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Workplace Injury Lawyer in Santa Rosa, CA

Civil Claims for Injuries Caused by Unsafe Workplaces or Negligent Third Parties

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Personal Injury

Hurt at Work? Your Recovery May Go Beyond Workers’ Comp.

When you're injured on the job, most people assume workers’ compensation is the only option. But in many cases, injured workers are also entitled to pursue a civil claim—especially if a third party, unsafe property, or defective equipment was involved.


At The Law Office of Johann Hall, we help injured workers in Santa Rosa and throughout Northern California explore civil legal options outside of traditional workers’ comp. If your injury was caused by negligence, unsafe conditions, or misconduct, you may be eligible for far greater compensation.

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What’s the Difference Between Workers’ Comp and a Civil Claim?

Workers’ compensation provides limited benefits and doesn’t require proof of fault—but it also restricts your recovery. A civil claim, on the other hand, may allow you to pursue broader damages, including pain and suffering.

You may be able to file a civil claim if:

  • A third party (not your employer) caused the injury
  • You were injured by defective machinery or tools
  • The injury occurred due to unsafe property conditions
  • You were harmed by a contractor or vendor
  • Your employer’s conduct was egregiously unsafe or intentiona

Common Civil Workplace Injury Scenarios

  • Construction site accidents involving multiple subcontractors
  • Warehouse injuries caused by outside vendors or faulty forklifts
  • Delivery driver injuries due to unsafe loading docks
  • Office injuries caused by property owners or poor maintenance
  • Job-related vehicle accidents caused by non-employees

Types of Injuries We Handle

  • Back and neck injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Crush injuries or amputations
  • Electrical burns and explosions
  • Repetitive strain injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel, tendonitis)
  • Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or platforms

Compensation Available in a Civil Workplace Injury Case

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Full medical expenses (including ongoing treatment)

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Pain and suffering

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Emotional distress

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Lost income and future earnings

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Loss of enjoyment of life

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Punitive damages in certain cases

Why Clients choose Johann Hall

  • Local Representation You Can Trust: Based in Santa Rosa, we know the industries and insurance dynamics of Northern California.
  • Civil Litigation Experience: We don’t just understand injury law—we know how to pursue it in complex workplace settings.
  • Clear Communication and Respectful Service: You’ll always be heard, informed, and treated like a person—not a claim number.

Serving Injured Workers Across Northern California

We assist clients from Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and surrounding regions including Napa, Marin, Solano, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Workplace Injury case

  • Can I file a civil lawsuit if I’m already receiving workers’ comp?

     Yes. You can pursue a civil claim in addition to workers’ comp if a third party was at fault or if your employer’s negligence went beyond standard liability.

  • Who counts as a “third party”?

    Anyone not directly employed by your company—this could include vendors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, or subcontractors.

  • Do I need to prove fault in a civil workplace injury claim?

     Yes. Civil claims require proving negligence—but they also offer broader financial recovery compared to no-fault workers’ compensation.

  • How long do I have to file?

     In most civil personal injury claims, you have two years from the date of injury. Don’t wait—evidence and timelines matter.

  • Can I sue if I’m an independent contractor?

    Yes. In fact, independent contractors often have more flexibility to file civil claims when injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Ready to Talk?

Let’s Talk About Your Legal Options—Confidential and No Pressure

If your injury happened on the job but may involve someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to much more than workers’ comp. We’ll help you understand your rights.


Call (707) 360-8717 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.