Key Takeaways
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Construction site accidents in Chicago can cause devastating injuries or fatalities, and pursuing full compensation often requires the expertise of an experienced construction accident attorney.
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Victims of construction accidents may be entitled to both workers’ compensation and additional damages from negligent third parties like contractors or equipment manufacturers.
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Power Rogers has a proven track record of securing significant settlements and verdicts for construction accident victims, helping clients recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Workplace accidents can happen in just about every occupation, but among the most devastating are construction site accidents. These types of accidents can result in lifelong disabilities, paralysis, or even coma or death.
If you or a loved one was hurt or killed in a construction accident, it’s important to speak with an attorney. Our team of Chicago construction accident attorneys at Power Rogers knows the nuances of these cases and can help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation.
Do I Need a Chicago Construction Accident Attorney?
Whether you’re a worker, a pedestrian, or the loved one of someone who was injured in a construction accident, legal representation is crucial to getting the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
For construction workers, Illinois law generally provides workers’ compensation benefits after an on-the-job injury. However, these benefits only cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. If a negligent third-party was responsible for the accident, such as a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, a worker or their family may be able to file a lawsuit for additional compensation.
Pedestrians injured on or near construction sites may also have a case if they were harmed by falling debris or other hazards. Filing a lawsuit can help victims recover medical expenses, lost income, and a variety of other damages.
A skilled construction accident attorney can investigate your case, gather crucial evidence, and fight for compensation that reflects the full extent of the losses you’ve suffered.
What Damages Are Recoverable in a Construction Accident Lawsuit?
Damages in construction accident lawsuits are divided into two categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages address losses that have a specific financial value, such as:
- Medical bills
- Therapy
- Medication
- Loss of income
- Property damage
- Long-term care such as assisted living, or in-home care
Unfortunately, some types of loss simply can’t be described in financial terms, such as the pain and trauma of losing a loved one or suffering from a long-term, life-changing disability due to the accident. In these cases, a family or the injured individual can pursue non-economic damages, which may include compensation for:
- Emotional trauma such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Disfigurement
- The inability to socialize
- Loss of companionship
Why Choose Power Rogers to Handle Your Construction Accident Case?
Construction accident lawsuits can be challenging for victims and their families to navigate alone. They may be facing a large construction company, manufacturer, or other entity with its own team of attorneys.
Our team of construction accident lawyers at Power Rogers can work for you and help you fight back against those responsible for your or your loved one’s accident. Over the past three decades, we’ve represented numerous construction accident victims, securing millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.
Our past victories include a $10 million recovery for the family of a sewer brick pipe layer killed in a trench collapse, a $8.1 million for the family of a construction worker killed in a falling debris accident, and a $1.8 million settlement for an elevator mechanic who suffered a brain injury at a construction site.
Common Types of Construction Accidents in Chicago
We have experience representing clients across a wide variety of cases. Some of the most common types of construction accidents we see include:
- Falls: Construction often takes place at elevated heights. If ladders, platforms, scaffolding, or workers are not properly secured, deadly accidents can take place. In other cases, a worker may slip or trip on tools, debris, or wet surfaces, and sustain a slip-and-fall injury.
- Electric shock: Exposure to live wires or improper grounding can cause construction workers to get shocked or electrocuted.
- Falling objects: Our firm has handled several construction injury and wrongful death cases that involved falling objects such as debris or machinery falling on a worker from above.
- Machinery accidents: There’s a wide range of machinery accidents that can take place on a construction site. Workers may get limbs pinched by moving parts or they may get lacerations or puncture wounds by saws, nail guns, or other tools.
- Explosions or fire: Chemical or gas leaks only need a spark or exposed wire to ignite. A worker who is caught in the crossfire can experience severe or even deadly burns.
- Toxic exposure: Apart from fires or explosions, exposure to toxic chemicals can also cause an array of additional conditions such as chemical burns, respiratory issues, cancer, or other diseases. In situations where the condition doesn’t manifest until much later, the statute of limitations may be extended.
Top Causes of Chicago Construction Accidents
Constructionist accidents can have many causes. Our attorneys will review incident reports, obtain witness testimony, and analyze other types of evidence to determine what led to the incident. A few of the most common causes of construction accidents include:
- Unsafe work conditions
- Poorly maintained job sites
- Cost cutting
- Inadequate training
- Lack of supervision
- Faulty equipment or materials
Types of Construction Injuries
Regardless of the type of accident or how it was caused, construction accidents rarely result in only minor injuries. Unfortunately, many workers fail to realize how serious their injuries really are until it’s too late. If you believe you may be experiencing any of the following conditions, consult with a medical professional right away:
- Brain injury, including TBI or concussion
- Spinal or neck injuries
- Fractures or sprains
- Burns
- Lacerations or puncture wounds
- Eye injuries
- Occupational diseases that are common in construction workers such as such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, hearing loss, or COPD.
Chicago Construction Accident Attorney: FAQs
How much does a construction accident lawyer cost?
Power Rogers provides services on a contingency basis, which means that our clients pay nothing unless we win their case. Then, our fees are calculated based on a percentage of their settlement.
How much is my construction accident case worth?
It depends on how severe your injuries are and the circumstances of the accident. The more serious your injuries are, the higher your settlement is likely to be, especially if there is evidence that confirms your claim.
How long do I have to file a construction accident lawsuit?
Two years from the date of the injury or death. However, in situations where the resulting condition was not discovered until later, the statute of limitations may be extended. For example, a construction worker who developed cancer after being exposed to asbestos will have two years from the diagnosis, not the exposure.
Can I sue my employer for an injury at a construction site?
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer for an injury that occurred on the job. Most construction accident lawsuits filed on behalf of an injured worker are against a third party.
Do you have a construction accident lawyer near me?
Our team is ready to discuss your case, and our office is located at 70 West Madison Street, Suite 5500, Chicago, IL 60602, five blocks northeast of the Willis Tower and four blocks west of Millennium Park.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Chicago Construction Accident Attorney at Power Rogers
Power Rogers understands that a construction accident can leave you facing one of the most, if not the most, difficult times of your life. We want to make sure that you won’t have to face it alone. Our construction accident lawyers are skilled negotiators who will work hard on your behalf at every stage of the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation.