Work injuries happen every day. It is important to have your work injury accident reviewed by an experienced Minnesota Workplace Injury Attorney to determine if you have grounds for a third party liability claim. The situation will need to be investigated. Time is of the essence. Evidence needs to be gathered and witnesses interviewed. It is even helpful to have pictures of the accident area. A third party liability claim may be made against:

• product manufacturer for a defective product
• contractor or subcontractor for negligence
• property owner for negligence
• insurance company for driver error or negligence in a work-related vehicle accident

As an employee, you do not have the right to sue your employer for injuries sustained on the job. You may file a workers’ compensation claim. You also have the right to pursue a work injury third party lawsuit if a third party contributes to or is responsible for your work related injury. Here are some examples of valid third party injury liability claims:

• on the job motor vehicle accident
• delivering an appliance to a buyer’s home and you slip, trip, or fall at the home
• working on a large construction site and getting hurt when an employee from another company drops a piece of lumber and it hits you

A third party claim is in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. The advantage of a third party liability claim is that you have the opportunity to be compensated for damages not covered under a workers’ compensation claim. One example of additional damages would be past and future pain and suffering. Here is an example of a case Partner Steve Terry recently settled:

Michael was a driver of a commercial vehicle. Another vehicle swerved into his lane and side-swiped him, which caused him to go off the road and hit a concrete median. He did not have immediate pain symptoms, but over a period of time his injuries continued to get worse and MRIs of his neck and low back showed many levels of degeneration and herniations, requiring both neck and low back surgery.

Michael’s original medical bills were covered under workers’ compensation (handled by another law firm). Steve Terry then negotiated an assignment of the workers’ compensation subrogation claim. The total medical and wage loss paid by the workers’ comp carrier was close to $240,000.

The bodily injury claim quickly settled with American Family Insurance for policy limits of $100,000, but the underinsured claim against The Hartford took more time. The Hartford started offering $50,000 and the matter was eventually settled for $400,000, The total amount received by Michael was a little less than $750,000 from workers’ comp, bodily injury, and underinsured.

This information is provided as a service of TSR Injury Law. Steve Terry, Chuck Slane, and Rich Ruohonen are skilled, ethical attorneys with years of experience with Third Party Liability Claims. They have recovered millions for victims of work injuries. For more information call 612-362-0000 or submit our free consultation form.

Symptoms of Chemical Exposure

Chemicals and reactions to them can vary so much. They can burn inside of the body as well as the visible exterior.

Symptoms of chemical exposure and burn:

• Bluish lips and bright red skin
• Bumps or blisters on the skin
• Labored breathing
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Allergic reaction (may include hives, itching, swelling, vomiting)
• Irritability

Symptoms of an airway burn:

• Change in voice
• Labored breathing – coughing wheezing
• Bluish or charred, burned lips
• Singed hair – bangs, eyebrows, nose hairs
• Burns on face or neck
• Dark, charred mucus

Treatment for Chemical Exposure

• Remove the cause of the burn. Brush off dry chemicals, avoid getting them on you or in anyone’s eyes. Remove contaminated jewelry and clothing from the area.
• Flush the chemicals off the skin with cool, running water. Do this for at least 15 minutes.
• Loosely wrap the burned area with clean cloth or sterile gauze.
• Check for signs of shock — fainting, pale complexion, and rapid, shallow breathing. If they seem to be in shock, lay them flat, elevate feet 12″, and cover with a blanket.
  • Get the person to stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames. Wrap them in a rug, coat, blanket, whatever is available.
  • Call 911.
  • Check breathing. If breathing has stopped, be sure airways are open and begin CPR.
  • Cover burned areas with clean cloth or sterile gauze. (Do not remove any clothing that is stuck to the burn.)
  • Do not break the burn blisters.
  • If fingers or toes are burned, separate the digits with a clean cloth or sterile gauze (no adhesives).
  • Take steps to prevent shock. Lay them flat and elevate the feet about 12″. If this hurts them too much and you do not think they are going into shock, don’t force this position.
  • Monitor pulse and rate of breathing until medical assistance arrives.

Treatment for Severe, Exterior Chemical Burns

Important DO NOT List for Chemical Burns

• DO NOT apply ointment, butter, ice, or any household treatment to the burn. They can intensify the burn.
• DO NOT breathe, blow, or cough on the burn. It can increase the possibility of infection.
• DO NOT touch or disturb blistered or dead skin.
• DO NOT give the person anything to eat or drink.
• DO NOT immerse in ice water or put ice packs on the burn. This can send the person into shock.
• DO NOT remove clothing that is stuck to the skin.
• DO NOT place a pillow under the head of a person with an inhalation burn. It can further constrict breathing.

The number for the poison control center is 1-800-222-1222.

This information is provided as a service of TSR Injury Law. Our partners are skilled, compassion personal injury lawyers with years of experience in workplace injuries, third party liability claims, and chemical burns. Chuck Slane recently won a case for the victim of a workplace chemical burn. The victim was awarded $1.9 million. If we may be of assistance in your quest for justice, call 612-362-0000 or submit our free consultation form.