Los Angeles Work Injury Lawyers

Understanding Work Injuries Beyond Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation provides immediate medical benefits and partial wage replacement after a workplace accident. But it does not compensate you for pain and suffering, future diminished earning potential, or the total impact a serious injury can have on your life.

This is where many injured workers feel stuck. They know workers’ comp won’t cover everything, yet they’re unsure whether they have additional legal rights.

If your injury was caused, even partially, by someone other than your employer, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for the full value of your damages. These claims often result in significantly higher compensation and provide a path toward a more complete financial recovery.

When Can You File a Personal Injury Claim After a Workplace Injury?

California law generally prevents employees from suing their employers directly. However, there are multiple scenarios where an injured worker is legally entitled to pursue a third-party personal injury claim.

You may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit if your injury involved:

1. Negligent Third Parties

If someone outside your employer contributed to your injury, such as a subcontractor, delivery driver, or vendor, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

2. Defective Machinery or Tools

Manufacturers can be held liable if defective equipment (ladders, saws, forklifts, safety gear, etc.) causes or worsens an injury.

3. Unsafe Property Conditions

If your injury happened on a job site not owned or controlled by your employer, such as a client’s home, a commercial property, or a construction site, you may be able to file a premises liability claim.

4. Vehicle-Related Workplace Accidents

Workers injured while driving for their job may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. For example, if you were running a job-related errand for work, and someone ran a red light and hit your vehicle.

5. Intentional Misconduct

In rare cases, workers may sue if someone intentionally causes them harm. While this is a less common scenario, it does happen.

These exceptions matter because they allow you to pursue damages that workers’ comp cannot provide. A Los Angeles work injury attorney can investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and determine whether you qualify for a personal injury claim.

Common Causes of Work Injuries in Los Angeles

Workplace injuries in Los Angeles occur across a wide range of industries, including construction and manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, transportation, and film production.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Construction site hazards, including falls from heights or collapsing structures;
• Heavy machinery accidents;
• Forklift, crane, or equipment malfunctions;
• Slip, trip, and fall accidents on unsafe premises;
• Vehicle accidents involving company cars, delivery vans, or rideshare operations;
• Electrical injuries;
• Burns from fires, explosions, or chemical exposure;
• Falling objects or materials; and
• Defective tools or improperly maintained equipment.

Determining the actual cause of an accident is essential for identifying third-party liability. Our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation to uncover what happened and who is responsible.

Serious Injuries That May Qualify for a Personal Injury Claim

Many workplace injuries are severe enough to change a person’s life. When third-party negligence is involved, victims should not settle for partial workers’ comp benefits. Personal injury claims allow workers to pursue compensation for the full extent of their harm.

Common injuries that may qualify for a third-party lawsuit include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs),
• Spinal cord injuries,
• Crush injuries or amputations,
• Severe fractures,
• Burns and chemical exposure injuries,
• Nerve damage or loss of function,
• Chronic pain conditions,
• Internal organ injuries,
• Long-term mobility impairment, and
• Emotional trauma or PTSD.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and may permanently affect your ability to work. A personal injury claim ensures these lifetime costs are considered.

How a Personal Injury Claim Differs from Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is limited by design. It provides only partial wage replacement and does not compensate you for the full impact of your injuries.

A personal injury claim, however, allows you to recover damages such as:

• Full lost wages and loss of earning capacity;
• All medical expenses, including future treatment;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress;
• Loss of enjoyment of life; and
• Loss of consortium.

Unlike workers’ compensation, personal injury cases may proceed to trial if insurers refuse to negotiate fairly, giving injured workers greater leverage. A skilled workplace injury lawyer in Los Angeles can help you determine the best course of action for your situation.

California’s Comparative Negligence System

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation may be adjusted based on your level of responsibility for the accident. For example, if you are found 10% at fault and your damages equal $500,000, you may still recover $450,000.

Insurance companies often use this rule to try to reduce payouts by shifting blame onto injured workers. Silva Injury Law protects clients by gathering strong evidence, interviewing witnesses, consulting with experts, and demonstrating exactly how negligence occurred.

How a Los Angeles Work Injury Lawyer Can Help

Filing a personal injury claim after a workplace accident involves complex legal issues, multiple parties, and insurance companies seeking to minimize payouts. You should not have to handle any of that while recovering from an injury.

A Los Angeles workplace accident attorney at Silva Injury Law can:

• Conduct an in-depth investigation into the cause of your injury,
• Determine whether a third party may be held liable,
• Preserve evidence and secure documentation,
• Work with medical and occupational experts to calculate long-term damages,
• Handle all negotiations with insurance companies,
• Take your case to trial if necessary, and
• Offer clear and compassionate guidance throughout your recovery.

Our goal is simple: to help you rebuild your life with confidence and financial stability.

Why Choose the Los Angeles Workplace Accident Attorneys at Silva Injury Law

At Silva Injury Law, we believe every injured worker deserves compassion, respect, and the highest standard of legal representation. Our philosophy of bringing kindness to the law guides how we treat our clients from the very first conversation.

Our attorneys have helped numerous injured workers pursue compensation that exceeds what workers’ compensation alone can offer. In many cases, third-party negligence played a significant role, often resulting from defective equipment, unsafe job sites, or careless subcontractors. We investigate to uncover these liable parties and hold them financially accountable.

When you work with Silva Injury Law, you can expect:

• Clear communication and compassionate support,
• A trauma-informed approach to client care,
• Thorough investigation and evidence gathering,
• Strong negotiation backed by trial experience, and
• A genuine commitment to your long-term recovery.

We take the time to understand your concerns, goals, and path forward, because you deserve more than just a settlement. You deserve a future rebuilt with dignity and security.

FAQ: Work Injury Lawsuits in Los Angeles

Workplace injury cases can be confusing, especially when workers’ compensation and personal injury claims overlap. At Silva Injury Law, we want every client to feel informed and empowered before making decisions about their case. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by injured workers.

Can I File a Lawsuit If I Already Received Workers’ Compensation?

Yes. Workers’ compensation does not prevent you from filing a personal injury claim against negligent third parties. In fact, many injured workers pursue both simultaneously. A lawyer can evaluate your case to determine your full range of options.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Workplace Injury?

Liable parties may include subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, drivers, or anyone whose negligence contributed to your harm. Identifying these parties is essential to obtaining fair compensation.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?

You may recover medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, future care costs, and more. Personal injury claims typically offer significantly greater compensation than workers’ compensation alone.

How Long Do I Have to File a Work Injury Lawsuit in California?

Most personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years of the injury, though exceptions exist. An attorney can confirm the exact deadline based on your situation.

Do I Need a Lawyer If My Employer’s Insurance Already Paid Benefits?

Yes. Workers’ comp benefits rarely cover the full cost of a serious injury.

Contact a Los Angeles Work Injury Lawyer at Silva Injury Law

After a workplace injury, you deserve more than partial benefits and unanswered questions. Silva Injury Law provides clear guidance, compassionate support, and strong representation to help injured workers pursue the full financial recovery they need to rebuild their lives.

When you’re ready to understand your rights and explore your options, our team is here to help. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal pathways, and guide you every step of the way.

Contact us online or call (209) 600-4389 today for a free, confidential consultation. You’ve worked hard for your future, now let us help protect it.