Construction workers have dangerous jobs. They are often performing their duties at tall heights or working with dangerous machinery. Accordingly, negligent behavior on construction sites can produce devastating injuries.
You typically will not be able to sue your employer for causing a construction accident. Employers can only be held liable for construction accidents in cases where their actions were especially egregious. However, you may file suit against another contractor for causing your injury. A construction accident lawyer can help evaluate the legal options available to you.
If you were injured in a construction accident, get help recovering the damages available to you. Contact our experienced Aurora construction accident lawyers by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 for a free case review.
Who to Sue After Aurora, IL Construction Accidents
Determining who to sue after a construction accident will depend on the circumstances of your accident. In each of the following circumstances, our Aurora construction accident lawyers can help victims pursue compensation:
Suing a Third-Party Contractor
If you were injured in a construction accident caused by another contractor, then you may recover financial compensation in a personal injury claim. Our Aurora construction accident lawyers can help prove that you were hurt because of a third-party contractor’s careless or reckless behavior.
Suing Your Employer
If you were injured in a construction accident because of your employer’s negligence, you will typically have to file a claim for Workers’ Compensation benefits opposed to filing a personal injury lawsuit. However, lawsuits may be pursued against employers under rare circumstances. Employees may step outside of Workers’ Compensation and sue their employer if their conduct was grossly negligent. For example, an employer may be liable for injuries caused by sending an employee into an obviously dangerous situations while ignoring pleas for proper safety equipment. Our team can help victims determine if an employer’s conduct was grossly negligent during a free case review.
Suing a Product Manufacturer or Seller
Furthermore, many construction accidents are caused by dangerous or defective products. Defective machinery can lead to catastrophic injuries. Victims may recover damages from negligent manufacturers and sellers for injuries caused by their defective products.
Many defective product injuries are caused by toxic substances used on construction sites. In some cases, injuries caused by toxic substances do not arise until many years after the initial exposure. Victims should contact our Aurora construction accident lawyers for assistance if they suspect their injuries were caused by toxic chemical exposure on a construction site.
Common Types of Construction Accidents in Aurora
Construction accidents can come in many forms and be caused by various types of negligence. Some types of accidents occur more frequently than others. The following are examples of construction accidents that occur in Aurora:
Falls
Falls are the most common type of construction accident. The injuries sustained because of a fall can vary. When workers are performing their duties on scaffolding, ladders, roofs, chimneys, and other tall structures, devastating falls can occur. Our Aurora construction site lawyers can help victims pursue compensation after a fall on a construction site.
Electrocutions
Electrocutions frequently occur when powerlines and other power sources on construction sites are mistakenly hit. For example, a third-party crane operator who strikes a power line can cause serious injuries to the workers below.
Machinery Accidents
Machinery accidents are another common type of construction accident. When machinery is not operated correctly, serious injuries can occur. Furthermore, machinery with defective or dangerous parts can also cause devastating harm to workers on construction sites. Our Aurora construction accident lawyers can help victims of machinery accidents navigate the road to recovery.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are also a common type of accident that occurs on construction sites. Contractors should keep their areas free of hazards that can lead to potential slip and fall injuries.
Vehicle Accidents
Lastly, many construction accidents occur in the form of vehicle accidents. Construction sites are often busy with various types of construction equipment such as forklifts, excavators, tractors, dozers, and man lifts. When all of the vehicles are working at once, collisions with workers and other vehicles can occur.
Common Injuries Suffered Because of Construction Accidents in Aurora, IL
There are many serious injuries that can be caused by construction accidents. Most injuries that cause damages may be compensated for. Our Aurora construction accident lawyers can help recover compensation related to any of the following injuries:
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Bruises
- Eye and vision damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
You should not wait to see a doctor for your injuries. Our team can help refer proper physicians for the treatment of your injuries after a construction accident.
Types of Damages Available in Aurora, IL Construction Accident Lawsuits
There are several categories of damages available to plaintiffs in Aurora construction accident lawsuits. The amount of damages awarded in a particular case will depend on the extent of injuries suffered. The following types of damages may be recovered:
Medical Expenses
First, you may recover damages for the cost of medical treatment for your injuries. Medical expenses will typically be proven through medical records and bills.
Lost Wages
Many construction accident victims will be forced to miss work because of their injury. Accordingly, plaintiffs in construction accident cases may recover damages for lost wages they incurred because of their injury. These damages will be calculated using your average weekly wage.
Furthermore, if you are unable to return to work after a construction accident, you may recover damages for the loss of future earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
Some injuries have life-altering effects. Therefore, you may also recover non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by a construction accident. Proving non-economic damages can be complicated. Victims should contact our Aurora construction accident lawyers for help recovering non-economic damages in their case.
If You Were Injured in a Construction Accident in Aurora, IL, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured in a construction accident, seek assistance from our experienced Aurora construction accident lawyers by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 for a free case review.
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