After an accident, many injured individuals assume they cannot recover compensation if they were partially responsible for what happened. In New York State, that is not always true. Both personal injury law and workers’ compensation law may still allow you to pursue benefits or compensation, even if you shared some responsibility for the accident.
Understanding how fault applies in these different types of cases is important when protecting your rights.
Fault in New York Personal Injury Cases
New York follows a legal rule known as “pure comparative negligence.” This means an injured person may still recover compensation in a personal injury case even if they were partially at fault for the accident.
However, the amount of compensation awarded may be reduced based on the inxjured person’s percentage of fault.
For example, if someone is awarded $100,000 in damages but is found to be 20 percent responsible for the accident, their recovery may be reduced to $80,000.
This rule applies to many types of personal injury claims, including:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Construction accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto injured individuals in order to reduce payouts. That is why proper documentation, evidence, and legal representation are important in these cases.
Fault in New York Workers’ Compensation Cases
Workers’ compensation works differently. In New York, workers’ compensation is generally a no-fault system. This means injured employees may still receive benefits regardless of who caused the workplace accident.
As long as the injury occurred while the employee was performing work-related duties, they are typically eligible for benefits such as:
- Medical treatment
- Wage replacement benefits
- Compensation for permanent injuries in certain cases
Unlike personal injury claims, workers’ compensation benefits are not usually reduced because the worker was partially at fault.
It is also important to understand that injured workers in New York are generally not permitted to sue their employer directly for workplace injuries. However, if a third party contributed to the accident, a separate personal injury claim may also be possible.
Why Understanding the Difference Matters
The role fault plays in a case can significantly impact the type of claim you pursue and the compensation available to you. In some situations, an injured person may qualify for both workers’ compensation benefits and a personal injury claim against a third party.
Every case is different, and determining how fault may affect your rights can be complex.
How Losi & Gangi Can Help
At Losi & Gangi, we represent hard working Western New Yorkers in both workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. Our team understands the important differences between these claims and works to help injured clients pursue the maximum compensation available under New York law.
If you have been injured and are unsure whether you can still file a claim because you were partially at fault, contact Losi & Gangi today to learn more about your legal options.











