Construction sites have a higher rate of injury and fatal accidents than most other workplaces. Construction site accidents can involve construction workers, contractors, laborers, vendors, inspectors, and visitors. Worksite accidents are often caused by negligence or violating safety regulations. When someone suffers a construction accident injury, the victim may be able to file a personal injury claim for damages.
If you were injured in a Chicago area construction accident, contact the Cullotta Bravo Law Group today for help to recover money for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Construction Accidents in Illinois
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more than 20% of workplace fatalities in private industry were in construction. More than half of these construction site accidents are caused by the “fatal four”:
• Falls
• Struck by Object
• Electrocutions
• Caught-between
Fall Accidents and Injuries
Falls are responsible for about 39% of fatal construction accidents. This can include falls from scaffolding, ladders, or falling off of a roof. While fall protection can reduce the number of accidents caused by falling in construction, fall protection protocols are not always followed. Fall accidents can also lead to head and back injuries, impaling injuries, and broken bones.
Struck by Object
Being struck by an object was the cause of more than 8% of construction site deaths in 2017. This may include falling heavy objects, getting hit by a construction vehicle, or other heavy equipment hitting a person. These accidents can cause head injuries, internal bleeding, and broken bones.
Electrocutions
Electrocutions are also responsible for a number of fatal construction accidents across the country. This can be caused by failing to shut off power, failing to follow safety protocols, and having untrained people working on electrical projects. When electrical injuries are not fatal, they can still cause nerve damage or burn injuries.
Caught Between
Injuries can also be caused by getting trapped between objects or compressed by heavy equipment or rocks, collapsing structures, or vehicles crushing an individual against a surface. These crushing injuries can cause internal trauma, broken bones, crushing injuries, and spinal damage.
Construction Accident Injuries in Illinois
Construction accidents can be fatal but even minor accidents can lead to serious or permanent injury. Common construction accident injuries can include:
• Puncture wounds
• Crushing injuries
• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Chemical burns
• Inhalation injury
• Cuts or lacerations
• Head injury
• Neck injury
• Burns
• Eye injury
• Hearing damage
• Internal bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Back injury
Some of the most dangerous construction accidents involve damage to the neck, head, or back. With these injuries, the victim may feel fine and even finish out the day before driving home. However, hours or even days later, the injury victim may feel severe pain, range of motion problems, headaches or dizziness, or numbness.
Claim for Damages After an Illinois Construction Accident
In a personal injury claim, the injury victim seeks damages related to the accident. These can involve financial costs of the injury and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. Damages available after a construction accident in Illinois can include:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Medical expenses
• Surgical treatment
• Medication
• Loss of income
• Loss of future earnings
• Damages for loss of a limb
• Damages for disfigurement
• Loss of support
• Pain and suffering
When a loved one is killed in a fatal construction accident, the surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Generally, a wrongful death claim allows for a surviving spouse and/or children to recover damages caused by the loss of a loved one. If there are no children or surviving spouse, other relatives may be able to file the claim. Damages in a wrongful death claim may include:
• Loss of financial support the family would have received
• Funeral expenses
• Burial costs
• Medical treatment prior to death
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim or Workers’ Comp After a Construction Accident in Illinois?
Some construction accidents may be covered by workers’ comp. Workers’ compensation in Illinois generally provides wage replacement and medical care for injuries that happen on the job. However, workers’ comp may also limit a workers’ ability to file a lawsuit for negligence.
Many construction accident claims may still be eligible for a personal injury claim. This includes negligence by a third party, injuries to non-employees, or injuries to bystanders. If you are unsure whether your case falls under workers’ comp or you can file a personal injury claim, talk to your Aurora and Chicago personal injury attorney about your case.
Aurora and Chicago Construction Accident Injury Lawyer
If you were injured in a construction accident in Aurora, Chicago, or DuPage County, you need an experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer. Contact the Cullotta Bravo Law Group today at 630-898-7800 to schedule your free consultation.
