Can an injured individual sue third parties whose negligence caused the injury?
Yes. Only employers and co-workers are shielded form lawsuits. Workers can sue other individuals or companies whose negligence caused the injury or the occupational disease. Examples of such third party lawsuits include motor vehicle collisions involving vehicles operated by third parties, suits against manufacturers and distributors of unsafe machinery, unsafe industrial equipment, as well as owners of premises that permit unsafe and dangerous conditions to exist. Injured workers should have their cases reviewed to assess the potential for third party lawsuits.
