If you were hurt on the job and must miss work to recover, you may wonder what your options are for protecting your financial security in the meantime. There are typically two ways for injured employees to secure benefits following an on-the-job injury: file a workers’ comp claim or pursue a lawsuit. If you’re not sure which route to take, Vincent J. Criscuolo & Associates, a team of workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyers in Rochester, NY, explains how you can determine the best way to recover compensation.

Personal Injury Lawyer Explains Your Options Following a Work Injury

When to Apply for Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Every case is different, but in general, an attorney will advise you to file for workers’ comp if your injuries were merely the result of an accident. If neither negligence nor any safety violations on the part of your employer contributed to the injuries, you should recover money for your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages by filing for workers’ compensation.

When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to protect employers from personal injury lawsuits. When you accept benefits under this program, you waive the right to file a suit. However, if negligence contributed to your injuries in some way, you may recover a larger settlement by suing your employer. To file a successful claim, though, you must prove negligence. If you are not sure how to do so, a personal injury lawyer can help.

A seasoned attorney will also provide legal guidance if you were hurt at work because of a third party’s negligence. For example, if you sustained injuries in a motor vehicle collision while on the clock, you can apply for workers’ compensation benefits from your employer and sue the liable motorist for damages.

If you were hurt at work and need quality legal counsel in Rochester, NY, turn to Vincent J. Criscuolo & Associates. Their team strives to be accessible for their clients, which means you will never have to leave a voicemail or wait for someone to return your call when you have a question or concern. Visit their website to learn more about the firm’s experience helping clients recover lost wages, and call (585) 232-3240 to schedule an initial consultation with a workers’ comp or personal injury lawyer today.