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$327,897
$101,211
$1,080,822
$210,902
$812,791
$1,210,902
$80,822
$470,491
$1,298,300
$57,665
$1,812,791
$2,221,801
$1,812,791
$140,897
$966,307
$1,001,211
$1,470,491
$1,057,665
$2,221,801
$2,140,897
$2,298,300
$327,897
$101,211
$1,080,822
$210,902
$812,791
$1,210,902
$80,822
$470,491
$1,298,300
$57,665
$1,812,791
$2,221,801
$1,812,791
$140,897
$966,307
$1,001,211
$1,470,491
$1,057,665
$2,221,801
$2,140,897
$2,298,300
$327,897
$101,211
$1,080,822
$210,902
$812,791
$1,210,902
$80,822
$470,491
$1,298,300
$57,665
$1,812,791
$2,221,801
$1,812,791
$140,897
$966,307
$1,001,211
$1,470,491
$1,057,665
$2,221,801
$2,140,897
$2,298,300
$327,897
$101,211
$1,080,822
$210,902
$812,791
$1,210,902
$80,822
$470,491
$1,298,300
$57,665
$1,812,791
$2,221,801
$1,812,791
$140,897
$966,307
$1,001,211
$1,470,491
$1,057,665
$2,221,801
$2,140,897
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Personal Injury Workers Compensation: What Injured Workers Need to Know

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Every year, millions of Americans are hurt in accidents—at work, on the road, or on someone else’s property. After an injury, you’ll hear terms like personal injury and workers compensation. They sound similar, but they mean very different things for your claim, your recovery, and your rights.
If you’re searching for help, understanding the difference between these systems is your first step to getting every benefit you deserve.

What Is Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury law lets you seek compensation if you’re hurt due to someone else’s negligence—like a car crash, slip and fall, or dangerous product.
Key features:

  • You must show someone else was at fault
  • Covers accidents anywhere—not just at work
  • Compensates you for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
  • Usually resolved through civil courts or settlements with insurance companies

What Is Workers Compensation?

Workers compensation covers injuries or illnesses that happen while you’re on the job.
Key features:

  • No need to prove anyone was at fault
  • Benefits include medical care and partial wage replacement
  • No pain and suffering damages
  • Claims handled through state agencies, not civil courts
  • You generally can’t sue your employer directly

Who Is Eligible for Personal Injury Workers Compensation?

  • Workers comp: Any employee hurt on the job (some exceptions for independent contractors and certain jobs)
  • Personal injury: Anyone injured by another’s negligence—at work, in public, at home, or on the road

Sometimes you may qualify for both. For example, a delivery driver hit by a negligent driver while working could claim both workers comp and a personal injury settlement.

What Benefits Can You Get?

Workers Compensation:

  • Medical care
  • About 66% of lost wages while you recover
  • Permanent disability benefits if you can’t return to work
  • Vocational rehabilitation or retraining

Personal Injury:

  • All medical expenses
  • 100% of lost income
  • Pain and suffering compensation
  • Property damage
  • Loss of quality of life damages

Why You Need a Lawyer

Both systems have strict rules and deadlines. Insurance companies often push back on claims or offer less than you deserve. A lawyer helps by:

  • Filing paperwork correctly and on time
  • Gathering medical records and evidence
  • Negotiating with insurance adjusters
  • Taking your case to court or a hearing if needed

GetCompensation.law connects you with attorneys who handle both types of claims, maximizing your compensation and protecting your rights.

Can You Get Both Workers Compensation and Personal Injury Compensation?

Yes, sometimes!
If a third party—not your employer or coworker—caused your injury at work, you may have both a workers compensation and a personal injury claim. For example, if you’re a construction worker injured by a subcontractor or faulty equipment, you could file both claims.
A lawyer helps you coordinate these claims to avoid benefit reductions or legal mistakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing reporting or filing deadlines
  • Handling your claim alone after a denial
  • Not seeking medical attention right away
  • Settling too quickly with insurance companies
  • Failing to report all symptoms or injuries

How to Find the Right Lawyer

  • Search for attorneys with experience in both personal injury and workers compensation
  • Look for positive client reviews and high ratings
  • Ask about fees—most work on a contingency basis (no upfront cost)
  • Use GetCompensation.law for a quick match to top-ranked attorneys in your area

FAQs

Q: Can I get pain and suffering from workers compensation?
A: No, only personal injury claims allow pain and suffering damages.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: Deadlines vary. Some states require reporting within days for workers comp, while personal injury lawsuits usually have 1–3 years.

Q: Will I have to go to court?
A: Most claims settle before court, but your lawyer will be ready for a hearing or trial if necessary.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between personal injury and workers compensation can be the key to getting every dollar you deserve after an accident.
Let GetCompensation.law match you with the right attorney so you can focus on your recovery, not legal headaches.