If I am injured at work, can I sue my employer, and still receive workers’ compensation benefits?

If you suffer an injury at work, then under the workers’ compensation program, your employer’s insurance pays your medical bills and lost earnings. In return, you forfeit your right to file a lawsuit against your employer in most instances. However, you may file a third-party lawsuit against a third party who caused your injury at work.

A third-party lawsuit has no bearing on your eligibility to receive workers’ compensation benefits. This is particularly important if you sustain a catastrophic injury that causes you to become permanently disabled.