If you’ve been injured at work, one of the first questions you may ask is whether you can still file a workers’ compensation claim if your actions played a part in causing the injury. After all, what happens if your mistake contributed to the accident? Can you still receive compensation? This is a question that many workers grapple with, and understanding how fault impacts your eligibility for benefits can help you make informed decisions about how to proceed.

Despite the common assumption that fault excludes workers from receiving compensation, the truth is more complex. Many workers who believe they can’t file a claim because of partial fault are still eligible for compensation, provided certain criteria are met.

At The Law Offices of Harley Merritt, we understand the complexities of workers’ compensation claims, especially when partial fault is involved. Our team of skilled workers’ compensation lawyers in Yuba City, CA, is here to help you navigate these situations and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

In this blog, we will address how partial fault in workers’ compensation claims works, and what you should know when filing for benefits after a workplace injury.

What Is Partial Fault in Workers’ Compensation?

When an injury occurs at work, determining fault is a key factor in whether an employee can receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, workers’ compensation systems in most states, including California, are designed to provide benefits regardless of fault. This means that even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you might still be eligible for compensation.

Here’s how it works:

  • Workers’ Compensation is No-Fault: The primary goal of workers’ compensation is to provide benefits to injured workers, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. So, if you were partially at fault, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving benefits.
  • Shared Fault: In situations where both the employer and the employee share responsibility for the injury, the system often allows for partial compensation based on the degree of fault. For example, if you were 40% responsible for the accident, you may still be eligible for 60% of the benefits.

How Does Partial Fault Affect Your Claim?

An employee sitting across from her employers

While workers’ compensation in California typically provides benefits even when an employee is at fault, partial fault can still impact the amount of compensation you receive. Here are some of the key factors that could influence the outcome of your claim:

1. Degree of Fault

In cases where partial fault is involved, the level of responsibility you bear for the injury can affect the amount of compensation you receive. The more responsible you are for the accident, the less compensation you may be entitled to. For instance:

  • 100% employer fault: You’re entitled to full compensation.
  • 50% fault: You might receive 50% of the compensation.
  • 100% employee fault: You may still receive benefits, but at a reduced rate, or your claim may be impacted, depending on the circumstances.

2. Employer’s Responsibility

Your employer’s role in the incident also matters. If your employer’s negligence contributed to the accident, even if you were partially at fault, they might still bear some responsibility, which could make you eligible for compensation.

3. Third-Party Claims

In some cases, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit if someone outside of your employer contributed to the accident. For example, if faulty equipment caused your injury, the manufacturer of that equipment may be held liable, in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits you receive.

What Happens if I’m Partially At Fault for My Injury?

It’s essential to know that partial fault in workers’ compensation claims doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving benefits. You may still qualify for compensation, but the extent of that compensation will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Some factors that can affect this include:

  • Accident Report: How the accident is reported and documented is critical. If there is clear evidence that your employer failed to provide a safe working environment or violated safety regulations, you may still be entitled to full compensation, even if you were partially at fault.
  • Witness Statements: Statements from coworkers or other witnesses to the accident can help clarify the level of fault and ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
  • Medical Documentation: A comprehensive medical record that links the injury to the workplace accident is vital for your claim. The more detailed your medical documentation, the better your chances of proving that the injury was work-related, regardless of who was at fault.

What Should You Do If You Were Partially at Fault?

People outside a court building

If you find yourself in a situation where you were partially at fault for your injury, it’s important to:

  • Report the Accident Immediately: Report the incident to your employer as soon as it happens. This will create an official record of the accident.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Make sure to get a medical evaluation right away. A doctor will assess your injuries, and their diagnosis will play a significant role in your claim.
  • Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney: Even if you think you may have been partially at fault, a workers’ compensation attorney in Yuba City, CA, can help ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.

Get the Compensation You Deserve, No Matter Your Fault

If you’ve been injured at work, you shouldn’t assume that partial fault automatically disqualifies you from filing a workers’ compensation claim. Even if your actions contributed to the injury, you may still be entitled to compensation. However, workers’ compensation cases involving partial fault can be complex, which is why it’s essential to consult a skilled workers’ comp attorney in Yuba City, CA, to guide you through the process.

At The Law Offices of Harley Merritt, we specialize in helping workers just like you receive the benefits they deserve, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the injury. If you’re facing a workers’ compensation claim and are concerned about partial fault, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of the best workers’ comp lawyers in Yuba City, CA.

Let us help you get the compensation you deserve—call now!