Work-Related Injuries

The Law Offices of Robert L. Meissner seeks compensation for victims of work-related injuries caused by the negligent or wrongful actions of third parties throughout the Sacramento area.  Contact our Sacramento accident attorney Robert Meissner because you have rights that he, and no insurance adjuster, will advise you of.

In most instances, workers' compensation is the exclusive recourse for employees who are injured on the job.  Under state laws, injured workers are paid according to a statutory schedule and are not allowed to sue their employer for damages, unless the injury was caused by the employer's intentional or willful act. 

However, while California's workers' compensation laws preclude lawsuits against employers, sometimes a third party can be found responsible for the injuries.  For example, an employee injured by the collapse of a defective ladder or hit by a car while working outside is free to pursue legal action against the negligent third party ladder manufacturer or automobile driver, for example.  A third party lawsuit proceeds like a regular personal injury lawsuit between an injured plaintiff and the negligent defendant.

California's collateral source rule prohibits the negligent defendant's liability from being reduced by any amount the injured plaintiff received from workers' compensation, social security, disability insurance, or other sources.  The theory is that the defendant is liable for the full consequences of the wrongful act and should not be excused from a portion of responsibility just because the plaintiff has received benefits from another source.  In most instances, evidence of collateral payments the plaintiff has received is not even allowed to be made known to the jury.  When it is, the plaintiff is able to introduce evidence of his or her entitlement to those payments, such as through the payment of premiums, taxes, or as a negotiated fringe benefit in lieu of wages.

Attorney Robert L. Meissner is fully committed to pursuing the recovery to which you are entitled, and can help you determine the party responsible for your injuries.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a work-related accident call our Sacramento accident law firm at 1-916-473-1537 or use our online form and contact us for a free initial consultation today!