Construction sites are inherently dangerous. In 2012, there were nearly 12 deaths every day, and contractors account for 16% of all fatal work-related injuries. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), four accidents in particular resulted in most construction worker deaths: falls, being struck by an object, electrocutions and getting caught in or between equipment.
For every person killed in a construction accident, hundreds more are injured — sometimes forcing them out of work with permanent disabilities. General contractors and subcontractors on construction sites are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment. If subcontractors, construction workers, or general contractors do not live up to the standard of care required under the law, they may be liable in a lawsuit for injuries or deaths that occur as a result of negligence.
Construction Accident Cases are Complex
When you get injured on the job, you’re left not only with immediate medical expenses like pain medications and physical therapy sessions, but also future medical procedures. You’re also left out of work, forcing you to lose wages while you recover. Do not underestimate the complexity of this area of personal injury law. Construction contracts in claims for compensation — as well as common law negligence and statutory law — play a major role in these cases, and you need an experienced injury attorney from the beginning. The legal procedures related to a construction accident are typically very complex and long, and trying to navigate this process on your own will leave you vulnerable to making mistakes that will prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
If you were injured on the job as a construction worker, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act entitles you to workers’ comp benefits — such as medical bills, disability benefits, and some other benefits — regardless of who was at fault. Workers’ comp benefits are paid by your employer’s insurance company, but you are responsible for filing the claim. Unfortunately, even though most employers carry insurance, sometimes either the employer or the insurance company will stall payments on valid claims, deny a valid claim, or pay less than the full claim amount.
There are many reasons a claim may be denied, and navigating this complex process is very difficult on your own. It’s easy to make a misstep and miss the chance to claim compensation you need to cover your damages. While workers’ compensation is designed to help employees hurt on the job, it usually does not fully compensate injured employees for all of the damages sustained through a work-related construction accident.
Claims Against General Contractors
In exchange for benefits from workers’ compensation, employers are usually exempt from personal injury lawsuits filed by injured employees. Still, you may have a third-party cause of action against a general contractor, subcontractor, or even an equipment manufacturer, depending on how the accident occurred. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a worksite accident, you need a Chicago construction injury attorney to protect your rights.
Mike Agruss Law, handles numerous types of construction accidents, including third-party injury claims and workers’ compensation claims. Construction site injuries can be very severe and life-changing. We understand that after such a trauma your goals are paying your medical costs, avoiding financial suffering through lost wages and making sure the insurance company pays for any future treatments you may need.
Mike Agruss Law, is dedicated to protecting workers who have been injured on a construction site. If you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, contact us today. We will help you with a range of potential legal claims, such as workers’ compensation or personal injury, to help you recover the maximum compensation for your claim.
Mike Agruss Law, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, Mike Agruss Law, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us–just the opportunity to seek justice.
