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Injured worker can sue third party for damages even if workers’ compensation benefits have been paid. Brescia v. G.F. Hämmerle, Inc., 7 N.Y.2d 544 (1960).

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Brescia v. G.F. Hämmerle, Inc. is an important case because it highlights the rights of injured individuals to pursue damages beyond the scope of workers’ compensation benefits.

New York workers’ compensation is a system designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill on the job. Under New York law, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees in case of a workplace injury or illness. The benefits available under New York workers’ compensation include medical treatment, lost wages, and disability benefits.

While workers’ compensation benefits can provide important financial support to injured workers, they are often limited in scope and may not fully compensate an injured worker for their losses. In some cases, injured workers may be entitled to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit against a third party who may be responsible for their injuries.

Background
The case involved a pedestrian who was struck by a car while crossing the street in New York City on his way to work. The plaintiff, Mr. Brescia, was employed by the defendant, G.F. Hämmerle, Inc., and was crossing the street at a marked crosswalk when he was hit by a car owned and operated by a third party. As a result of the accident, Mr. Brescia suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull and a fractured left leg, and was forced to undergo extensive medical treatment.

Mr. Brescia filed a workers’ compensation claim and received benefits for his injuries. However, he also filed a lawsuit against the driver of the car, seeking damages for his injuries. The defendants argued that Mr. Brescia was not entitled to pursue a negligence claim because he had already received workers’ compensation benefits for his injuries. They contended that allowing Mr. Brescia to pursue a personal injury claim would result in double recovery and undermine the workers’ compensation system.

Discussion and decision
The court held that Mr. Brescia was entitled to pursue a negligence claim against the driver of the car, even though he had already received workers’ compensation benefits. The court noted that the workers’ compensation system was designed to provide a limited form of compensation for workplace injuries and was not intended to be the exclusive remedy for injured workers.

The court’s decision was based on the principle that workers’ compensation benefits are not intended to be the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries. Instead, injured workers have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against a third party who may be responsible for their injuries. The court noted that this principle was consistent with the public policy considerations underlying the workers’ compensation system, which seeks to provide injured workers with compensation for their injuries while also holding employers accountable for maintaining safe workplaces.

Conclusion
Brescia has helped ensure that injured individuals have the right to pursue damages beyond the scope of workers’ compensation benefits. The ruling allowed injured workers to hold third parties responsible for their actions and receive full compensation for their injuries while also promoting workplace safety and accountability. While workers’ compensation generally remains the exclusive remedy that an injured worker has against their employer, where appropriate injured workers can still pursue third parties for damages.

The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding your rights and options for pursuing compensation in the event of a workplace injury. While workers’ compensation benefits can provide important financial support, injured workers may also be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim against a third party who may be responsible for their injuries. An experienced New York workers’ compensation lawyer can help injured individuals navigate the complex legal and medical issues involved in these cases and fight for the compensation they deserve.

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