Legal Question in Workers Comp in District of Columbia
Injury on the job
If I was hurt on the job in May of 2006 and had back surgery in Feb 2007. I am out on worker's comp can I file a law suit aganist the building owner and my agency. I want to ensure that I am covered for any long term affects related to my back and the pain I still have even after my second surgery on May 2007.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Injury on the job
Any recovery from a third party suit would first go toward reimbursing the workman compensation insurer. You should discuss your case with an attorney to determine whether such an action is in your interest.
Re: Injury on the job
You can't sue your employer because you are receiving workers comp. If the negligence of the building owner was responsible for your injury, you could sue them. Any recovery you get from such a suit would obligate you to reimburse workers comp for the compensation (including medical expenses) that you've received, although you could still come out ahead, since worker's comp pays medical expenses at a deeply discounted rate.