Full question:
I am a construction worker and have been working for a construction company for the past 8 years. Last month while working on the site, the pulley operator fell asleep and lost control of the machine that caused the mental beam it was carrying to strike me square in the chest. I was in the hospital for about three weeks with multiple fractures and broken bones. Doctors have recommended rest for a minimum of 4 months. Can I sue the pulley operator for his negligence?
- Category: Personal Injury
- Date:
- State: National
Answer:
In general, injuries that occur during employment are typically covered by workers' compensation insurance. However, there are exceptions. If your injury was caused by a defective product, toxic substance, intentional negligence by your employer, or the actions of a third party, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
In your case, since the pulley operator's negligence caused your injuries, you can potentially sue them personally, despite the incident occurring at work. This means you may hold the pulley operator accountable for their actions, separate from your employer or the machinery involved.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.