Employees First Labor Law

Traumatic Brain Injuries & Third-Party Liability: Workers Compensation

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can permanently change your life. For California workers, workers’ compensation may cover some medical care and disability benefits — but it’s often not enough to account for the full damage caused by a brain injury.

That’s where third-party liability comes in.

At Employees First Labor Law (EFLL), we help injured workers pursue both workers’ comp claims and civil lawsuits when someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to a TBI.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your rights and secure full compensation.


🔹 What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A TBI is typically caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head that disrupts brain function. These injuries range from mild concussions to severe, permanent brain damage. Common symptoms include:

  • Memory loss
  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Cognitive decline or confusion
  • Personality or mood changes
  • Vision or speech issues
  • Seizures

Brain injuries are often invisible and difficult to diagnose — which makes proving them especially complex without expert legal help.


🔹 Can You File a Third-Party Lawsuit for a Brain Injury at Work?

Yes — if someone other than your employer was at fault, you may be able to pursue a third-party civil lawsuit in addition to your workers’ comp claim. This is often the only way to recover compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term life care costs.


🔹 Common Examples of Third-Party Liability in TBI Cases

✅ Construction Accidents

  • Falling tools or debris from another contractor
  • Negligent operation of heavy machinery by a subcontractor
  • Faulty scaffolding or guardrails installed by another party

✅ Equipment Malfunctions

  • Defective helmets, ladders, or harnesses
  • Machines that lack proper safety features
  • Power tools that explode or eject projectiles

✅ Vehicle Collisions

  • Driving as part of your job and getting hit by another driver
  • Delivery or rideshare accidents

✅ Premises Liability

  • Slip and fall at a client site due to unmarked hazards
  • Unsecured objects falling in retail, warehouse, or commercial settings

🔹 Benefits of a Third-Party Lawsuit

While workers’ comp limits your recovery to wage replacement and medical care, a third-party lawsuit may allow you to recover:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Loss of consortium (for your spouse or family)
  • Full future medical care
  • Punitive damages (if the third party was reckless)

In catastrophic brain injury cases, these damages can be worth millions of dollars over a lifetime.



🔹 Why Choose Employees First Labor Law?

At EFLL, we do more than just file claims — we strategically build cases that maximize value by combining workers’ comp recovery with civil litigation.

Here’s what sets us apart:

TBI-Focused Legal Teams
We work with top neurologists, neuropsychologists, and life care planners to prove the severity and long-term impact of your brain injury.

Experienced in Third-Party Litigation
We have an in-house civil litigation team dedicated to identifying and pursuing third-party claims — including product liability, vehicle collisions, and contractor negligence.

Comprehensive Recovery Approach
We handle both your workers’ comp claim and any lawsuit so nothing is missed — and you get every dollar you deserve.

No Fees Unless You Win
We front the costs. You only pay if we recover for you.


📞 Call EFLL today for a free case review
📩 Contact Us Here – Let us investigate whether a third party may owe you compensation.


🔗 Related Posts: