Construction work is dangerous, and on-the-job injuries can lead to severe disabilities and death. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) reports that the construction industry has the highest fatal injury rate compared to all work industries. Injuries in construction accidents can lead to:
- Broken bones
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Brain injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in an Illinois construction accident, you might be entitled to compensation through workers’ compensation, a lawsuit, or both. Illinois has a no-fault workers’ compensation system, which allows injured employees to file a workers’ compensation claim whether or not their employer did something to contribute to the accident. While workers’ comp provides benefits for medical coverage and wage losses, it does not provide benefits for pain and suffering the way that a personal injury lawsuit does.
In most cases, Illinois workers are prohibited from filing a personal injury lawsuit against their employer. However, there are some cases where you can go beyond workers’ comp and file a third-party liability claim. These types of lawsuits may provide more compensation than you might receive through workers’ compensation insurance alone. To win a case, you would have to show that a third party, such as another contractor or developer, was negligent, and this negligence contributed to your accident.
Illinois laws regarding construction accidents are complicated, but a Springfield construction accident lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, LLC, can explain these legal matters and help you fight for the compensation you need.
We offer a free and confidential consultation to discuss the circumstances of your accident and determine the best way to proceed. Reach out to one of our experienced personal injury attorneys today.
Construction Accidents Can Occur in a Multitude of Ways
Certain types of accidents frequently occur in the construction industry. These categories include:
- Slips and falls
- Falls from high places, such as from ladders, scaffolds, windows or roofs
- Vehicle accidents
- Crushed by objects or machinery
- Electric shocks and burns
- Exposure to toxic materials
- Falling debris
How Our Dedicated Legal Professionals Can Help
Having a Springfield construction injury attorney on your side to fight for benefits can help make sure all aspects of your claim are handled correctly and have no mistakes. A lawyer may investigate the circumstances of the construction accident and determine whether you have a case under Illinois workers’ compensation, a personal injury lawsuit, or both. They can then proceed accordingly.
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC, our legal team can help by:
- Investigating your accident to acquire and preserve evidence, such as videos from surveillance cameras
- Interviewing witnesses and gathering testimony from coworkers to back up your claim
- Making sure all paperwork gets filed properly and within the statutory deadline set by 735 ILCS 5/13-202
- Negotiating with insurance companies and their lawyers on your behalf
- Handling any workers’ compensation claim denials and appeals
- Filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, if applicable
- Taking your case to court if necessary
Call a diligent and hardworking construction accident lawyer in Springfield today. You can speak with a team member about your case during a free consultation and learn how one of our lawyers may be able to help you.
You May Receive Disability Benefits From a Workers’ Comp Claim
You may be able to receive several benefits after filing an Illinois workers’ comp claim. These include:
- Medical care related to the injury
- Temporary total or partial disability benefits
- Permanent partial or total disability benefits,
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits to survivors
If your disability is temporary, benefits are paid at 66 2/3 percent of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum. A list of maximum weekly benefits can be found at the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission’s website.
You may receive temporary disability benefits after missing three days of work. If you miss more than 14 days of work, you will receive the first three days of lost wages as well.
People with permanent disabilities may receive benefits to cover their income. These benefits may be paid out at 66 2/3 percent of the difference in their wages before and after the injury or according to a “schedule of injuries.”
If you are disfigured, you may receive up to 162 weeks of benefits at 60 percent of average weekly wages.
All benefits mentioned are tax-free.
You May Receive Damages From a Lawsuit to Help You Recover
In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, in a successful lawsuit, you may receive awards called damages for your economic and noneconomic losses.
Compensation may help you recover:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are monetary losses that can be measured, such as:
- Medical and rehabilitative expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity in the future
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages are more difficult to measure and may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
The amount of your settlement might depend on factors like the extent and permanence of your injuries, whether you will be able to work again, and whether you will need continuing care.
We Can Help Determine Who Is Liable for Your Injuries
In a construction accident, there may be multiple parties who, through some act of negligence, contributed to the accident. Examples include subcontractors, manufacturers or distributors of defective equipment, government agencies, and general contractors. To establish liability, your Springfield job site injury lawyer must prove that the defendants in the case:
- Owed you a duty not to cause harm
- Breached their duty through their actions or inactions
- This breach caused your injuries or illness
- You suffered actual damages as a result
Get Help From a Springfield Construction Accident Attorney
After an Illinois construction accident, let a Springfield construction accident lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, LLC, take the burden off you by handling all legal matters involved with getting compensation. You can concentrate on your recovery while we get to work for you. Call us today for a free case review.
(312) 223-1700 