Can I sue Someone else for Causing my Injury?

Yes. If a third party, other than your employer or co-worker, causes the injury, you can bring an action against the negligent person or company. Examples would be a car accident caused by someone else, injury by defective products or machinery manufactured by a company other than your employer, or injury by a general or subcontractor on a construction site. You must bring any such lawsuit within the time provided by law.

You can receive your benefits under your workers’ compensation claim while pursuing a third-party action. The Department of Labor & Industries or your self-insured employer will have a lien on any third-party recovery, with allowance for attorney fees and costs in bringing the third-party action.