In the aftermath of a construction accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. This compensation could come to you through a civil lawsuit or an insurance claim.
Pursuing legal action after a construction accident can be a complex, challenging process. A Hoffman Estates construction accident lawyer with our team could advise you of your options and help you pursue a monetary award for your injuries.
How to Pursue Compensation for a Construction Accident
There are two primary options for pursuing financial compensation following a construction accident. These options include personal injury lawsuits and workers’ compensation claims.
The circumstances surrounding your accident will determine which of these options is available in your case.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
A workers’ compensation claim could be your best option if you suffered an injury while on the job. In fact, the law likely prevents you from filing a lawsuit if your injury resulted from the negligence of your employer or a co-worker. The state workers’ compensation system provides “no-fault” benefits to employers that become or are injured on the job. This system is considered to be no-fault because benefits are possible no matter who was responsible for the accident.
While this might make it seem like benefits are guaranteed in every case, the reality is that insurance companies routinely find excuses to deny workers’ compensation claims. There are strict deadlines that apply to every claim, and the failure to meet them could put your case at risk. Our firm could work with you to ensure you file your claim on time.
Workers’ compensation benefits could cover some of your losses after a construction accident. The benefits could pay for your medical bills and replace some of your lost wages. That said, some types of compensation—including pain and suffering—are not available in these cases.
Third-Party Lawsuits
There are limits on your ability to file a personal injury lawsuit after a construction accident if you were an employee at the site at the time of your injury. The major tradeoff with coverage under workers’ compensation insurance is that you give up your right to sue your employer.
That said, there are situations where a construction accident could lead to a lawsuit. The most common example involves third parties that are independent of the worksite. For example, a worker that is injured in a construction accident caused by a bystander could pursue a lawsuit against that individual.
The benefit of a personal injury lawsuit is that your case could result in compensation that is not available with a workers’ compensation claim. Some examples could include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and emotional distress.
One of Our Lawyers Could Help You Pursue Fair Compensation
There are different ways our team could help you pursue fair compensation following a construction accident. Our attorneys could carefully evaluate your case and assist you through each step of the process. The initial investigation is the first step. We could review police reports, contact witnesses, and compile your medical records in order to determine what your case might be worth.
Once the investigation is complete, we would advise you on your legal options. Whether you have the right to file an injury lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim, our attorneys could assist you with either avenue.
This typically involves negotiating with an insurance company to help you secure fair compensation for your injuries. If a settlement is not an option, we could litigate your lawsuit or appeal a denied workers’ compensation claim.
Common Examples of Construction Accidents
There are numerous types of construction accidents. Some of these accidents might have limited consequences, while others are likely to result in lifelong injuries.
Our firm could help you pursue fair compensation under any circumstances. Some common examples of construction accidents include:
- Falls. Falling from scaffolding or other elevated structures are some of the most common construction site accidents.
- Falling objects. Being struck by a falling object is another common example.
- Caught-between accidents. A caught-between accident involves a person becoming caught between two heavy or fixed structures.
- Electrocution. Electrocution injuries are common given the presence of exposed wiring.
- Vehicle accidents. Collisions with cars, trucks, and other vehicles are possible in a construction accident.
- Fires. From exposed wiring to gas leaks, there are numerous ways a fire could break out in a construction site.
Discuss Your Construction Accident with a Team Member Today
The legal issues surrounding a construction accident can be confusing. In addition to the challenge of determining whether you are entitled to file a lawsuit, you could also have questions about what your case might be worth.
Our firm understands that the aftermath of a construction accident is never easy. If you have questions about your legal rights, we could provide the answers during your initial consultation.
We Offer Free Consultations
The initial consultation with our firm is always free. What’s more, you will never face any obligation to choose us as your legal counsel. Your initial consultation is a valuable opportunity for you to learn about your case as well as the possible outcome you might face.
To make the most of your initial consultation, it can be helpful to prepare the questions you have ahead of time. Writing down these questions could ensure you do not forget them in the moment. In addition to asking about the value of your case, it could be helpful to ask about your prospective attorney’s experience with construction accident litigation.
Call a Lawyer After a Construction Accident in Hoffman Estates
You do not have to let the injuries from a construction accident derail your life. Even if your injuries prevent you from returning to work right away, you could replace those lost wages with the help of our firm. In addition to missed wages, your case could lead to various other types of financial compensation.
The team at The Kryder Law Group, LLC could help you fight for fair compensation through a workers’ compensation claim or injury lawsuit. If you are ready to discuss your options with a Hoffman Estates construction accident lawyer, call right away.
(312) 223-1700