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Chicago Construction Accident Lawyer

Highly-Skilled Chicago Construction Accident Lawyer Protecting the Rights of Injured Victims Throughout Chicago, Illinois

Phillips Law Offices has been fighting for clients injured in construction site accidents for over 75 years. Our law firm deals in all areas of personal injury law and wrongful death lawsuits, including on-the-job injuries and workers’ compensation cases.

Construction sites hold great potential for damage. Every year, many people are injured or killed as a result of accidents on construction sites. And, while most sites follow strict health and safety rules to ensure that these dangers are not a threat to their workers, accidents can and do happen, leading to permanent disabilities or even wrongful death.

Construction accidents can lead to profound and life-changing injuries. What’s more, this type of injury can leave you unable to work at your job for a long period of time or even permanently. This makes a construction injury even more devastating in terms of its financial impact on the victim and his or her family members.

Personal Injury FAQ: What Causes Construction Accidents?

Some of the dangers from which injuries could be sustained on construction sites include:

  • Defective or improperly erected scaffolding
  • Improper forklift operation
  • Improper cargo loading and unloading due to negligence
  • Trips or falls resulting from miscellaneous materials or scraps left lying around on the site
  • Harm resulting from equipment that’s used in an irresponsible or negligent manner
  • Fires and explosions
  • Injury resulting from a worker’s lack of training or skill
  • Improper reinforcement or bracing
  • OSHA safety violations
  • Exposure to harmful chemicals or minerals such as asbestos, which can lead to mesothelioma

These are just some of the many factors that can cause construction accidents resulting in injuries or a fatality.

What Factors Lead to a Construction Site Accident?

Construction site accidents may stem from a range of different factors, including

  • Negligence by supervisors or contractors
  • Negligence involving co-workers or on-site contractors
  • Inappropriate behavior involving on-site workers
  • Defective machinery or equipment
  • Alcohol use or drug use on the worksite
  • Improper handling of live electrical wires or mishaps while performing electrical work
  • Negligence when it comes to the proper coordination of subcontractors
  • Failure to take proper safety precautions
  • Failure to fence off or restrict hazardous areas
  • Poor or improper implementation of safety measures and programs.

When a construction accident results in serious injuries or even a death, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation for a variety of different losses, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disability
  • Loss of benefits
  • Loss of spousal enjoyment
  • Extended physical and emotional care
  • Disfigurement

What’s the Proper Procedure Following a Construction Site Accident?

Immediately following a construction accident, the first and most important priority is to seek medical attention. Your health is, without a doubt, the most important factor in the equation, so it’s essential that you seek immediate medical attention.

If possible, ask a co-worker to photograph and/or take a video of the accident scene before it is disturbed or altered. You should also photograph and document your injuries.

Injured construction workers must also keep a journal detailing their injuries, their progress with healing, their daily pain levels, their physical limitations, and any and all doctors’ appointments and procedures. Also, make note of how those injuries impact your daily life. These are all key elements in your case when seeking compensation, whether it’s by filing a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or a premises liability lawsuit.

Who is Liable in a Construction Accident That Results in Injury?

Chicago Construction Accident Lawyers

The person or company that is liable for an accident will vary according to the unique circumstances of your mishap.

The liable party may be your employer, another worker at the site, a contractor, the property owner, or a manufacturer. Our lawyers will listen to your case and determine who ought to be held accountable. In some cases, multiple companies or parties may share liability.

Do Construction Accidents Fall Under Workers’ Compensation?

Construction site accidents do fall under workers’ compensation laws in Illinois when the injured party suffers those injuries in the course of his or her work.

While a number of benefits can be secured by filing a workers’ comp claim, including medical care and compensation for a portion of your lost wages, there are many cases where another third party also holds liability. So there are some cases where your attorney may find that a personal injury or premises liability lawsuit is appropriate and justified. Your lawyer can help you to determine the best course of action for your unique case.

What is the Cost of Construction Accidents to Employers?

As an employer, there are a number of costs associated with an accident on a construction site. Construction companies are typically required to secure workers’ compensation insurance coverage, which pays out workman’s comp benefits to employees who are injured in the course of their work. This expense is just a portion of the overhead that companies must cover on a monthly basis, so this cost is ultimately passed along to the consumer.

Typically, when a worker accepts workers’ comp benefits, employer liability becomes limited, enabling them to avoid a lawsuit. If a company does not have this type of insurance coverage, it may be liable for any and all losses stemming from the accident, including medical bills and lost wages.

Employers do pay a price in another way: they’re without a valued worker for a period of time while the injured employee recovers. They may find a temporary replacement, but this takes time — time that ultimately carries a price tag.

How long do I have to file a construction accident lawsuit in Chicago?

In Illinois, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the accident date. However, there may be exceptions depending on the circumstances of your case, so it’s best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Why should I hire a Chicago construction accident lawyer?

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, hiring a lawyer can be essential in protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

What should I do if I'm injured in a construction accident in Chicago?

If you’re injured in a construction accident, seek medical attention immediately. Then, report the accident to your employer and gather as much information as possible about the incident. Finally, contact a construction accident lawyer in Chicago as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

Can I sue my employer for a construction accident in Chicago?

In general, you cannot sue your employer for a work-related injury if they have workers’ compensation insurance. However, there may be exceptions depending on the circumstances of your case. It’s best to consult with a Chicago construction accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

What if the construction company doesn't have workers' compensation insurance?

If the construction company doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. A Chicago construction accident lawyer can help determine your legal options and guide you through the process.

Steps to Take After a Construction Accident

Following are the steps to take after a construction accident:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: If you’re hurt, get help right away. Go to the hospital or see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. Sometimes, injuries can get worse if they’re not treated quickly.

  2. Report the Accident: Let your supervisor or employer know about the accident as soon as you can. They need to be aware of what happened so they can investigate and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

  3. Document Everything: Write down what happened and take pictures if you can. This information might be important later on if you need to make a claim for compensation.

  4. Get Witness Information: If there were other people around when the accident happened, get their names and contact information. They might be able to help support your claim.

  5. Contact a Lawyer: It’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer who specializes in construction accidents. They can help you understand your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

  6. Follow Up on Medical Treatment: Keep going to your doctor appointments and following their instructions. Your health is the most important thing, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself.

Construction Accident Laws in Illinois

Workers’ compensation laws

In Illinois, if you get hurt while working on a construction site, you can usually get help with your medical bills and lost wages through workers’ compensation. This means your employer’s insurance should pay for your treatment and some of your wages while you’re unable to work. You can get these benefits even if the accident was your fault.

Third-party liability claims

Sometimes, someone other than your employer might be responsible for your accident. For example, if you were hurt because of a faulty piece of equipment, the company that made the equipment might be to blame. In Illinois, you can file a third-party liability claim against these other parties to get compensation for your injuries.

Statute of limitations

In Illinois, there’s a time limit for filing a lawsuit after a construction accident. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. For most construction accidents, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you might not be able to get any compensation for your injuries.

Our Chicago Construction Accident Lawyers Will Hold the Responsible Parties Accountable

By contacting the injury lawyers of Phillips Law Offices, you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your case will be dealt with efficiently and quickly by a legal professional who is skilled and experienced in this type of litigation.

Trust your case to one of the Midwest’s most well-respected law firms. Call (312) 346-4262, or contact our Chicago construction accident lawyers online to arrange a free consultation to discuss your case with a construction accident lawyer.

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