Are Non-Workers Entitled to Compensation for Injuries Sustained at a Construction Site?

 Posted on December 21, 2020 in Construction Accidents

When we think about construction site injuries, we typically think about injured construction workers. When a construction worker is harmed as an employee on a construction site, he or she is typically entitled to compensation for medical bills and lost wages though workers’ compensation. You may wonder, however, what happens when a non-worker is injured at a construction site. For example, what happens if you are walking near a construction site and are injured by falling building debris? In a situation like this, you may be able to recover compensation via a personal injury claim.

Non-Employee Construction Site Injuries

Construction sites are filled with dangers. Partially-constructed buildings, suspended beams, hazardous materials, other dangers can lead to severe injuries and deaths. Construction companies and contractors are expected to follow strict safety regulations to protect the wellbeing of workers as well as non-workers. However, construction site accidents still can and do occur. A construction accident can lead to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, amputation injuries, and much more.

When Does a Non-Worker Have a Valid Legal Claim?

If you were hurt on a construction site or your loved one was killed in a construction accident, you may wonder if you have a valid damages claim. Typically, a person is only entitled to compensation for injuries caused in a construction site if he or she was on the site legally. Individuals who are trespassing often have limited rights or no right to compensation. Most construction site injury or death claims are based on the concept of negligence. You may be entitled to compensation if your injury or your loved one’s death involved the following factors:

• The defendant owed you or your loved one a duty of care. This means that the party had a legal duty to maintain a safe premises.
• The defendant failed to uphold the duty.
• You or your loved one suffered injuries because of the breach.
• You or your loved one sustained damages or financial losses due to the injuries.

The liable party for a construction site accident may be a construction company, property owner, property occupier or manager, a contractor, the manufacturer of a defective product, or another party. If your claim is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages from missed work, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of your deceased loved one’s financial support, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Contact an Orland Park Construction Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one were hurt in a construction accident, contact an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney at Schwartz Injury Law. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. Call our office at 708-888-2160 and set up a free consultation today.

Source:

https://courts.illinois.gov/CircuitCourt/CivilJuryInstructions/IL_IPI_Civil.pdf