At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, our dedicated team of Burbank personal injury lawyers is well respected for representing victims of construction accidents throughout Illinois. We understand the devastating impact of catastrophic injuries on your life and livelihood.
Leveraging our decades of experience and thorough understanding of Illinois personal injury law, we work tirelessly for your rights, to ensure fair compensation due to someone else’s negligence, unsafe work conditions, or any other factors contributing to your accident.
Common Types of Construction Accidents in Burbank, IL
Construction sites pose many hazards, leading to a variety of accidents, the most common of which are:
- Falls from Height: According to OSHA, fall accidents are the most common accidents, often due to inadequate fall protection. This can involve falling from ladders, roofs, scaffolding, or any elevated work area.
- Struck by Objects: Workers can be injured by falling, swinging, or misplaced objects, a leading cause of death for workers according to Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Electrocutions: The CDC reports these can occur from exposed wiring, power lines, or faulty equipment.
- Caught-In/Between: Injuries happen when a worker gets caught, crushed, or compressed between two or more objects or parts of an object, according to OSHA.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Construction Accidents?
In the aftermath of a construction accident, you and your Burbank personal injury attorney may hold multiple parties liable:
- Construction Site Owners: They can be held liable if the accident occurred due to hazards present in the area they control.
- Architects and Engineers: If the accident was a result of a design flaw or oversight, these professionals could be held accountable.
- Construction Contractors: Both general and subcontractors have a duty to ensure the safety of their employees. Negligence in this area could result in liability.
- Manufacturers of Construction Equipment: If a faulty piece of equipment resulted in the accident, the manufacturer could be sued for product liability.
Four Most Common Types of Injuries from Worksite Accidents
Construction accidents often result in serious injuries that may require long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation. The most common types of injuries suffered from worksite accidents include:
Broken Bones:
Fractures and breaks are common in construction accidents due to falls or being struck by heavy objects. These injuries can be severe and require a significant amount of time for recovery.
Spinal Cord Injuries:
SCI’s are debilitating injuries often result from falls, especially from heights. They can lead to permanent disabilities like paralysis.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI’s: This can be caused by a fall, being struck by an object, or a heavy blow to the head. TBIs can be life-altering, leading to cognitive deficits and emotional changes.
Burn Injuries: These occur due to exposure to fires, chemicals, or electrical sources. Severe burns may require extensive medical treatment and can cause significant disfigurement.
What to Do After a Serious Injury on a Construction Site in Burbank, IL
If you find yourself injured in a construction accident in Burbank, IL, it’s important to take the following steps:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the utmost priority. Even if you feel fine, get checked over by a healthcare professional as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the Incident: Ensure the accident is reported to your supervisor or appropriate authority at the site as soon as possible. This is crucial for your workers’ compensation claim.
- Document Everything: Record all the details of the accident, including the date, time, location, and people involved. Save any associated medical reports and expenses.
- Preserve Evidence: If possible, take photographs or videos of the accident scene and your injuries. These can be valuable pieces of evidence. Source: American Bar Association.
- Engage a Burbank Personal Injury Lawyer: Contact a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in construction accidents. They can guide you through complex legal issues to recover compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Construction Injury Claim?
Yes.
Engaging a Burbank personal injury lawyer is crucial for filing a construction injury claim. These legal professionals have a deep understanding of workers’ compensation and personal injury law. They can help you navigate the complicated process to gather evidence, build a case, and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.
Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side strengthens your claim in and out of court, and allows you to focus on recovery, knowing your case is handled with competence and care.
What is the Difference Between a Third-Party Lawsuit and Workers’ Comp?
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides medical expenses and wage replacement to workers injured on the job. According to Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, it’s a no-fault system, meaning you can receive benefits regardless of who caused the accident.
On the other hand, a third-party lawsuit is a legal action you can take if someone other than your employer is responsible for your injuries. This could be a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or site owner. Unlike workers’ compensation, fault is a significant factor in these cases, and your Burbank personal injury lawyer would need to prove that someone else’s negligence led to your accident.
Types of Compensation for a Construction Accident Victim
The compensation received from an insurance company for a construction accident claim can typically be categorized into two types, Economic and Non-Economic damages.
Economic Damages
These are quantifiable costs related to the accident, like medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages due to time away from work.
Non-Economic Damages
These are intangible losses that don’t have a direct monetary value, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
What Is My Case Worth?
Determining the value of a construction of personal injury claim case depends on a variety of factors:
Severity of Injuries: The more severe your injuries, the higher your potential settlement. This is due to increased medical costs and potential long-term impairment or disability.
Medical Expenses: This includes both past and future medical costs related to your injuries. These expenses could be for surgery, physical therapy, medication, and any other treatment necessary for your recovery.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your injury caused you to miss work or diminished your ability to earn in the future, these lost wages would be taken into account.
Pain and Suffering: This considers the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of the injury. These damages are more subjective and can vary significantly from case to case.
Liability: The clearer it is that the other party was at fault, the better your chances of a higher settlement. If there is disputed liability or if you were partially at fault, it could reduce your potential compensation.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Illinois?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the accident date with some exceptions. This means you have two years from the injury date to sue those responsible for your injuries.
Contact a Burbank Personal Injury Lawyer Today
The personal injury law firm of The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, offers a free consultation for construction accident victims in Burbank, IL, to evaluate the case and answer perspective clients’ questions. Working on a contingency basis, each personal injury attorney in our law offices does not charge legal fees until they have won your personal injury case.
Call for a Free Consultation
Don’t leave your rights unprotected. Take action now and contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers.
(312) 223-1700