Each state’s regulations ensure that a workers’ compensation claim can be filed without fear of retaliation or harassment from an employer. If the employer makes it difficult to exercise your rights freely, the consequences for the employer might be severe. If a manager or supervisor is using harassing techniques at work or otherwise making it difficult to do your job due to a workers’ compensation claim, that behavior is prohibited. It’s possible that a workplace accident was caused by the negligence of a third party. This other person or entity could be a designer or producer of a malfunctioning piece of equipment, or a delivery truck driver, depending on the circumstances. If you are hurt at work as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim against that person or company. These are known as “third-party claims.” Typically, these claims are not brought under the umbrella of workers’ compensation. Rather, they are brought in the form of civil lawsuits in state or federal courts in addition to your workers’ compensation case. Additional personal injury damages that are not recoverable in a workers’ compensation claim are frequently sought in civil lawsuits for work-related injuries. In a workers’ compensation claim, for example, the benefits are usually meant to reimburse the worker for their medical bills, related medical expenses, permanent injury and lost earnings; usually, an injured worker cannot seek compensation for pain and suffering. An injured worker can normally seek compensation for pain and suffering, which is a type of “non-economic” loss, in a third-party claim. To discuss the damages, you can collect in a workers’ compensation claim, discuss your case with an employment lawyer.