Work Injury Lawyer Los Angeles | On-the-Job Accident Attorney | Baghikian Law

Personal Injury · Los Angeles

Work Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles

Injured on the job in Los Angeles? Workers' compensation isn't always the only option. When a third party's negligence caused your workplace injury, you may have the right to pursue full civil damages on top of any workers' comp benefits. Baghikian Law Firm fights for injured workers. Free consultations.

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Third-Party Work Injury Claims

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Work Injury Law in California

Workers' Comp Is Not Always Enough — And It's Not Always Your Only Option

California's workers' compensation system provides benefits for most on-the-job injuries, but those benefits are limited — they don't cover pain and suffering, full lost wages, or punitive damages. More importantly, workers' comp is not the only remedy available when a party other than your employer caused or contributed to your injury.

If your workplace injury was caused by a negligent contractor, property owner, equipment manufacturer, driver, or any third party, you may be entitled to file a separate civil lawsuit pursuing full compensation that workers' comp cannot provide. Baghikian Law Firm evaluates all available legal pathways for injured workers in Los Angeles.

Common Work Injury Cases

Types of Workplace Injuries We Handle

Workplace injuries occur across every industry in Los Angeles. These are among the most common situations where a civil claim — separate from workers' comp — may be available.

Construction Site Accidents

Falls from scaffolding, electrocution, being struck by equipment, and trench collapses are among the most serious construction injuries. When a general contractor, subcontractor, or property owner's negligence is involved, civil liability follows.

Defective Equipment & Machinery

When faulty tools, machinery, or safety equipment causes injury, the manufacturer or distributor may be liable under California products liability law — separate from any workers' comp claim against your employer.

Delivery & Roadway Accidents

Workers injured in motor vehicle accidents while performing job duties — delivery drivers, field technicians, construction site personnel — can pursue civil claims against at-fault drivers in addition to workers' comp.

Premises Liability at Work Sites

Workers injured on property controlled by someone other than their employer — such as a client's facility, a leased jobsite, or a third-party warehouse — may have direct civil claims against the property owner for dangerous conditions.

Workers' Comp vs. Civil Claims

Understanding the Difference Between Workers' Comp and a Third-Party Claim

California workers' compensation and civil personal injury claims are separate legal systems. In the right circumstances, an injured worker can pursue both simultaneously — maximizing total recovery.

Workers' Compensation

Covers medical treatment and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault — but does not compensate for pain and suffering, full income replacement, or punitive damages. Claims are limited to your employer's insurance and are governed by the California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board.

Third-Party Civil Lawsuit

Filed in civil court against any non-employer party whose negligence caused your injury. Allows recovery of full economic damages (all lost wages, all medical expenses) plus non-economic damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress. Can be pursued simultaneously with a workers' comp claim.

Compensation

What Injured Workers May Be Entitled to Recover

Through a third-party civil claim, injured workers in California can pursue the full range of damages that workers' comp alone does not provide.

Full medical expenses — past and future

Complete lost wages and reduced earning capacity

Physical pain and suffering

Emotional distress and psychological harm

Rehabilitation and long-term care costs

Permanent disability and loss of enjoyment of life

Out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury

Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Our Fee Structure

No Fee Unless We Win

Work injury cases are handled entirely on a contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront and nothing while your case is pending. Our fee comes only from what we recover for you — and only if we win.

$0 upfront

No hourly fees

Free consultation

You only pay if we win

Call (818) 804-8901

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Work Injuries in California

Can I sue someone if I was injured at work in California?

Yes — if someone other than your employer caused or contributed to your injury. California law generally prevents direct lawsuits against your employer if workers' comp applies, but third-party civil claims against contractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and at-fault drivers are fully available. In some cases involving employer negligence that rises to the level of serious or willful misconduct, additional claims may also be possible.

Can I file both a workers' comp claim and a civil lawsuit?

Yes. Workers' compensation and third-party civil claims are separate legal proceedings. You can pursue both simultaneously. If you recover from a third-party lawsuit, your employer's workers' comp insurer may have a right to reimbursement (called a "lien") for benefits already paid — but the total compensation available to you is significantly higher than workers' comp alone.

How long do I have to file a work injury lawsuit in California?

For third-party personal injury claims, California's statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of injury. Workers' comp claims have their own separate timelines — typically one year from the date of injury to file a workers' comp claim. Missing either deadline can permanently bar your right to recover. Contact us as soon as possible after any work injury.

What if my employer says I can only file workers' comp?

Workers' comp is the exclusive remedy against your employer in most circumstances — but it does not limit your right to sue third parties. Many employers (and their insurers) prefer workers only use workers' comp because it's cheaper and more limited. An independent legal evaluation is the best way to determine all available claims. Do not rely solely on your employer's assessment of your legal options.

What if I was partly at fault for my own work injury?

California's pure comparative negligence system allows recovery even if you were partially at fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery entirely. For example, if you were 20% at fault on a $300,000 claim, you can still recover $240,000. This applies to third-party civil claims — workers' comp is a no-fault system and is unaffected by your own fault.

What types of work injuries qualify for a third-party claim?

Any workplace injury where a non-employer party's negligence played a role can qualify. The most common scenarios include construction accidents involving multiple contractors or property owners, vehicle accidents occurring during work duties, injuries caused by defective tools or equipment, and injuries on third-party premises. An attorney can identify all potentially liable parties after reviewing the facts of your case.

Injured at Work? Your Options May Go Beyond Workers' Comp.

Serving Los Angeles, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Burbank, Glendale, and all of LA County. Call (818) 804-8901 for a free case evaluation.