Construction sites often pose serious dangers to the people who work there. News reports surface almost every day describing workers injured on job sites across the Chicago area. But who is actually responsible when someone gets hurt on a construction site?
Construction accident liability cases can be complex. Many of the parties responsible for putting safety measures in place fail to follow through, and they rarely admit fault once a worker has been injured.
That’s why working with an experienced construction accident lawyer can improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one is injured while working on a construction site, the first step should be to determine who is legally responsible for the accident.
Even if you are covered by workers’ compensation, you may still be entitled to additional compensation—especially if a third party contributed to your injuries. A Chicago workers’ comp attorney can help evaluate your case and determine which damages you may qualify for.
Common Construction Accidents
Slips and Trips
Construction sites are often busy, with tools, equipment, and materials scattered across the work area. Consequently, slips and trips are among the most common injuries, caused by obstacles and loose materials underfoot. Oil and grease spills, in particular, present a significant hazard for people moving through the site.
Falling from Height
Since most construction work involves lofty heights, injuries from falling are common and can be serious. Although a worker may fall for a number of reasons, a lack of proper guardrails is one of the most frequent causes.
Being Hit by Objects
Falling objects such as materials, tools, or debris also pose a great danger to people working on construction sites.
It is important for site managers to put safety measures in place—such as protective netting and properly secured equipment—to help reduce the risk of falling-object injuries.
Factors Used in Determining Construction Accident Liability
There are several factors usually considered when determining construction accident liability. With the help of a qualified Chicago work injury lawyer, you can better understand how these factors apply to your situation.
Below are some of the factors:
- Where the accident happened. Since construction workers perform duties in many different areas of a site, it’s important to pinpoint exactly where the accident took place.
- The conditions of the construction site where the accident occurred. All construction sites are required to follow guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). If it is determined that these guidelines were not followed, the site owner may be held responsible.
- The type of equipment involved.
- Whether the equipment used was properly maintained and operated in the manner intended.
- The person who was in charge of the site.
- Who your employer is. It’s also important to determine whether your employer was responsible for the injuries or whether a third party was involved.
Most Common Liability Parties
When an accident happens on a construction site, certain parties tend to carry the most responsibility. A work injury lawyer in Chicago can help determine who should be held accountable for the damages.
The following are among the most common parties assigned liability:
- Engineers
- Owners of construction sites
- Contractors and sub-contractors
- Architects
- Equipment manufacturers
Compensation You May Be Able to Recover
Depending on the circumstances of your case, a construction accident lawyer may help you pursue compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a third party outside your employer contributed to the accident, additional damages may also be available. An attorney can review the facts of your case to help identify which types of compensation may apply.
How Personal Injury Attorneys in Chicago Can Help
Getting compensation for construction injury lawsuits is not easy. This is because of the complexity involved in determining the person or party responsible for the accident.
You will want a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney in Cook County to help evaluate your options and guide you through the process.
Trapp & Geller has been helping construction workers for many years. Our personal injury lawyers have worked with numerous victims of construction accidents throughout the Chicago area. If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site, contact us to discuss your situation.