According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), preliminary totals show the number of fatal work accidents recorded in the United States was the lowest since 1992. Nevertheless, there were 4,340 fatal work injuries and the final count in April 2011 is expected to increase that figure by about three percent.The New York Times reports that Bill Kojola, an expert in the A.F.L.-C.I.O.’s occupational safety department, expressed skepticism in the results, saying, “I would not trust these numbers at the present time. It seemed that the state partners that report fatalities have been delayed because they are strapped for cash.” Furthermore, to the extent there has been a decline, CFOI acknowledges that economic factors played a major role in any such decrease. Compared to 2008, total hours worked fell by six percent in 2009; the construction industry, which has historically accounted for a significant share of work a what is capsiplex ccidents, saw even larger declines in employment or hours worked.Beyond Workers’ CompensationMany employees know they generally give up the right to sue their employer for the ability to pursue workers’ compensation benefits for a work injury. This allows people to seek compensation through an administrative process aimed at providing a faster and more economical result than traditional litigation.What people may not realize is that the waiver does not extend beyond the liability of the employer. Workers’ compensation does not excuse the negligence of third parties ? that is, other involved people or businesses.Third Party ClaimsAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, preliminary data indicates that there were 184 fatal work injuries in New York alone in 2009. Depending on the specific circumstances, the families of some of these workers may have claims against property owners, other subcontractors or manufacturers.