What type of action can an employee take against a coworker for workplace injury?

• A. File a workers' compensation claim
• B. Bring a civil suit
• C. Report to HR
• D. Seek damages through the employer

Answer: (B)

An employee can bring a civil suit against a coworker for workplace injury when the coworker is considered to be at fault due to negligence or intentional wrongdoing. In such cases, the injured employee may seek compensation for damages that exceed what is typically covered by workers' compensation benefits. This is particularly applicable when the injury was caused by the coworker's recklessness or intentional behavior, which would not be covered under the typical framework of workers' compensation that protects employers from liability.

In contrast, workers' compensation claims are designed to provide a no-fault system where employees receive benefits for injuries incurred at work without pursuing legal action against their employer or coworkers. Reporting to HR typically addresses workplace policy violations but does not directly lead to compensation for injuries sustained. Seeking damages through the employer would also not apply in cases where the coworker is directly liable for the injury. Thus, the option to bring a civil suit specifically targets holding the individual coworker legally accountable for their actions that contributed to the injury.