Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Work Accident?

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When you’ve been injured on the job, it’s natural for you to want to seek justice and compensation for your injury, especially when someone else’s negligent actions caused your accident.

In most cases, Michigan’s workers compensation laws would cover your on-the-job injury—with a few exceptions. We discuss those exceptions below.

What Is Workers Compensation in Michigan?


Workers compensation laws require employers to obtain insurance that will cover employees who are injured while performing their job duties. This insurance primarily provides injured workers with the following types of coverage:

  • Medical care
  • Replacement wages

The drawbacks for employees are that workers comp protects the employer from liability and does not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional trauma.

Third-Party Liability for Your Workplace Accident


Here’s the exception: You can file a personal injury claim if a third party other than your employer caused your injury. The following are a few examples of times you could file a personal injury claim for a work accident:

  • You were injured by an outside vendor’s machinery or equipment.
  • There was a manufacturing defect in a product that injured you at work.
  • You were injured by a toxic chemical or substance.
  • You were hurt in a vehicle collision while on the job.
  • A contractor hurt you while working at your building.

Also, you might be able to file a personal injury claim if your employer failed to purchase work comp insurance or intentionally harmed you.

Call a Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer


A personal injury lawyer with Christensen Law can answer all your questions about pursuing compensation after a workplace injury. Every case is unique, and speaking with an attorney can help you understand whether your case qualifies for personal injury compensation outside the work comp system.

You can get in touch with us by calling 248-900-9000 or heading to the bottom of this page to fill out our online contact form.