Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Every year, workers lose their lives on job sites due to preventable hazards. When a loved one dies in a construction site accident in Belleville, Illinois, caused by someone else’s negligence, surviving family members may have the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Why Is Construction Work So Dangerous?
Construction sites are full of hazards that can turn deadly in seconds. Workers often operate heavy machinery, handle dangerous materials, and perform tasks at dangerous heights. Despite safety rules set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), many employers cut corners or fail to provide proper training. These failures put workers at serious risk every day.
In Illinois, construction fatalities account for a significant portion of all workplace deaths. Many of these tragedies could have been prevented with proper safety measures.
What Are the Leading Causes of Fatal Construction Accidents?
OSHA identifies four primary hazards responsible for the majority of construction deaths. These are often called the “fatal four” or the “focus four”:
- Falls from Elevation – Workers on roofs, scaffolding, and ladders face the highest risk. Lack of guardrails, unsecured scaffolding, and failure to provide proper fall protection equipment are among the causes of many of these deaths.
- Struck-by Incidents – These occur when workers are hit by falling tools, building materials, or moving vehicles and equipment on the job site.
- Electrocutions – Contact with live power lines, faulty wiring, and ungrounded equipment claim the lives of numerous construction workers each year, particularly electricians and laborers working near electrical systems.
- Caught-in or Caught-Between Accidents – Workers can become trapped in collapsing trenches, crushed between heavy machinery, or pinned by shifting materials.
Together, these four hazards account for nearly 60 percent of all construction-related deaths nationwide.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk on Construction Sites?
Certain workers are more likely to suffer fatal injuries on the job:
- Roofers face an extremely high fatality rate because they work at dangerous heights, often without adequate safety gear.
- Ironworkers and framers also face serious risks while working on incomplete structures with open edges and steel beams.
- Trench and excavation workers are vulnerable to cave-ins when employers fail to follow proper shoring procedures.
Additionally, studies show that Hispanic and Latino workers experience higher fatality rates due to language barriers, lack of proper safety training, and placement in high-risk positions.
What Legal Options Do Families Have After a Fatal Construction Accident?
When a construction worker dies on the job in Illinois, their family may be entitled to compensation through multiple channels. Workers’ compensation death benefits provide coverage for funeral expenses and weekly payments to surviving spouses and dependents.
However, families may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if a third party bears responsibility for the fatal incident. A third party is someone other than the employer who contributed to the death. Examples include:
- A subcontractor whose careless actions created a dangerous condition
- A general contractor who failed to provide the required safety equipment
- An equipment manufacturer that sold a defective product
- A property owner who did not maintain a safe work environment
A wrongful death lawsuit can provide compensation for lost support, loss of companionship, and the emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members.
How Long Do Families Have to Take Legal Action?
Illinois’ statute of limitations sets a two-year deadline for most wrongful death claims. Shorter deadlines could apply. This means families generally have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. Because investigations take time and evidence can disappear, you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, for Help
Losing a loved one in a construction accident is devastating. The law office of Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, understands the pain families face during this difficult time. With over 100 years of combined experience, our firm in Belleville, Illinois, is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and helping families recover the compensation they deserve. Contact our law office today for a free consultation to discuss your case.