Utility Worker Accident Injury Lawyer

Utility workers in Chicago face dangerous conditions daily. From working high above to visiting underground construction sites, hardworking workers like you are at risk of severe injuries every day. Workplace accidents can sometimes be life-altering, leading to physical and financial hardships. 

It is vital to take legal action when accidents at the workplace happen because of negligence from employers, contractors, or others. Our experienced Chicago utility worker accident lawyers are ready to tackle any legal challenges and secure the compensation you are entitled to!

Assistance Offered by Our Utility Worker Accident Injury Attorney

Our utility workplace accident lawyers are committed to helping you fully recover and reestablish your life after a workplace injury. We tackle more than just personal injury claims, focusing on every aspect of your case. 

Here’s how Chicago Injury Lawyer can make a difference:

Expert Legal Guidance

Our Chicago worker injury attorneys deeply understand the utility industry and legal complexities. We are committed to handling the legal process on your behalf, ensuring you get the compensation you need to recover and confidently move forward.

Third-Party Liability Identification

Sometimes, a utility worker’s injury is caused by third-party negligence or another company. Our lawyers for personal injury can file a lawsuit alongside your workers’ compensation claim in these cases. Our skilled attorney can quickly identify the guilty party and seek additional settlement.

Dedicated Client Support

We believe in providing specific care and attention to each client. From the moment you contact us, you will have a dedicated attorney guiding you through every step of your case, answering your questions, and ensuring your rights are fully protected.

Maximized Compensation

Securing the highest compensation possible for your injuries is our aim. We intend to go after all costs related to medical treatment, wages lost, suffering and pain, and others. Count on us to ensure your economic and psychological recovery is soon achieved.

Aggressive Legal Representation

You need an attorney ready to fight for you when you have been injured. Our team aggressively negotiates with insurance companies, employers, and other parties. We ensure you are fully compensated even in court procedures, no matter how challenging the case is.

Common Causes of Utility Worker Accidents

Utility workers face significant risks daily in maintaining fundamental services like electricity, gas, and water. Multiple dangerous conditions in the worksite can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. 

Let us discuss some common causes behind utility worker accidents in Chicago:

Malfunctions in Equipment

Defective tools, faulty machinery, or poorly maintained equipment can increase the risk of accidents. They can contribute to severe injuries or even loss of life.

Risky Working Environments

Exposure to dangerous materials and chemicals in industrial workplaces can cause accidents. Moreover, extreme weather conditions or poor workplace lighting can lead to injuries.

Inadequate Training

Utility workers must have proper training and understanding of all safety rules and regulations. Inadequate training or a lack of safety protocols can put workers at risk.

Poor Management

Failure to manage workers properly can also result in accidents. Administrators must ensure a proper, safe environment and supervise their workers carefully and effectively.

Vehicle Accidents

Utility workers operating vehicles, such as delivery and trailer trucks, are highly vulnerable to accidents. The incidents can be caused by other drivers’ negligence or even poor driving skills.

Types of Injuries Suffered by Our Utility Worker Clients and Their Impact

The private transportation and warehousing industry had the highest number of fatalities in Illinois, with 41 reported in 2022. It shows significant job risks resulting in several injuries affecting utility workers’ lives.

Here are some common types of injuries suffered by our utility worker clients and their potential impact:

Electrical Burns and Shock

Electrical burns and shocks are common injuries utility workers experience when interacting with live wires or electric systems. This condition can take the form of mild surface burns to profound cardiac arrest, internal organ damage, and even death.

Head and Brain Injuries

Sustaining head injury due to falls from great heights or being hit by falling objects or heavy machinery is quite common. TBIs or traumatic brain injuries can result in lasting damage to cognitive and body functions. These injuries affect your ability to work and do daily activities.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis for utility workers. It demands extensive care, healing, and drastic changes to your habits. Spinal injuries often lead to permanent disability and considerable long-term medical costs.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Those who provide utility services are frequently exposed to risks that can lead to broken bones, broken limbs, and joint harm. It could take several weeks or even months to recover from these injuries. In certain circumstances, they could even cause lifelong impairment.

Burn Injuries

Exposure to direct heat, such as flames or hot liquids, can cause severe burns. Additionally, interaction with toxic substances can lead to chemical burns and eye injury. It can cause other complications or even permanent skin wounds for utility workers.

Internal Injuries

Accidents involving machinery or heavy equipment can cause internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These types of injuries often require immediate surgery and long-term recovery.

Compensation Rights for Utility Workers’ Injuries in Chicago

When it comes to claiming compensation for a utility worker injury, there are generally three primary routes for you:

Workers’ Compensation

According to the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305), injured employees are provided a no-fault system, meaning you do not have to prove your employer’s negligence.

However, workers’ compensation typically covers only a portion of your total damages and does not cover pain and suffering. It also limits your ability to sue your employer directly for negligence.

Basic workers’ compensation benefits for utility workers:

• Coverage of medical expenses 
• Compensates lost wages
• No need to prove fault or negligence
• Quick processing of claims

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, is responsible for your injury, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit in addition to workers’ compensation. 

The Personal Injury Law (735 ILCS 5/13-202) compensates for a broader range of damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, etc.

Primary personal injury lawsuit benefits for utility workers:

• Compensation for pain and suffering
• Possible higher compensation than workers’ compensation alone
• Opportunity to hold third parties accountable for negligence

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In any case, utility workers’ injury results in wrongful death, the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180) entitles family members to seek compensation when a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence. 

Basic wrongful death law benefits for utility workers:

• Compensation for lost income and support.
• Damages for emotional distress and loss of companionship.
• Coverage for medical bills and funeral costs.
• In cases of severe negligence, punish the responsible party.

Our trusted industrial injury lawyers will assess your case and suggest whether you should pursue workers’ compensation, a personal injury lawsuit, or others.

The Statute of Limitations in Chicago for Utility Worker Injuries

The general statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims, including those for utility workers, is three years from the date of the injury.

On the other hand, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years, including utility employees.

It is crucial to act quickly to protect your rights. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the opportunity to pursue settlements in Chicago.

Do Not Wait, Take Action!

If a utility worker accident has caused you injury, do not hesitate to seek the best legal support available. Contact us now and get a qualified lawyer for your work injury claim in Chicago who will assess your situation and advise you on what you can do. You do not have to pay anything for this advice!

Frequently Asked Questions