On Thursday, July 24, around 4:30 p.m., two construction workers were injured by bricks falling from the Florida Avenue Residence Hall at the University of Illinois in Urbana during ongoing construction work, according to Champaign County officials. The bricks unexpectedly fell from the exterior of the residence hall, striking the suspended work platform on the ninth floor where the two workers were stationed. The strike from the bricks caused the platform to malfunction and trap the workers in place.
The Champaign County Rescue Response
The Urbana Fire Department Engine 254 was initially dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they saw the severity of the event and called in Ladder Truck 261, rope rescue teams, and additional resources.
From the ninth floor, the two injured workers were rescued from the damaged platform. They were placed in a neck brace and on a stretcher, then taken from the scene by ambulance.
Approximately 25 Urbana Fire Department personnel were on the scene, plus five additional firefighters.
This rescue was conducted in close coordination with:
- Carle EMS Command Staff
- Carle EMS Medical Director
- University of Illinois Department of Safety
- U of I’s Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT Team)
- University of Illinois Police
At this time, it remains unclear what caused the bricks to fall from the residence hall, but a full investigation remains underway.
Who is Liable After Your Construction Site Injury?
Construction work involves serious risk daily, whether you’re standing on scaffolding, operating heavy machinery, or simply standing on a jobsite. The construction industry constitutes a significant portion of work-related injuries and fatalities because of these daily risks.
Workers’ Compensation: Your First Line of Protection
When you’re injured on the job in Illinois, you’ll likely apply for resources through a workers’ compensation claim. With this claim, you could recover two types of workers’ compensation benefits:
- Medical benefits (hospital bills, doctor visits, medication, medical treatments, etc.)
- Disability benefits (permanent disability or temporary disability).
When Third-Party or Premises Liability May Apply
In some cases, third parties, such as property owners, equipment manufacturers, or contractors, may be liable. Suppose your injury was a result of hazardous conditions on the property, like unsafe walkways, falling debris, or poorly managed structures. In that case, it may fall under premises liability, making the property owner or another party responsible.
It’s essential to understand your legal rights and options available to you. From workers’ compensation claims to premises liability lawsuits, knowing the legal avenues can make a significant difference in your financial recovery.
The sooner you contact a Champaign personal injury attorney for your workers’ compensation case, the sooner we can get started on your case. At Spiros Law, we are committed to helping those who’ve been seriously injured on the job receive the justice they deserve.
We Take Your Injuries and Recovery Seriously. Call Spiros Law Today!
Illinois construction workers deserve to feel safe when they head to a job site, but serious injuries can still occur. If you’ve been injured at work, you can call on our team of Illinois workers’ compensation attorneys to represent you and help you navigate the complexities of your claim.
Construction site injuries are often severe, causing injured workers to be unable to return to work for weeks, months, or even permanently. After a work injury, choosing the best attorney to represent you is an important decision to make.
You may be suffering from serious injuries, incurring costly medical bills, and might have missed significant time from work. Our team is ready to use their skills and resources to fight for you and to help you get you the justice you deserve, which often comes in the form of compensation to help pay your medical bills and move on with your life.
Our attorneys take the time to get to know you and understand every aspect of your situation while we examine the evidence, take your injuries seriously, and build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
Whether you simply have legal questions or would like to explore your options after a workplace injury, our trusted team of attorneys is here to serve you with offices conveniently located in Champaign, Kankakee, and Danville.
