The initial answer is that if you are hurt at work you are entitled to recover worker's compensation benefits through your employer. These benefits may include 66% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum amount. The maximum recovery for a worker who is temporarily totally disabled is currently $630 per week. You are also entitled to have your medical care paid for and may be entitled to job training if your injuries prevent you from returning to work in the same field. If you are able to return to work but only in a field that pays less than 90% of your former occupation, you can bring a claim to recover up to two-thirds of the difference between your previous wage and your new wage. Recovery under worker's compensation does not include things such as mental anguish, emotional distress, or other items commonly associated with an injury claim. 

However, just because you were hurt at work does not mean that you are automatically limited to recovery under worker's compensation. For example, an employee is sent to a job site of a third party. While at the site he is injured due to the negligence of an employee of another company working on the same job site. The injured employee may have a claim against the other employee's company and may not be limited to worker's compensation. In that case, the injured employee will be able to seek compensation for items such as mental anguish and emotional distress in addition to his claims for medical expenses and lost wages. If the injured employee received worker's compensation benefits from his own employer, that employer will likely seek to get reimbursed from any money received from the company of the employee that caused the injuries.  

If you have been injured at work you should consult with an experienced lawyer to find out who you may have claims against and what you may be entitled to recover. Call our office today to schedule a no cost consultation.