3 key elements of a third-party workplace injury claim

Work-related injuries can be complex, especially when they involve third parties.

The success of a third-party work-related injury case often hinges on key elements.

1. Eyewitness accounts

Eyewitness testimony from coworkers or bystanders who observed the incident can greatly enhance the credibility of your case. Witness statements can help fill in the gaps that might exist in other forms of evidence. Their firsthand accounts can provide a detailed narrative of how the injury occurred and who may be responsible. Corroborating testimony from multiple witnesses can strengthen the overall reliability of the evidence presented.

2. Medical records and expert opinions

Accurate and comprehensive medical records are invaluable in work-related injury cases. Medical documentation detailing the nature and extent of the injuries, treatment received, and prognosis can establish a direct link between the incident and the harm suffered. In addition, expert opinions from medical professionals can lend weight to the severity and causation of the injuries, supporting the argument that a third party’s actions were responsible.

3. Worksite inspection reports

Reports from worksite inspections conducted by relevant authorities can provide objective insights into the conditions that may have contributed to the injury. These reports may highlight safety violations, hazardous conditions or negligent practices on the part of third parties. Presenting this evidence can strengthen the argument that the injury resulted from factors beyond the injured party’s control.

In 2022, 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses happened across the country. For those involved in a workplace incident that involves a third party, a well-rounded collection of evidence is necessary for a solid case.