Modesto Work Injury Lawyers

Why Some Work Injuries Qualify for Personal Injury Lawsuits

In most cases, California’s workers’ compensation laws prevent you from suing your employer directly. But there are critical exceptions. And in some situations, you can file a lawsuit against a third party or negligent actor.

Here are a few examples where an injured worker may have a valid personal injury claim:

• Injuries caused by third-party contractors or vendors. If a subcontractor, delivery driver, or on-site vendor caused your injury, you can likely pursue a personal injury claim against them.
• Defective equipment or tools. If a machine or product malfunctioned due to a design or manufacturing defect, the manufacturer could be liable.
• Premises liability. If you were injured while working off-site due to dangerous property conditions, the property owner or manager of that location might be responsible.
• Intentional harm or gross negligence. In rare but serious cases, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer if they engaged in extreme misconduct.

These types of claims are not processed through the workers’ comp system. They are handled like other personal injury cases and could result in significantly greater compensation.

Real Results: From Devastating Injury to Meaningful Recovery

At Silva Injury Law, we understand how overwhelming it can feel when a serious workplace injury upends your life, and workers’ compensation barely scratches the surface of what you truly need. That’s why we explore every legal option available, including third-party personal injury claims that can offer compensation beyond workers’ comp.

Take Ricky’s case, for example. He was working in Modesto when he fell 13 feet from the back of a truck trailer. The fall caused multiple severe fractures and required five surgeries on his shoulder and two on his hip, including extensive physical therapy and a long, painful recovery.

While workers’ compensation provided some benefits, it wasn’t nearly enough to cover the full extent of Ricky’s suffering, long-term medical needs, and lost earning capacity. Our firm investigated and discovered that another party may have contributed to the dangerous working conditions. That allowed us to pursue a personal injury claim outside the workers’ comp system, ultimately securing a significantly better outcome for Ricky than workers’ comp alone could have.

His story is just one example of how a Modesto workplace accident lawyer at Silva Injury Law can help injured workers access the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

Common Workplace Accidents That May Justify a Personal Injury Claim

While not all workplace injuries qualify for personal injury compensation, the following types of incidents often involve third-party liability:

• Construction site accidents involving multiple contractors,
• Slip and falls at client or vendor locations,
• Electrical injuries from improperly installed equipment,
• Vehicle crashes while on the job,
• Falling objects or equipment malfunctions, and
• Injuries on unsafe or uninspected properties.

If your injury involved anyone other than your direct employer, or anything other than your own mistake, it is worth having a Modesto workplace accident attorney review your case.

Damages You May Be Able to Recover in a Personal Injury Claim

Unlike workers’ comp, which is limited and doesn’t account for pain and suffering, personal injury claims can pursue full compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future),
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy,
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity,
• Pain and suffering,
• Emotional distress,
• Loss of enjoyment of life, and
• Scarring or disfigurement.

An experienced workplace injury lawyer in Modesto can ensure these damages are adequately documented and presented.

When Should You Call a Modesto Work Injury Attorney?

The sooner, the better. It is easy to unintentionally sign away your rights by accepting a workers’ compensation settlement before fully understanding your options. If third-party liability is a possibility, we can preserve that opportunity and help you pursue both claims in parallel if needed.

We recommend speaking with a lawyer immediately if:

• You were injured on the job due to someone else’s actions,
• You suspect a product or equipment defect caused your injury,
• You’re being pressured to settle quickly, or
• You’re unsure who is responsible for your injury.

Even if you’re already receiving workers’ compensation, it doesn’t mean you cannot also pursue a separate personal injury claim.

Let Silva Injury Law Help You Pursue Full Compensation

You do not have to settle for less than you deserve. At Silva Injury Law, we believe injured workers deserve answers, respect, and results. Led by Michael Joe Silva, a former prosecutor with extensive trial experience, our team has a track record of uncovering hidden third-party liability and recovering life-changing settlements for our clients.

We do not take shortcuts. We investigate every angle, fight aggressively when needed, and treat you like family throughout the process.

Call (209) 600-4389 or reach out to us online today for a free, no-pressure consultation with a Modesto work injury lawyer. We will review your case, explain your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.