A utility worker was not even in his vehicle at the time of a catastrophic car wreck that landed him in the hospital, fighting for his life. Although the utility worker may have been on duty at the time of the wreck and would thus be qualified to file for workers’ compensation benefits, he also retains the right to file a personal injury claim against the driver who caused the wreck. Although criminal charges are not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil claim, any evidence that Ohio authorities uncover while investigating the possibility of alcohol as a factor could also be used in litigating a personal injury lawsuit.
The victim had parked a pickup truck along the side of the road and, at the time of the wreck, had either just exited the vehicle or was about to reenter it. Unfortunately, before he could do so, the driver of an approaching vehicle lost control. Unable to stop, the vehicle slid across the snowy roadway and collided with the pickup truck. The victim was also struck and pinned in between the two vehicles.
Emergency workers transported the victim to a nearby hospital, and most recent reports listed him in critical condition. The driver of the vehicle that caused the wreck suffered minimal injuries, although he declined medical treatment. Ohio police reported that the driver may have been under the influence at the time of the wreck and that he did not have a valid driver’s license.
Catastrophic injuries caused by a car accident can have a devastating impact on victims’ lives. Time spent away from work to recover or undergo related medical treatments or procedures can wreak havoc on an individual’s financial situation, while the physical impact of some injuries can alter a person’s ability to even hold down a job or complete tasks that once came easily. Although injuries from accidents that happened while on the job are typically compensated through workers’ compensation benefits, if a third party is also liable for an injury, he or she may be held responsible through the successful litigation of a personal injury claim.
Source: wkyc.com, “Lorain 3-car crash critically injures city worker”, Feb. 26, 2015