Workers and passers-by frequently suffer severe injuries in Illinois construction accidents. These injuries can have devastating consequences, from intense pain and physical disabilities to significant income losses and deep emotional distress. Unfortunately, people injured in construction accidents often either wait too long to hire a lawyer or don’t hire one at all. As a result, they have trouble recovering fair compensation for their injuries.
Situations Where You Should Hire A Construction Accident Attorney
Here are some situations when you should hire an Illinois personal injury lawyer after a construction accident:
- You Have Severe Injuries or Long-Term Disabilities – If the accident resulted in serious injuries or disabilities that require ongoing treatment, you might benefit from an attorney’s help. Severe injuries often lead to higher medical costs, lost income, and potential future expenses, making it essential to recover maximum compensation. An attorney can help you document all your losses from the accident and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Unclear Liability – Construction accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, including contractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers. An attorney can investigate the accident and identify the potentially liable parties to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Insurance Company Denial or Low Offer – If the insurance company denies your claim or offers a settlement that doesn’t cover your expenses, an attorney can negotiate on your behalf for a better deal. Construction accident lawyers understand tactics insurers use to minimize payouts and can push for a fair settlement.
- Employer Retaliation Concerns – If you’re worried about retaliation from your employer for filing a workers’ comp claim, an attorney can protect your rights. Your construction accident lawyer can help ensure that your employer treats you fairly and address any pushback from your employer regarding your claim.
- Complex Legal or Regulatory Issues – Construction accident cases often involve detailed regulations and safety standards. A knowledgeable attorney can interpret these laws and identify any violations that could strengthen your case. A construction accident lawyer can also address any legal technicalities that may arise in your case to give you the best chance at a successful claim.
Potential Compensation for Construction Accident Injuries
If you sustained injuries while working at an Illinois construction site, you have two options for recovering compensation. Your first option is to file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer. In Illinois, workers’ comp benefits are not based on fault, meaning you don’t have to show your employer caused your injuries. Your workers’ comp benefits could include:
- Partial wage-replacement benefits, up to certain limits under Illinois law.
- Full coverage of all reasonable, medically necessary treatments for your injuries.
- Disability benefits.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits if your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job.
You may have an additional option for recovering compensation is by filing a personal injury lawsuit. While you usually can’t sue your employer for a work-related injury in Illinois, you could sue other potentially liable parties, such as an equipment manufacturer, the property owner, etc. You must prove that someone was at fault for your injuries to win a personal injury claim, but these claims let you seek compensation for a broad range of losses, including:
- Medical expenses, present and future
- The full amount of your lost income
- Reduced future income due to an injury or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Damaged personal property
Passers-by injured in construction accidents can’t file a workers’ comp claim, but they can file a personal injury claim against any potentially liable parties.
Contact an Illinois Construction Accident Lawyer Now
Attorney Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, has extensive experience with construction sites and construction accident cases and can help you recover fair compensation for your injuries. Call now or reach out online for a free consultation.