Virginia I-664 Road Worker Struck by Vehicle; Are Injuries limited to Worker’s Compensation? | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

In Suffolk, Virginia (VA) a road worker was hurt while working on I-664 southbound.  The accident happened in a private contracting company’s work zone near the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel when a work truck backed into a 48-year-old male worker.  As Virginia personal injury attorneys we get questions from victims who are injured on the job and wonder if they have a personal injury claim. 

The worker would be entitled to Worker’s Compensation for an on-the-job accident such as this one.  But the question often asked is whether there is the right to sue a different company under negligence law where you can obtain a jury trial and damages for the injuries you suffer that are not limited as they are under workers compensation. If the accident was caused by negligence of a third-party besides your own employer, or because of a faulty product on the job, a personal injury lawyer with Shapiro & Appleton can investigate what is called a third-party negligence action, with a jury trial.

So if the contractor who backed over the victim worked for a separate company the victim may very well have a personal injury claim.  It is important to contact a personal injury lawyer who is familiar with third party injury claims.  Since the injured man is older recovering from his traumatic injuries may take longer and he may need a higher level of care than Worker’s Compensation will pay for. 

CT