Construction work is dangerous. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private construction workers account for about one in five workplace deaths. They often work in inclement weather, at dangerous heights, and with powerful machinery. Still, construction workers have the right to a safe workplace free from hazards. If they are injured on the job, they may have legal options for recovering financial compensation.
If you were injured on the job, the experienced Geneva construction accident attorneys from Feagans Law Group P.C. are here to protect your rights. Call us today to take advantage of a free consultation.
How Our Construction Accident Attorneys Build a Claim for Compensation
Construction accidents often result in serious injuries that require the full attention and resources of accident victims. Our compassionate attorneys handle your legal claims so you can focus on your recovery.
Our husband-and-wife team treats you like family and immediately gets to work on your case by:
- Investigating the case and identifying all liable parties
- Gathering strong evidence to build a successful case
- Interviewing witnesses, preserving critical evidence, and retrieving medical records to show how the accident happened and the full extent of your injuries
- Working together with construction industry experts and engineers to investigate the hazards of your work environment
- Collaborating with healthcare professionals, vocational specialists, and life care planners to assess the long-term damage your injuries have on your life
- Negotiating aggressively for maximum compensation
At Feagans Law Group P.C., our Geneva construction accident lawyers understand how life-altering an on-the-job injury can be. We know you need compensation for your medical bills and to make up lost income for the time you’re away from the job. Our law firm has a greater than 99% success rate. We know how to prepare Geneva personal injury claims for maximum compensation and aren’t afraid to fight for the money you are due. We are ready to listen to your story, understand your objectives, and fight for your fair treatment. Contact us today so we can begin building a customized legal strategy for your case.
Common Accidents on Construction Sites
Construction accidents can take many forms, but the most common include:
Falls
Falls are a leading cause of construction worker fatalities and injuries. Falls from heights can result in severe injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injuries, including injuries that cause paralysis
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries when workers fall on their heads
- Broken bones and soft tissue injuries
Geneva’s harsh weather conditions, including ice, heavy winds, and thunderstorms increase the risk of slips and falls on the job site. Workers may fall from roofs, ladders, or scaffolds. Openings in floors and roofs pose additional hazards. Workers could also fall into unmarked trenches. In some cases, hazardous work zones can lead to preventable incidents. Our experienced slip and fall attorneys in Geneva can assist in such instances.
Due to the inherent dangers of construction sites, OSHA has several workplace regulations that construction companies must adhere to. The federal agency requires guardrails and personal fall protection devices, but many employers choose to violate these rules.
Struck-By Incidents
A struck-by incident occurs when a worker is hit by an object. Common examples include being struck by:
- Cranes
- Falling tools
- Tool blades
- Pipes
- Rocks
- Building materials
These accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and amputations.
Electrocutions
Electrocutions occur when a worker is exposed to live electrical wires. These injuries can cause damage to the heart, brain, and nerves. They can also cause disfiguring burns.
Caught-In/Between Incidents
A caught-in or inbetween accident occurs when a worker is caught in or pinned by machinery, building materials, or collapsing structures.
Transportation Accidents
Transportation accidents are a common cause of workplace injuries, but they are especially common at construction sites where additional vehicles may be used to complete work and transport materials.
Can I Sue My Employer After a Construction Accident?
If you were injured at a construction job, you might wonder whether you have the legal right to sue your employer. In most cases, the answer is “no” because most workplace accidents are covered under workers’ compensation insurance, and personal injury lawsuits are generally precluded under this system. This is a no-fault insurance system that provides certain benefits regardless of fault. You may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim against your employer. Additionally, you could have a third-party claim against other companies or individuals responsible for your injuries.
While you typically cannot sue your employer, there are some instances where exceptions are made and you can sue your employer. These instances may include:
- Your employer failed to carry workers’ compensation insurance
- You were an illegally employed minor
- A supervisor or representative of your employer intentionally injured you
- You are a contractor as defined under state law
Who Can Be Held Liable in Third-Party Claims?
Parties who may be liable for construction accidents could include:
- General contractors who failed to provide a safe work environment
- Subcontractors who negligently performed their work
- Property owners who failed to maintain safe premises
- Negligent motorists that hit a construction worker while they are working on site
- Tool and equipment manufacturers of defective products
Our construction accident lawyers can investigate your situation, examine the details of your case, and recommend a specific course of legal action.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Construction Accident?
Workers’ compensation benefits may pay for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses and provide two-thirds of your average weekly wage. Through a third-party claim, you can seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, which may include:
- Medical expenses, including anticipated future medical expenses
- The full value of your lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity damages
- Pain and suffering and other non-economic damages
- Loss of bodily functions
- Loss of enjoyment of life
What Is the Deadline to File a Construction Accident Case in Illinois?
To preserve your right to recover workers’ compensation, you must report your accident within 45 days. You have three years from your injury date to file a workers’ compensation claim. For third-party claims, you have two years from the injury date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact Our Experienced Construction Accident Lawyers Today for Legal Representation
Maximize your chances to recover compensation by contacting an experienced Geneva construction accident lawyer. Our skilled lawyers can protect your rights every step of the way. Contact us today for a free case review.