In California, workplace accidents don’t always end with workers' compensation. If a third party—like a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner—played a role in your injury, you may have a personal injury case. This article breaks down Labor Code Section 3864 and Civil Code Section 1714, guiding you on when and how to pursue third-party claims. For expert guidance, call California Attorney Group at (310) 278-6666.
It’s Monday morning. You clock in, ready to tackle the day, and then—an accident. Maybe a scaffold wasn’t secure, or the equipment you’re using suddenly malfunctions. You’re injured, and now you’re in the maze of workers’ compensation. Medical bills covered? Yes. A portion of your wages? Sure. But what about the pain, the setbacks, the stress?
In California, workplace injuries don’t always end with workers’ comp. Sometimes, there’s another responsible party in the picture—someone other than your employer. That’s where third-party liability comes into play. Experienced accident lawyers in Los Angeles know that if a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner had a hand in causing your injury, they could be liable under California’s Labor Code Section 3864 and Civil Code Section 1714. This opens the door to a separate personal injury claim.
Workers' compensation is designed to cover job-related injuries, regardless of who’s at fault. But sometimes, it’s not your employer’s negligence that caused the accident. What if it was a contractor who left a hazard in your workspace? Or maybe the equipment you relied on was faulty due to a manufacturing defect. In situations like these, third-party liability comes into play.
California’s Labor Code Section 3864 prevents double-dipping—meaning you can’t sue your employer if you’re receiving workers' comp benefits. But it doesn’t shield other parties who may have been involved in the incident. Enter Civil Code Section 1714, California’s “duty of care” law, which mandates that individuals and entities must act responsibly to avoid harming others. When they don’t, they can be held accountable. California Attorney Group knows these laws inside out, helping clients understand when they can—and should—seek a third-party claim.
Workers' comp pays for medical expenses, wage replacement, and, in some cases, disability. But it stops there. There’s no room for pain and suffering, no acknowledgment of the full impact an injury might have on your life. It’s limited by design, and that’s where third-party claims offer a broader path.
A third-party claim is like a personal injury lawsuit. It’s a chance to go beyond basic benefits and pursue compensation for the deeper impacts of your injury: pain, suffering, even future income loss. For those facing long-term consequences, these damages are life-changing. Help with California accident claims is essential for exploring these options, and experienced attorneys know exactly how to navigate the nuances between workers’ comp and third-party claims.
Third-party claims involve individuals or entities outside of your employer’s control. They could include:
Each of these cases involves a different approach, but California personal injury attorneys specialize in tracking down liability where it counts. They’ll investigate the scene, gather evidence, and bring in experts to ensure the responsible party is held accountable.
California’s Labor Code Section 3864 is clear: workers can’t sue their employers if they’re receiving workers' comp. But this doesn’t extend to others who may have contributed to the accident. Section 3864 allows workers to pursue third-party claims, even if they’re receiving workers' compensation. However, if you win a third-party case, your employer is entitled to be reimbursed for the benefits they’ve paid.
Here’s how it works. Suppose you win a $200,000 third-party case. Your employer can claim reimbursement for the medical expenses and lost wages they’ve covered. This ensures there’s no double compensation but still lets you pursue a claim against those who truly caused your pain. California accident attorneys are adept at navigating Section 3864, balancing reimbursement with full compensation.
Civil Code Section 1714 is California’s “duty of care” law. It says, simply, that everyone has a responsibility to act with reasonable care to prevent harm to others. In the workplace, this duty is crucial. When a contractor fails to maintain safety standards, or a property owner neglects to fix hazards, they’ve breached this duty.
Think about it this way: you’re at a job site, and a subcontractor has set up without warning signs. You slip on spilled materials. If that subcontractor didn’t take basic precautions, they may have breached their duty of care under Section 1714. In these cases, third-party claims are a vital tool for holding them responsible for their negligence. California Attorney Group knows how to establish these violations, turning negligence into accountability.
Understanding third-party liability is easier when you look at real-world scenarios. Here’s what it looks like in action:
Each scenario highlights a different type of third-party liability, and California personal injury attorneys know how to pursue these claims effectively.
For injured workers, third-party claims are a lifeline. Workers' comp can help with immediate bills, but it doesn’t account for pain, suffering, or the full impact of a permanent injury. A third-party claim allows you to go beyond basic compensation and seek damages for long-term consequences.
Imagine losing mobility because of an accident caused by someone else’s carelessness. Workers' comp might cover your initial expenses, but it won’t restore the quality of life you once had. California Attorney Group helps clients pursue the comprehensive compensation they deserve, offering more than just financial recovery—it’s about justice, too.
The world of third-party claims is complex. Between navigating workers’ comp laws, proving third-party negligence, and managing reimbursement, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s where California Attorney Group steps in, specializing in the intricate details of third-party liability.
Experienced attorneys know what to look for. They’ll investigate every angle of your accident, identifying who’s at fault and ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable. With knowledge of both Labor Code Section 3864 and Civil Code Section 1714, they’ll build a case that maximizes your compensation, no matter how many layers of liability are involved.
If you’ve been injured at work and believe a third party is liable, don’t wait. California Attorney Group is here to help you understand your options and secure every form of compensation available. Call us today at (310) 278-6666 to discuss your case. Whether it’s a contractor, manufacturer, or property owner, we’ll ensure they’re held accountable for the part they played in your accident.
