Physical pain, high medical bills, and lost income are the common scenarios after a construction injury. If you were injured on the job and believe your company failed to protect you, our construction accident lawyer in Chicago can help. We represent victims in workers’ compensation claims and lawsuits at Chicago Injury Lawyer. Contact us today for a FREE consultation!
What Sets Our Construction Accident Lawyers in Chicago Apart
We understand how complex construction accident cases can be and how deeply they affect injured workers and their families. We’re committed to securing the fair compensation you deserve. We offer:
Expertise and Dedication
Our personal injury lawyers have years of experience handling various construction site injuries. We have the skills to build a strong case, whether it’s falls, machinery accidents, electrocution, or structural collapses. While other firms may avoid these complex legal matters, we tackle them and ensure every potential source of compensation is explored.
Comprehensive Legal Support
We go beyond just filing claims and investigate every aspect of your case. Our attorneys gather key evidence, consult experts, and ensure everything is noticed. We handle every part of your claim, from holding employers accountable to seeking damages from third parties.
Personalized Strategy
We understand every construction accident is different. That’s why our construction accident attorneys in Chicago create unique legal strategies for you. Our attorneys listen to your concerns, keep you updated, and focus on getting the best outcome. We’re here to fight for your rights, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disability.
Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation
We excel in negotiations but are always ready to go to court if needed. Many insurers and employers aim for low settlements. However, we don’t settle for less. We fight hard to protect your rights and ensure you receive the maximum compensation allowed by law.
Compassion and Support
Our construction accident advocates in Chicago offer more than just legal help; we genuinely care about your situation. Construction accidents can change your life, and we understand the emotional burden they bring. We’re not just your lawyers but advocates for your recovery and well-being.
When you choose Chicago Injury Lawyer, you select a way of justice! Contact us today for the support you need after a construction site accident.
Understanding On-Site Injury Causes and Consequences
Construction site injuries can be severe and have lasting effects. Here are some common types of accidents and injuries:
Falls from Heights
Working on ladders or scaffolding can be dangerous without proper safety measures. Lack of fall protection and poorly maintained equipment can lead to serious injuries.
Falling Objects
Tools and materials can fall from above. They cause severe head, brain, or spinal injuries to workers below.
Slips and Trips
Hazards like wires, wet surfaces, and uneven ground can cause slips and trips, resulting in serious injuries if not addressed.
Transportation Accidents
Heavy vehicles, such as bulldozers and concrete mixers, are used on construction sites. Hence, accidents can occur due to poor maintenance or lack of operator training.
Electrocution
Electrocution can occur when exposed wires or electrically charged equipment are present. Therefore, poor electrical tools can damage muscles, nerves, and tissues.
Fires and Explosions
Construction sites with gas lines or flammable materials are at risk of fires or explosions. Proper safety measures are essential to protect workers.
Most Frequent Caught-In and Caught-Between Accident Injuries
Caught-in and caught-between accidents occur when trapped or squeezed between heavy machinery, equipment, or materials. These incidents are particularly dangerous on construction sites and can result in serious injuries or fatalities, including:
- Amputations
- Deafness
- Blindness
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Severed spinal cord
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injury
While workers should remain alert, construction companies must implement preventive measures to minimize these risks.
Safety First: Construction Firms Must Protect Workers!
A construction company is obligated to follow safety regulations. Construction sites are always changing. This puts employees, inspectors, and subcontractors in dangerous situations as they try to finish projects. When construction companies ignore OSHA mandates and safety regulations, workers risk serious injuries or even death.
A construction company must ensure workers wear safety equipment, maintain structure, and are cautious of hazardous chemicals. According to the Occupation Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers have the following general duties:
- Ensure a hazard-free workplace to prevent injuries or fatalities.
- Provide employees with equipment that keeps them safe.
- Follow all industry safety standards in your construction practices.
Construction accident attorneys from Chicago Injury Lawyer will thoroughly investigate your claim. We will create a solid strategy to help you secure your deserved compensation.
Proving Construction Accident Negligence: Key Things to Secure Your Claim
According to the respondeat superior doctrine, employers are legally responsible for employees’ injuries. It doesn’t matter if an injured employee or another employee is at fault. This responsibility also covers visitors, guests, or passersby allowed on the site. The construction company may be accountable for their injuries.
For example, if a brick fell on you while passing a construction zone, you can sue everyone responsible at the construction site. A personal injury lawyer must prove that your injuries occurred because of someone’s negligence.
To accomplish this, your injury lawyer needs to demonstrate the following:
Duty
The responsible party must ensure that the construction site is reasonably safe for everyone. For example, construction sites must follow OSHA safety guidelines.
Breach
The construction site manager failed to maintain necessary safety measures, which can lead to severe accidents and injuries. This negligence endangers others on the job site.
Cause
The victim was injured due to the responsible party’s negligence. Their failure to act responsibly directly caused harm to the victim.
Damages
A victim suffered substantial losses and damages as a result of their injuries.
Nevertheless, proving negligence in a construction accident is crucial to securing compensation.
An experienced Chicago construction accident attorney will gather crucial evidence to prove negligence. This ensures responsible parties are held accountable for your injuries and losses.
Who’s at Fault? Identifying Liable Parties in Construction Incidents
Determining liability for a building site mishap is usually complex because multiple parties may be involved in responsibility. Here are the common ones:
- Primarily, construction companies
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers
- Property owners
- In some cases, the injured worker’s actions.
Taking Legal Action: Filing a Lawsuit for Construction Accidents
In Chicago, you can file a workers’ compensation lawsuit against your employer if you get injured at a construction site or while performing work duties. However, filing this claim prevents you from suing your employer for the same injury.
If multiple parties are involved on a building site, you can use a third-party lawsuit against a contractor or subcontractor responsible for your injuries. It is possible that they were directly or indirectly liable for the accident.
While workers’ compensation covers your injuries, pursuing a third-party claim can help you recover additional damages.
Illinois’s no-fault workers’ compensation allows you to receive compensation without proving someone else’s fault. Even if your injuries result from another party’s negligence, you can still seek benefits without holding them responsible.
The system provides injured workers with quick access to support. Consulting with knowledgeable construction accident lawyers in Chicago can help you navigate these claims effectively.
Steps to Report a Construction Accident and The Timeframe
To report a construction accident in Chicago, you must move fast and follow specific procedures to protect your rights.
- Immediately notify your supervisor, site manager, or employer about the incident. They may already know if the accident is serious, but formal notification is crucial.
- Complete a detailed written accident report, documenting all relevant information, including the time, place, circumstances, and any witnesses.
- Keep a copy for your records. You can download one from the Illinois Workers’ Compensation website if your employer does not provide a specific form.
Illinois law requires that workplace accidents be reported within 45 days. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also warrants that any work-related injury needing hospital treatment be reported within 24 hours.
In cases of death, this must be reported within 8 hours. After submitting your report, follow up with your employer to ensure they have filed the necessary documentation with OSHA.
Deadlines Matter: Filing Your Construction Accident Claim on Time
In Illinois, the time limits for filing construction accident claims depend on the type of claim:
- Workers’ Compensation Claims: Must be registered within 3 years of the job-related injury.
- Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims: These claims, including those involving third-party liability from workplace accidents, must be filed within 2 years.
Consulting a construction accident lawyer is crucial for understanding your legal options and avoiding missing deadlines. We will also take timely action to pursue a favorable outcome for your case.
What to Do After a Construction Accident
You must consult an attorney if you’ve suffered an injury or illness from a construction site accident in Chicago. Contact a professional lawyer right after a construction accident.
In the meantime, follow these simple steps:
1. Hospitalize Yourself
Don’t skip medical care or assume you’re not injured. Seek a professional checkup quickly, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent and require a doctor’s expertise to identify them.
2. Report the Accident
Call the construction site supervisor to report your accident, whether you’re an employee or a passerby. Documenting the incident is essential for proper handling and to protect your rights.
3. File an Insurance Report
The at-fault party’s insurance, whether a construction company or another, is your main source of compensation. They are the first place to file your claim. However, file your claim promptly to qualify for benefits.
Call Now. Schedule a Free Consultation!
If you’re injured on the job, you deserve more than a low settlement. Chicago Injury Lawyer is here to fight for your rights. Our Lawyers handle every aspect of your workers’ compensation claim. If a third party is at fault, we’ll build a strong case to recover all your damages. Call (312) 261-5656 today for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is My Construction Site Injury Case Worth?
Construction accident cases are exceptional. Our construction accident lawyers evaluate your case based on the following:
Your injuries’ severity and permanence
Future earnings and wages lost
Expensive medical care, including ongoing therapy
Accident-related pain and suffering
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Construction Case?
Construction site accidents can be complex, affecting how long it takes to resolve your case. It includes the severity of your injuries, insurance negotiations, etc. Depending on the details of your case and the insurance company, an attorney can provide a more accurate estimate.
What If I Was Injured on a Construction Site, but I’m Not a Construction Worker?
Despite not being a construction worker, you may still have legal rights if injured on a construction site. An experienced construction accident lawyer can explain your options and decide what to do next.
Can I Still Receive Workers’ Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Yes, Illinois follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover workers’ compensation benefits even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your fault is less than 51%. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
