Work Accidents

Work Accident Attorney in Tampa

Third-Party Injury Claims for Tampa Workers Since 1998

When a workplace accident leaves you seriously hurt, workers’ compensation covers only part of what you’ve lost. If someone other than your employer caused or contributed to your injury, you may have a separate civil claim for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages that workers’ comp doesn’t touch. That’s where we come in.

At Burnett Law, we represent injured workers in third-party personal injury claims arising from construction accidents, manufacturing incidents, and transportation-related injuries throughout the Tampa area. Our role isn’t to file benefit petitions with an administrative agency. It’s to hold negligent third parties accountable in civil court and pursue compensation our clients may be entitled to seek.

If you were hurt on the job and believe a third party shares responsibility, call us at (813) 491-8272 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.

Trial Experience Behind Every Work Injury Claim

Since 1998, Burnett Law has handled complex injury litigation and recovered substantial outcomes for clients, including multi-million-dollar verdicts. Our attorneys have been recognized as Super Lawyers® Rising Stars, a distinction reflecting peer-reviewed performance in litigation.

We take a hands-on approach to every case. That means working directly with you to map out your legal options, explain how a third-party claim interacts with your workers’ compensation benefits, and build a strategy around your specific circumstances. You won’t get a form-letter experience here.

Workers’ Compensation vs. a Third-Party Negligence Claim

Florida’s workers’ compensation system operates on a no-fault basis. Under Florida Statute 440.11, an employer’s liability for a workplace injury is generally exclusive, meaning you can’t sue your employer for negligence in most circumstances. Benefits cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, but they don’t compensate for pain and suffering or the full economic impact of a serious injury.

A third-party claim works differently. If someone outside your employer’s company caused or contributed to your injury, you can file a civil negligence lawsuit against that party regardless of your workers’ comp claim. The two run on separate tracks.

Common third-party scenarios include:

Motor vehicle collisions during work duties where another driver was at fault
Defective equipment where a product liability claim lies against the manufacturer
Injuries at a third-party location such as a customer site, warehouse, or retail property where the owner’s negligence created the hazard
Toxic or chemical exposure caused by a contractor’s negligence on a shared job site

One important detail: if your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier has paid benefits, it typically holds a statutory lien against any third-party recovery. We account for that lien in how we structure and value your claim. Florida’s comparative fault rules under Statute 768.81 also apply, apportioning responsibility among all parties. A claimant found more than 50 percent at fault recovers nothing on the negligence claim, which is why building a well-documented case matters from day one.

What Sets Us Apart

Experienced Attorneys Dedicated to Your Success
We guide clients through the complexities of their legal challenges, offering direct communication and hands-on support every step of the way.
Free Consultations
We offer free consultations to evaluate your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.
Proven Trial Success
We’re not afraid to take your case to court and have a strong track record of achieving favorable verdicts and settlements.
Personalized Service and Genuine Care
We believe in doing the best job possible for every client, taking a meticulous and client-focused approach to uncover every advantage for your case.

Our Clients Come First

Real Stories, Real Results

Clients describe working with Burnett Law as a genuinely different experience, highlighting our responsive communication, professionalism, and the care we bring to every case.

“Burnett Law is truly the best!”
“Mr. Josh Burnett is an amazing attorney who cares about his clients and getting them the justice they deserve.”

Jennifer Z.

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Workplace Accidents That Can Support a Third-Party Claim

Not every on-the-job injury involves a third party, but many do. Falls, electrocutions, struck-by incidents, and caught-in-between accidents are among the most common categories of serious workplace injuries. In transportation-heavy roles, motor vehicle collisions are a significant source of on-the-job harm as well.

Scenarios where a third-party claim may apply:

Falls and struck-by incidents at a job site controlled by another company, where that company’s failure to maintain safe conditions created the hazard
Defective equipment where a tool, machine, or safety device failed due to a manufacturing or design flaw
Work-related vehicle accidents caused by another driver while you were performing job duties
Dangerous conditions at a third-party property such as a commercial site or warehouse not owned or controlled by your employer

Start with a Free Consultation

We offer free in-person and virtual consultations, and we handle work injury claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. There’s no financial barrier to finding out where you stand.

Call Burnett Law at (813) 491-8272 to speak with a work injury attorney in Tampa about your third-party claim.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury in Florida

What you do in the days after a workplace accident can affect both your workers’ compensation benefits and any third-party claim. Under Florida Statute 440.185, you must generally report your injury to your employer within 30 days. Missing that window can jeopardize your benefits.

Your third-party negligence claim runs on its own separate deadline. Most personal injury claims in Florida, including those involving catastrophic injuries, must be filed within two years of the date of the incident. That deadline doesn’t move because of your workers’ comp filing. The two timelines are independent, and missing one doesn’t extend the other.

Practical steps to protect your claim:

Report the injury to your employer in writing as soon as possible
Seek medical attention and follow all treatment recommendations
Document the scene, equipment involved, and any witnesses
Preserve any defective tools, machinery, or personal protective equipment
Contact a work accident attorney before giving recorded statements to any insurer

Wrongful death claims arising from fatal workplace accidents follow similar rules. If you lost a family member in a work-related incident, the same two-year deadline applies, and a third-party claim may be available to the surviving family.

Schedule a Free Consultation

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777 S. Harbour Island Blvd
Suite 240
Tampa, FL 33602

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