spanish or English
- Offices in Gainesville, Marietta, Jonesboro, Dalton, Austell & Atlanta
- You don’t pay unless we win