Typically, workers’ compensation is known as an exclusive remedy. This means that if a worker is injured on the job or suffers from a work related illness, he or she must file a workers’ compensation claim if he or she is to be compensated for any loss suffered as a result of the workplace injury or work-related illness.
This means that if you were injured on the job or suffered a work-related illness, you cannot also file a civil personal injury lawsuit, as workers’ compensation is your exclusive remedy. However, there are two exceptions to this, but they are limited exceptions. The first exception, which is rarely applicable, is if your employer engages in conduct that is so extreme and outrageous that justice provides for a means for an injured employee to sue his or her employer. However, in this case, the employer must not only be at fault, but must have really acted with a complete disregard to the safety of its workers. Continue reading