Colburn Law

Third-Party Liability in Work Injury Lawsuits

In Washington, workers’ compensation provides essential benefits when someone is injured on the job. However, these settlements may not fully cover the extent of injuries and losses suffered. When workplace accidents occur due to the negligence of someone other than an employer or coworker, injured workers may have additional options for recovery through third-party liability claims.

It is essential to contact a workers compensation attorney in Seattle if you have been injured at work — call (206) 919-3215 today.

Choose Colburn Law for Your Workers’ Compensation Needs

• With years of practice helping injured workers in Washington, Greg Colburn knows how to build strong cases that protect your right to benefits.
• Open communication is our priority—your lawyer will listen to your story, answer questions, and provide direct updates.
• We work on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case, easing financial burdens during recovery.

What Is Third-Party Liability in Workplace Accidents?

Third-party liability refers to legal responsibility held by people or entities outside the employer-employee relationship. When these external parties cause or contribute to workplace injuries through negligent actions, inactions, or decisions, they can be held financially accountable through personal injury lawsuits.

While workers’ comp claims do not require the victim to prove fault, third-party claims rely on the presence of negligence. Proving negligence can be complex, but these lawsuits often yield more comprehensive compensation for injured workers.

Identifying Potentially Liable Third Parties

Workplace accidents can involve multiple parties. Construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and other complex work environments regularly bring together various companies and contractors who may share responsibility for workplace safety. When this responsibility is violated, the victims may have grounds to pursue a lawsuit.

Depending on the cause of the accident, liable third parties may include:

• Equipment Manufacturers: These companies bear responsibility when defective machinery, tools, or safety equipment cause injuries to workers.
• Property Owners: Building owners and managers must maintain safe premises for all workers performing duties on their property.
• Subcontractors: Independent contractors working alongside employees can create hazardous conditions through negligent actions or safety violations.
• Delivery Services: Companies delivering materials or supplies to worksites may cause accidents through careless operations or unsafe practices.
• Maintenance Companies: External maintenance providers can create dangerous conditions through improper repairs or inadequate upkeep of equipment and facilities.

Legal Requirements for Proving Third-Party Liability

If you were injured on the job and another party’s negligence is to blame, a third-party claim can provide a path to justice. However, these lawsuits can be complex and require a large amount of evidence to establish liability. A Washington workplace injury lawyer can streamline this process on your behalf, offering the time and resources necessary to build a compelling case.

Leveraging evidence like expert testimony, surveillance footage, medical records, and more, your Seattle personal injury attorney will work to prove that negligence led to your injuries. Specifically, you will need to show that the following facts are true:

• The third party had a legal obligation to ensure the safety of workers in their vicinity or who use their products.
• The third party failed to meet their safety obligations through action or inaction.
• The breach of duty directly led to the workplace accident and resulting injuries.
• You suffered losses resulting from the third party’s negligence, such as medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Explore Your Legal Options with Colburn Law Today

Third-party liability claims require careful investigation and skilled legal representation to maximize your potential recovery. In these situations, you need a lawyer on your side who will fight for you every step of the way.

At Colburn Law, we know what it takes to hold dangerous parties accountable. We will work diligently to identify all responsible parties and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (206) 919-3215 for a free consultation and explore all available legal options with our Washington work injury lawyer.