Generally, workers’ compensation coverage bars an injured worker from suing their employer for their work-related injury or illness. That’s because workers’ compensation provides injured workers with no-fault benefits. As an injured worker, you may collect benefits after a workplace accident regardless of who is responsible for the accident that led to the injury or illness.

However, if your workplace injury or illness was caused by the negligent or reckless actions of a party unaffiliated with your employer, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. You can file a personal injury suit against a third party and also claim workers’ compensation.