CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT LAWYERS IN CHARLESTON
We Can Handle Complex Claims For Injured Construction Workers Throughout Central Illinois
Among construction workers, making it through a 45-year career without suffering a disabling injury would put you in the minority. Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in America. It’s understandable that, while using heavy machinery and manipulating raw materials, some mistakes may be made. However, most construction workplace accidents are completely preventable.
At Spiros Law, P.C., we represent injured construction workers in Central Illinois through the process of filing workers’ compensation claims—and, if appropriate, third-party lawsuits. The injuries that happen on construction sites tend to be serious, meaning workers may be unable to return to their jobs for weeks or even months. It also means high medical bills, which few Americans can afford to pay. Securing the maximum possible compensation matters—and our attorneys are prepared to fight for you.
Call Spiros Law, P.C. at (217) 516-3451 to schedule a free consultation with our construction accident lawyers in Charleston, IL. We combine strength and compassion to help our clients achieve the results they need.
Can I File A Workers’ Comp Claim After A Construction Accident?
Most employees in Illinois and Missouri are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This policy covers any accident that happens at your workplace and even those that happen on the job, but offsite. You do not need to prove someone else was at fault for the accident to win your claim. Proof the accident happened is enough for a workers’ compensation claim.
Protecting Your Right to Compensation
So, why is it so difficult to make these claims? Both your employer and the workers’ compensation company would probably prefer you not exercise your right to a settlement. After all, the company you work for may see its premiums increase if you make a claim, and whatever compensation you recover will come directly out of the insurance company’s profits.
Because insurers cannot contest liability to get out of having to pay a claim, they may instead seek to deny certain damages. Especially if you do not follow the rules of a workers’ compensation claim, you may not be able to get the help you need. Our Coles County construction accident attorneys can partner with you to make sure all the procedural elements of a claim are completed on time and without issue. We can also help gather and submit evidence and take the lead in negotiations to secure your settlement.
When To File A Third-Party Lawsuit For A Construction Accident
Workers’ compensation applies to any job-related accident—but depending on the circumstances, you may also be able to file a lawsuit against a negligent third party. When the cause of an injury is due to the fault of someone who is not your employer (or one of your colleagues), this may be an option for you. Filing a personal injury claim against a negligent third party matters because workers’ compensation claims sometimes do not offer full relief for your damages. Though they cover medical bills, you can only recover a percentage of lost wages, and even that number is capped. With a personal injury claim, you can recover the full value of your lost wages and other benefits as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Filing a lawsuit does come with extra steps: First, you must be able to determine who was at fault. Then, you have to have evidence of their liability. Our construction accident attorneys in Central Illinois can launch an investigation of your accident to spot any negligence by third parties that may have contributed to your injuries.
Possible targets of a third-party claim could be:
- Other subcontractors on a construction site
- A delivery driver
- The manufacturer of faulty machinery or safety gear
- A non-worker who injured workers by, for instance, causing a traffic crash
If you believe someone outside of your company might be implicated in your accident and injury, it’s worth it to reach out to an attorney for help. The additional compensation available can make a big difference when you are injured and unable to work.
Filing A Claim After A Catastrophic Construction Injury
Unfortunately, because construction accidents tend to involve heavy machinery, heights, strong electrical currents, and/or bulky materials, they often result in life-changing injuries. This may include:
- Bone crush injuries
- Burn injuries
- Complex fractures
- Hearing loss
- Loss of limb or digit
- Vision loss
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
After suffering this type of harm, an employee may not ever be able to return to their previous job—or, indeed, the workplace as a whole. These injuries can also result in a need for lifelong care and an increased risk of complications or other medical conditions.
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, do not wait to get an attorney on your side. The costs of such severe injuries extend far beyond your current medical bills. We can help you calculate the damages you may face in the future and fight to prevent the insurance company from denying you the help you rightfully deserve.
We Put Our Clients First — From Coles County
Spiros Law, P.C. is a community firm with a strong focus on providing top-tier service to our clients. Our team goes the extra mile to keep clients well-informed and help them understand their rights and options. We are also active listeners who get to know your wants and needs before we start strategizing on your case.
We are also a team of formidable litigators who are respected throughout the legal community. Other firms routinely refer clients to us because we have a reputation for being able to handle complex claims. We take each case seriously, putting in the time and effort to help clients achieve the best results possible. Maximizing your compensation matters to us more than getting a case “resolved” quickly if we believe that resolution will not serve your needs.
Whether you have a workers’ compensation claim or think you may be eligible to file a third-party lawsuit as well, our team is happy to listen to your story and explain your legal rights and options.
