Illinois Construction Accident Cases
by Michael Helfand
(Illinois)
Given the nature of a construction site, accidents are sadly not uncommon. Construction site accidents range from collapsed scaffolding and ladders to electrocution, faulty flooring or ceilings, falling objects, forklift accidents and defective equipment.
However, there are laws in place regarding the safety of construction sites. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you may have a viable lawsuit and may want to consider a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer who has experience in construction accident cases.
If you were injured on the job, you may be entitled or already receiving workers’ compensation. Still, wherever you are in the process, it can only help you to talk to a lawyer with experience in this type of law.
After carefully listening to what happened to you, your lawyer will be able to advise you on the viability of your case and who may have been negligent.
You may not have thought that the following parties should compensate you for your injury but it could just as easily have been one of their errors or omissions that caused you to be injured:
- Equipment manufacturers
- Architects
- Sub-contractors
- Engineers
If one of the parties above did not adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations or state and/or local regulations and ordinances or other safety precautions, that party may be a potential defendant.
Again, your lawyer should understand the facts of your case and be well versed in the area of construction safety law. Then, your lawyer will be able to determine which party or parties may have been negligent and how.
Keep in mind that it never hurts to get a second opinion – this is the case with doctors as well as free consultations with lawyers. You want to find the right lawyer for you – one who listens to you and understands your case and the law and who will not be afraid to fight for you.
Also, keep in mind that the more organized you are, the better. Maintain photos of your injuries, the work site, your hospital records and the names and contact information of all witnesses.
You may have already incurred significant medical bills and lost wages, not to mention pain and suffering and you may be entitled to compensation for these losses and future losses. If you are concerned about affording an attorney, note that you do not have to pay anything to a personal injury lawyer.
The way it works is that if you do not get a settlement or other award, you do not have to pay your attorney. If you do get a settlement or award, you pay your attorney from that amount. You should not put forth any money for research, expert fees, etc. Your personal injury lawyer will cover all of that as the cost of doing business.
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Michael Helfand has been an Illinois attorney since 1997 and is founder of FindGreatLawyers.com, the leading resource for Illinois lawyer referrals and legal guidance.
