Construction Accident Lawyers in Chicago

There are numerous dangers involved in the construction industry, including moving parts in equipment, pits and holes, falling objects, and electrical hazards, to name a few. These hazards make construction one of the most dangerous fields to work in, so safety precautions are of the utmost importance.

At times, these precautions may be neglected, either by employers, employees, contractors, vehicle operators, or some other party. This neglect can lead to serious injury and even death, making it highly important that you have a lawyer on your side. This can ensure you are properly compensated for any injuries you may suffer when working construction. If you have been injured in a construction accident, Hart David Carson is here to represent you.

Common Types of Construction Accidents

A construction accident refers to any mishap or incident that occurs on a construction site resulting in injury, property damage, or even fatalities. These accidents can happen due to various reasons, including human error, equipment failure, inadequate safety measures, or environmental factors. Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments due to the presence of heavy machinery, elevated structures, hazardous materials, and numerous activities taking place simultaneously.

Common types of construction accidents include:

• Falls: Falls from heights, such as scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or elevated work platforms, are among the most common accidents on construction sites.
• Struck by Object: Workers may be struck by falling or flying objects, including tools, equipment, building materials, or debris.
• Caught in/Between: Accidents involving being caught in or between equipment, machinery, or collapsing structures. This may include being caught in moving machinery, trenches, or between materials.
• Electrocution: Construction sites often involve the use of electrical equipment and wiring, increasing the risk of electrocution due to contact with live wires or faulty equipment.
• Machinery Accidents: Accidents involving heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, bulldozers, or excavators can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
• Collapse: Structural collapses of buildings, trenches, scaffolding, or excavation sites can cause injuries or fatalities to workers on the site.
• Fires and Explosions: Construction sites may contain flammable materials, chemicals, or gases, leading to fires or explosions due to ignition sources or mishandling of hazardous materials.
• Overexertion: Strain injuries from lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, or working in awkward positions can occur, leading to musculoskeletal disorders.
• Respiratory Issues: Exposure to dust, asbestos, fumes, or toxic chemicals can lead to respiratory problems or long-term health issues.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Slippery surfaces due to spills, wet weather conditions, or inadequate safety measures can result in slip and fall accidents causing injuries.

Liability for Construction Accidents

Determining liability for a construction accident can be complex and depends on various factors such as the circumstances of the accident, the parties involved, and applicable laws. Generally, multiple parties may be held liable for a construction accident, including:

• Employers: The employer or construction company overseeing the project may be held liable for accidents if they failed to provide a safe working environment, adequate safety training, proper equipment, or violated safety regulations.
• Contractors and Subcontractors: General contractors and subcontractors involved in the construction project may share liability if their negligence or actions contributed to the accident. This could include failure to implement safety measures, inadequate supervision, or using faulty equipment.
• Property Owners: In some cases, property owners may be held liable for construction accidents that occur on their premises, particularly if they were aware of hazardous conditions or failed to address known safety risks.
• Architects and Engineers: Design professionals responsible for the architectural or engineering aspects of the project may be held liable if design flaws or errors contributed to the accident.
• Manufacturers and Suppliers: Manufacturers or suppliers of construction equipment, machinery, or materials may be held liable for accidents caused by defective products or failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions for safe use.
• Government Entities: If the construction project involves government-owned property or is subject to government regulations, government entities responsible for oversight and enforcement of safety standards may be held liable for negligence or failure to enforce regulations.
• Workers: In some cases, individual workers involved in the construction project may be held liable for accidents if their negligence or misconduct directly contributed to the incident.

Adequate Compensation

In many instances, workers’ compensation simply is not enough. It is primarily designed to ensure employers compensate employees for lost earning ability and injuries suffered on the job. However, since many construction-related injuries involve a third party (such as a vehicle or equipment operator, the property owner, equipment manufacturers, or contractor), worker’s compensation will often be insufficient.

In a personal injury lawsuit, you have the option to get more than the bare-bones minimum provided through most workers’ comp claims. You will not only be able to get compensation for medical bills and lost hours, but also punitive damages, pain and suffering, and emotional anguish. Pursuing these claims requires the assistance of a skilled construction accident lawyer in Chicago. Our attorneys assess your case and determine just how much compensation you can receive, then fight on your behalf to obtain it.

Personal Injury Lawsuit Assistance

Hart David Carson will assess your claim to determine its viability. After weighing its strengths and weaknesses, we are able to develop a detailed plan to help you secure the compensation you deserve. 

Our attorneys can help you get compensation beyond the basic workers’ compensation benefits, including:

• Higher compensation for medical care
• Physical therapy costs
• Pain and suffering
• Lost earning ability
• Lost wages
• Disability benefits
• Loss of consortium
• Punitive damages

If you have been injured in a construction accident, seek legal assistance immediately. It is crucial to act quickly since construction sites and working situations shift frequently, meaning the people responsible for your injury and the evidence needed to prove your case may quickly disappear. 

For a free consultation with our attorneys, contact Hart David Carson today.