There’s no denying that construction is a high-risk job. Day in and day out, many construction workers must face dangerous conditions such as heights, electrical wiring, chemical exposures, and other hazards.
Like in any dangerous job, accidents happen and workers can get injured. But this does not mean that the men and women who help build our communities should have to suffer financially while recovering from their injuries.
A construction accident lawyer at Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers can fight for the compensation construction accident victims deserve. We know construction accidents can leave Chicago workers and injured passersby unable to return to their jobs and struggling with medical bills. As such, compensation for the injuries and undue harm they have suffered may be essential in allowing them and their families to get their lives back on track.
Table of Contents:
- COMMON CAUSES OF CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS IN CHICAGO
- COMMON TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCIDENT INJURIES
- WORKERS COMPENSATION IN ILLINOIS FOR CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS
- CAN YOU SUE YOUR EMPLOYER?
- FILING A THIRD-PARTY LAWSUIT FOR A CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT
- ARE PEDESTRIANS ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FOR A CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT?
- CONTACT A CHICAGO CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT LAWYER
Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Chicago
Construction is happening everywhere in Chicago. The city is constantly building and expanding. Unfortunately, construction site accidents are not uncommon and can be caused by several different issues at the construction site. Some of the most common causes of construction accidents include:
- slips and falls
- lack of safety procedures
- poor working conditions
- electrocution from exposed wires
- employee negligence
- falling objects
- unsafe tools
- tripping hazards
- missing protections on power tools
- construction vehicle collisions
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips and falls are the most fatal types of construction site accidents. It is on the employers to properly train their workers on safety to prevent these types of accidents. Providing proper safety equipment is a huge part of this.
Common Types of Construction Site Injuries
Construction site injuries can range from mild to severe. Common types of construction site injuries include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Burns
- Electrocution
- Head trauma like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Loss of hearing or vision
- Back and neck injuries
- Illness caused by exposure to toxic chemicals
- Amputation or loss of limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Repetitive Motion Injuries
- Wrongful death
Regardless of the construction site injury, you or your loved one should not have to bear the financial burdens of recovering from your injury.
Workers’ Compensation in Illinois for Construction Accidents
Workers’ Compensation in Illinois provides essential protection for construction workers who have suffered injuries or accidents while on the job. The state’s Workers’ Compensation Act ensures that employees are provided with benefits and financial support to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs resulting from construction-related accidents.
Under Illinois law, construction companies are required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance to provide coverage for their employees. A workers’ compensation claim is a no-fault claim meaning that, with a few exceptions, construction workers will receive workers’ comp benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
It’s important to note that workers’ compensation laws in Illinois are complex, and navigating the claims process can be challenging. Consulting with an experienced specializing in workers’ compensation cases can greatly assist construction workers in understanding their rights and maximizing their chances of receiving the full benefits they are entitled to under the law.
Our legal professionals can guide workers through the claims process, gather necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights to ensure fair compensation for construction site accidents.
Can You Sue Your Employer?
In Illinois, if you suffered a construction site injury and your employer offers workers’ compensation, you are typically not allowed to sue your employer. However, there are very special circumstances where you may be able to sue your employer for your injuries.
One is if your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance when they are required to. As mentioned, most construction companies are required to carry this insurance so if this was not offered to you, it may be worth speaking to a legal expert who can determine if the law was violated.
Another special circumstance that may allow you to sue your employer is if there was gross negligence or wrongdoing that led to the construction accident that caused your injury. Again, construction accident attorneys can aid in determining whether it’s worth taking this route or not.
Filing a Third-Party Lawsuit for a Construction Accident
While it is unlikely you will be able to sue your employer for your injuries, there may be other third parties who are fully or partially at fault for the accident. This may be another individual or business whose negligence contributed to your construction accident injuries.
In this case, don’t back down from the compensation you may be owed. A Chicago construction accident attorney can help by collecting evidence, calculating fair compensation, and arguing your case should it go to court.
Are Pedestrians Entitled to Compensation for a Construction Accident?
Construction workers are not the only construction accident victims. Especially in a city like Chicago, it’s easy for pedestrians to find themselves near a construction site. It is the construction company’s responsibility to make sure that their construction site meets all safety standards to prevent injury to both construction workers and pedestrians.
If a company’s negligence leads to your injury as a pedestrian at a Chicago construction site, you still may be owed compensation. An experienced personal injury firm would know how to seek justice and compensation for your experience.
When to Contact a Chicago Construction Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a construction accident, the first step to take is to seek immediate medical attention. You never know how severe an injury is until you’ve seen a healthcare professional. Additionally, if you need to file a workers’ compensation claim or in some cases a lawsuit, documentation of your injuries will be very important.
Construction accident cases can be very complicated as it is possible that third parties are at fault for your injuries. After you’ve sought medical treatment, the next move would be to contact a construction accident lawyer. A legal professional will know what compensation you are owed, help you file your workers’ compensation claim, speak to insurance companies, and when it’s time to file a lawsuit if it comes to that.
Passersby who were injured at a construction site should immediately contact an attorney. Any party that was responsible for your injuries should be held accountable.
Call to speak with one of the Chicago construction accident lawyers at the Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers at (312) 600-6000 today to discuss your situation. We offer a FREE case review. Find out why so many say… Larry wins!
