To the 10 million construction workers across the United States, it’s no secret that construction sites are dangerous. These workplaces are so dangerous that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that one in ten construction workers are injured every year while on the job. When you are working with powerful tools and heavy machinery in stressful conditions and tall heights, the smallest mistake can result in devastating consequences. The Illinois construction accident attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. want injured victims to know that we are standing by and ready to help them recover financial compensation.
In some cases, the pressure to finish a project on time and within budget can cause workers or managers to cut corners or operate outside proper safety procedures and precautions. This impulse can be even more tempting when a project is behind schedule. Construction sites are inherently dangerous, but they can turn deadly when workers sacrifice safety for results and speed. 20 percent of all workplace fatalities in the country are construction workers, a staggering statistic that solidifies construction jobs as the most dangerous in the nation.
For injured workers or surviving family members, the only chance at avoiding financial ruin following a construction accident is by recovering compensation. If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, the Illinois construction accident lawyers are here to help you deal with the insurance company, file a claim, and increase your chances of recovering the financial compensation you deserve. We’ve represented construction workers and construction site visitors who have suffered an injury due to an individual or a company’s negligent actions.
At Spiros Law, P.C., our Illinois construction accident attorneys understand that when you’re injured on the job, you need compensation for medical bills and lost wages for the time you’re away recovering from your injuries. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal options moving forward by calling us at (815) 929-9292.
Why Choose Spiros Law, P.C.?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you is a big decision, and in some instances, can make all the difference in the outcome of your case and whether you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve. At Spiros Law, P.C., we’ve recovered millions of dollars in damages on behalf of injured workers and surviving family members of workers who have been killed on the job. Many construction workers wrongly assume that their workers’ compensation benefits will cover all damages following an accident, but, unfortunately, that is not the reality. You need an attorney experienced in these types of cases and who won’t accept the first offer because it’s the easy way out. You want an attorney who won’t stop fighting till you get every dollar you deserve.
The Illinois construction accident lawyers at Spiros Law, P.C. are those attorneys, and we are ready to listen to your story and get started on your case right away. We will thoroughly examine every detail of your case and utilize everyone at the law firm, from partners to paralegals, to devise a path forward.
Above all, when we feel we aren’t getting a good deal through negotiations, we have the determination, confidence, and necessary litigation experience to take your case to court and come out on the other side victorious.
Common Construction Site Accidents
According to OSHA, a worker between the ages of 25 and 34 has the highest chance of being injured in a construction site accident. Unlike other accidents that result in minor cuts or bruises, construction accidents almost always end in serious injuries to the back, spine, and mid-section, putting workers at risk of paralysis and even death.
Some of the most common types of construction accident cases we see include the following:
- Equipment injuries – When workers carelessly operate heavy machinery, like tractors and cranes, or there is a manufacturing defect, it can result in an accident
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents – These accidents are often caused by slick surfaces caused by bad weather, or spilled materials, or debris and equipment.
- Fall from heights – The most common construction injury that can result in spinal cord and back injuries that may keep you from returning to work for months.
- Ladder and scaffolding accidents – Construction projects require workers to be up off the ground. When ladders or scaffolding collapses or fails due to a defect or other form of negligence, it can result in debilitating injuries.
- Struck by falling objects – Roofing materials, tools, and other equipment can sometimes fall from high places and hit unsuspecting workers or visitors below.
- Caught in/under/between – A body part gets crushed or stuck between equipment, machinery, or building materials.
- Electrocution – Downed power lines or live electrical wires that workers aren’t aware of can result in electrocution injuries, including death.
- Explosion – In some cases when hazardous materials aren’t handled properly it can cause tragic explosions.
- Musculoskeletal injuries – Includes injuries to the bones and joints of the appendages due to overexertion, kneeling, lifting, or repetitive motion injuries.
Many of the above accidents can cause devastating injuries, so it is crucial to hire an experienced construction accident lawyer to discuss your rights and legal options right away.
The Construction “Fatal Four”
As arguably the most dangerous job across Illinois and the nation, over 20 percent of the almost 5,000 private industry worker fatalities in 2017 were in construction. Along with these fatalities, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 150,00 construction site accidents annually with injuries that range in severity.
Outside of highway collisions, the leading cause of private-sector work deaths for construction workers were falls. Along with falls, there are four types of accidents that are responsible for more than half (59.9 percent) of construction worker deaths in 2017. Known as the “Fatal Four”, they include:
- Falls often result in neck, back, spinal cord, and traumatic brain injuries. In 2017, 381 out of 971 total deaths (39.2%) were caused by falls.
- Struck by an object – Accounts for 8.2 percent of deaths
- Electrocutions – 7.3 percent
- Caught-in/between – 5.1% of deaths include all accidents where workers are crushed by equipment or an object or are crushed by a collapsing structure
OSHA estimates that eliminating these four types of accidents would save almost 600 American lives every year. These types of accidents are incredibly dangerous and often result in the loss of a loved one. If you have lost someone in a construction accident, contact an Illinois construction accident attorney today about filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
While you may think your employer has your best interest in mind, the reality is that construction workers aren’t always protected or given the best advice when dealing with an accident that results in serious injuries. To prevent you from taking legal action, many people will say to handle your case strictly through a workers’ compensation claim. In reality, if you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent third-party or because of unsafe work conditions, you can legally file a personal injury lawsuit to seek damages.
Depending on your case, you can take legal action against the following parties:
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Equipment and vehicle manufacturers
- Utility companies
- Property owners
The Illinois construction accident lawyers will examine every detail of your case and consult with experts to get a complete picture of your accident, who was at fault, and how best to handle your injury claim.
Contact Spiros Law, P.C. Today
In many cases, workers’ compensation isn’t enough to cover all of the damages you’ve incurred as a result of your accident. While you may receive benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation policy, you could also be eligible to file a third-party injury claim if a contractor, equipment manufacturer, property owner, or other entity caused your injuries.
To give yourself the best chance at receiving compensation for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation, you need an experienced and skilled legal representative by your side through this trying time.
Our team is here for you and ready to fight every step of the way on your behalf. This is a time for healing and a time for being with your loved ones, not worrying about how you’re going to stay financially afloat or keep the lights on. The Illinois construction attorneys will do everything possible to hold the negligent party responsible. Contact Spiros Law, P.C. today by calling (815) 929-9292 or fill out an online form and schedule a free consultation.
