What Are the Consequences of a Construction Site Accident?

 Posted on June 16, 2024 in Wrongful Death

Construction sites are hazardous places to work, and even with all safety requirements being followed, accidents can still happen. When people around a construction site act negligently or recklessly, accidents are even more likely to occur.

The consequences of a construction site accident tend to be life-changing for those involved, as these accidents often involve heavy machinery, falls, and exposure to chemicals or explosions. It is important to speak with a skilled Illinois construction site accident lawyer if you have been injured on the job.

Construction Site Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries

Construction site accidents are often severe because of the fact that construction sites typically have heavy machinery and dangerous work areas. The most common construction site accidents include ladder and scaffolding accidents, falls, electrical or fire accidents, explosion accidents, or heavy machinery accidents. Oftentimes, a lack of safety standards or negligence by an employer contributes to a construction site incident.

The catastrophic injuries that a victim might suffer in a construction site accident include:

• Neck and spinal cord injuries, including paralysis

• Severe burns

• Scarring and disfigurement

• Traumatic head injuries

• Back injuries

• Nerve damage

These injuries affect how a person can live his or her life. Sometimes these injuries prevent victims from working in the future and result in permanent pain or disabilities. In severe cases, these catastrophic injuries may lead to wrongful death for the victim.

Can I Receive Compensation After a Construction Site Accident?

In Illinois, workers’ compensation laws cover injuries that are sustained on the job. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system and it also protects employers from lawsuits. This means that, in many cases, you cannot directly sue your employer after a construction site accident except for the most egregious cases of negligence. Instead, you will need to pursue your claim through the state’s workers’ compensation program.

However, if a third party acted negligently or recklessly in a way that caused your accident and injuries, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the third party for compensation. Third parties on construction sites can include contractors, equipment rental companies, and even trespassers. These cases are complex, which is why obtaining a lawyer as soon as possible is vital to your case’s success.

Contact a Rockford, IL Construction Site Accident Lawyer

Construction site accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries that greatly affect victims. A knowledgeable Winnebago County, IL construction site accident attorney is key to pursuing compensation against a reckless employer or other negligent party that contributed to your injuries.

At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of construction site accidents, and we understand how serious these accidents can be. We will advocate for your rights to compensation after being injured on a construction site.

Call 815-215-7561 for a free consultation.