Chicago Construction Accident Lawyers
We Have Recovered Millions of Dollars on Behalf of Our Clients
Due to the frequent use of heavy machinery and power tools, construction
sites can be particularly dangerous. This is why it is essential that
employers maintain safe working conditions. When safety issues arise,
employees may become injured and unable to work. If this has happened
to you or a loved one, it is worth speaking with a construction accident
lawyer in Chicago at
McHargue & Jones, LLC.
An experienced Chicago construction accident lawyer can tell you whether or not you have grounds to seek compensation through a suit or workers' compensation claim. We accept cases on a contingency fee arrangement, so you do not have to pay us unless we win on your behalf.
To discuss your case with a Chicago construction accident lawyer today, contact our workers' compensation attorneys at (312) 739-0000.
On This Page:
- Common Causes of Construction Accidents
- Common Construction Site Injuries
- Construction Companies’ Duties and Responsibilities
- What To Do After a Construction Accident
- Handling Fatal Construction Accidents
- Book a Free Consultation Today
What Are Some Common Causes of Construction Accidents?
Many factors go into maintaining a safe working environment; but, it is ultimately the responsibility of your employer to ensure that the construction site is secure. With heavy trucks coming and going, and with the frequent use of dangerous or toxic substances, it is of the utmost importance that employers remain vigilant when it comes to safety.
A construction accident may result from:
- Unreasonable working schedules and shifts
- Construction vehicle accidents
- Improper or insufficient training
- Incorrect usage of toxic or dangerous chemicals and substances
- Failing to adhere to safety guidelines
- Defective or malfunctioning equipment
- Improperly maintained construction sites
- Falling objects
- Falls from heights or scaffolding
With so may different situations that can result in an injury, it can be difficult to determine how to proceed with your claim. An experienced construction accident attorney in Chicago can help you identify who is responsible for the damages you have incurred, such as your employer, the manufacturer of a defective product, the general contractor, or potentially another subcontractor or vendor on the job site. It is important to seek legal help as soon as possible to allow for sufficient time to identify all responsible parties. Whether you have suffered from a construction equipment injury, a scaffolding accident, or defective safety equipment, recovering from a construction-related injury can be challenging. However, by seeking compensation, you can hold the responsible party accountable.
What Are Some of the Most Common Construction Injuries?
Some of the most common types of injuries sustained in the above-mentioned accidents include:
- Eye injuries including blindness or vision impairment
- Hearing injuries including deafness
- Electrocution or burn injuries
- Broken bones, sprained or pulled muscles or tendons
- Breathing issues, illnesses or cancer caused by exposure to harmful chemicals
- Neck, back, shoulder or spinal cord injuries
- Brain or head injuries
Among some of the most common injuries that resulted in construction workers taking off of work in 2019 were sprains, strains, or tears.
Construction Companies’ Duties and Responsibility to Uphold Safety Regulations
Construction companies have a duty to their employees to provide a safe work environment and manage any legal safety regulations.
One organization that regulates the construction industry is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In the state of Illinois, OSHA regulations are administered by the Illinois Department of Labor. There are also smaller organizations the regulate specific sects of the construction industry. Construction companies are legally obligated to follow the regulations established by these organizations and ensure their worksites are compliant.
In general, the responsibilities of construction companies include:
- Providing proper safety equipment
- Conducting thorough and up-to-date training
- Informing employees of legal safety regulations
- Conducting maintenance inspections
- Responding to safety concerns
- Preventing common construction accidents
- Keeping a worksite clean, clear, and safe
Although supervisors and construction company executives hold a significant portion of the responsibility of maintaining safety on their worksites, there are other parties who could be liable in the event of an accident. A construction site may have an appointed safety officer who is responsible for overseeing the work area and ensuring compliance with legal regulations. Any negligence on the part of a safety officer could result in an accident. It is the duty of everyone on a construction site to maintain a safe work environment.
What Should You Do After a Construction Accident?
If you are injured while working on a construction site, you should follow the below steps to ensure that you don't miss anything important when it comes to filing your workers' compensation claim:
- Get Immediate Medical Attention - Although it may be tempting to just take a few days off to see if you start to feel better, you should always seek a professional medical opinion; this can help with obtaining compensation for any medical treatment later on.
- Notify Your Employer About Your Injuries - In order to file a workers' compensation claim, your employer must submit a form to the insurance company. Be sure to notify your employer of your injuries in writing so that you have official documentation of the time and date that you notified them.
- Gather Any Evidence That Supports Your Claim - Be sure to take pictures of the scene where your accident occurred and pictures of your injuries to help back up your claims to your employer. This can also help with ensuring similar accidents do not happen in the future. If possible, identify witnesses who saw the accident occur.
- Speak With an Attorney About Your Claim - If you believe that your claim is not being dealt with fairly, or if you are being offered unfair compensation, you should speak with a workers' compensation lawyer about your claim as quickly as possible. We can help you iron out the details of your case and determine how to get you a more favorable result.
Handling Fatal Construction Accidents
Unfortunately, not all construction accidents can be recovered from. At times, an accident can result in the untimely death of a worker. If you have recently lost a family member or loved one as a result of an industrial accident, we can help. While filing a wrongful death claim may not bring your loved one back, it can help offset the financial burden you may be facing in their absence. By letting us handle your case for you, you can also get back to what matters most: taking care of your family.
Call (312) 739-0000 for a Free Consultation
At McHargue & Jones, LLC, we know how stressful it is to deal with a workplace injury. Our Chicago construction accident lawyers have been handling these types of cases since 2000. With nearly 20 years of experience behind us, we know how these cases are handled in Illinois. We are prepared to put that knowledge to work for you. When you need an advocate fighting to get you the compensation you deserve, call us.
Our entire office is fluent in Spanish and offers free case evaluations. Call one of our construction accident lawyers in Chicago today at (312) 739-0000 or fill out our online contact form.