Orland Park Construction Accident Lawyers
Experienced Attorneys Representing Construction Accident Victims in Orland Park, IL
Construction keeps the roads and highways in safe and working condition, grows and improves cities, and ensures that buildings and homes are in good repair. It also happens to be one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Thousands of workers suffer serious injuries or are killed in construction accidents each year. Other people may also be at risk of harm due to construction accidents. Pedestrians, drivers, and other passersby may also suffer an injury or fatality because of negligence on construction sites. People who suffer injuries in construction accidents will need to understand what steps they can take to recover financial compensation for the damages they have suffered.
At Schwartz Injury Law, we understand how devastating the effects of a construction accident can be. A victim's health and their ability to work may be affected while they are recovering from their injuries, and in some cases, permanent disabilities may affect a person for the rest of their life. Families may experience long-term financial troubles. In short, the lives of victims may be turned upside down, and they will need to determine how they can take steps to address their losses and protect their futures.
Our attorneys can provide the legal help victims need during a stressful and painful recovery. We handle the complex legal details of their claims, giving them the time and energy they need to heal. We fight to ensure that our clients will receive the most compensation possible. We believe victims should never have to face the consequences of a construction accident alone, and we will work to ensure that issues such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering will be addressed correctly.
Construction Site Negligence
The construction industry is rife with risk factors, such as heavy machinery, electrical equipment, hazardous substances, and elevated work locations. Safety regulations have been put in place to help address these risks and reduce the possibility of injuries or fatalities. However, these rules may be violated in an effort to save time and money. Examples of negligence that can lead to construction accidents include:
- Failure to Properly Train Employees: Construction workers should receive the training necessary to perform their jobs correctly, operate machinery safely, and avoid hazards. Employers who fail to provide the proper training may be held liable for accidents that result in injuries.
- Failure to Provide Proper Safety Equipment: Workers should be provided with all the equipment needed to protect their safety, including hard hats, eye protection, and harnesses to prevent falls. A lack of safety measures or a failure to ensure that equipment is functioning correctly can lead to accidents and injuries.
- Failure to Maintain Equipment and Machinery: The heavy machinery, tools, and other types of equipment used on construction sites may break down or malfunction if they are not maintained correctly. Workers or others may be injured by flying parts, electrocutions, or other issues related to unsafe equipment.
- Failure to Follow Lock-Out/Tag-Out Procedures: When performing maintenance on machinery, the proper measures should be taken to ensure that it cannot be activated. If lock-out or tag-out methods are not used correctly, a worker could become entangled in equipment, or others nearby may suffer injuries.
- Overloading Scaffolding or Crane Equipment: When weight limits are exceeded, structural collapses can occur, and people may be injured by falling items.
- Failure to Properly Secure Loads: Trucks or other vehicles that carry equipment or materials to and from construction sites may be unsafe if items are not loaded or secured correctly. Cargo that falls from a truck may injure people or cause car accidents.
- Failure to Test or Check for Hazardous Chemicals and/or Substances: The release of dangerous substances can put multiple people at risk. The inhalation of toxic chemicals can cause respiratory issues, or spills of hazardous substances may lead to chemical burns or other injuries.
- Failure to Warn People About Expected Risks: Signs or other warnings should be provided to make sure both construction workers and the public are aware of safety issues related to a construction site. Without adequate warnings, people may be injured by falling objects, unsafe roads, or other safety concerns.
When foremen, contractors, supervisors, or other personnel fail to take reasonable precautions, they can be held liable for injuries that occur because of their negligence. Unfortunately, determining which parties were negligent, and to what extent, can be a complex process. A thorough investigation will need to be conducted to determine whether safety violations occurred, whether the proper training was provided, or whether different parties acted negligently and put others at risk. Our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and resources needed to identify all negligent parties. We will work to ensure that victims of construction accidents will be fully compensated for the damages they have suffered.
Falls are the most common injuries suffered by workers at construction sites. These injuries can be very severe, especially when a person falls from a great height, and they may include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or internal injuries. Construction workers are also commonly injured after being struck by falling objects or being caught in between pieces of equipment, and burn and electrocution injuries can often occur at construction sites.
If you were injured while working at a construction site, you will usually be eligible to receive workers' compensation, regardless of whether you or your employer were responsible for the injury. Workers' comp will fully cover the costs of any medical treatment you receive for your injury. You may also be eligible for temporary or permanent disability benefits that will cover a certain percentage of the income you have lost or will lose due to your injury.
Can I pursue both a personal injury lawsuit and a workers' compensation claim after a construction accident?
Workers' compensation benefits are meant to cover any injuries that occur during the normal course of work, including when you or your employer may have been at fault for an accident. However, in some situations, you may also be able to pursue a third-party personal injury lawsuit against another person who was responsible for your injury, such as the manufacturer of defective equipment or a subcontractor that did not follow the proper safety procedures. In addition to economic damages, a third-party lawsuit may address pain and suffering or emotional trauma experienced by you and your loved ones.
You should report any injuries to your employer. To be sure that your medical treatment will be covered by workers' compensation, you may need to see an approved medical provider. You may also be able to submit a claim for disability benefits, but in many cases, insurers will deny these claims or refuse to pay the full amount of benefits you are entitled to. An attorney can help submit a claim and make sure you will receive the full benefits you deserve, and they can also determine whether you may be able to pursue a lawsuit against any third parties.
By working with an attorney, you can ensure that you understand the full extent of your injuries and the impact they have had and will have on your life. This will ensure that all of the medical treatment you receive will be fully covered by workers' compensation. Your attorney can also help you make a claim for disability benefits based on how your injury will affect your ability to work in the future, and they can also help identify any third parties who may have been responsible for your injury and work to recover compensation for your damages.
Contact Our Orland Park, Illinois Construction Site Accident Attorneys
When you have been injured in a construction accident, you need a lawyer who can help you address the damages you have suffered and recover compensation that will allow you to avoid ongoing difficulties. Schwartz Injury Law can provide you with dedicated legal help, working to protect your interests and making sure you will be able to recover from your injuries. Contact our Orland Park, IL construction accident lawyers and set up a free consultation by calling 708-888-2160.