There are multiple forms of negligent behavior that can lead to accidents on scaffolding structures. For example, workers may suffer devastating falls because scaffolding was not assembled correctly or because other workers created hazardous conditions on the structures’ walking surfaces. In any case, scaffolding accidents typically lead to severe injuries.
Those who suffer scaffolding accidents may obtain compensation for the harm they sustained. However, the path to compensation can differ depending on the circumstances surrounding an accident. Our lawyers can help potential plaintiffs evaluate their options for recovering financial compensation.
If you suffered an injury as the result of a scaffolding accident in Chicago, the you can call our law firm for help with your case. Our experienced scaffolding injury attorneys at the Rhatigan Law Offices can fight for the payment available to you. Our phone number is (312) 578-8502.
Can You Sue After Suffering a Scaffolding Injury in Chicago?
If your scaffolding accident occurred because of a third party’s negligence, you may be able to file an injury lawsuit. Those who file scaffolding accident lawsuits against at-fault parties can obtain compensation for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages. However, in order for your lawsuit to succeed, you must present evidence that proves your accident happened because of the defendant’s negligence. Furthermore, you must show that you sustained damages because of your scaffolding accident injuries. During a free assessment of your claim, our scaffolding injury attorneys can help determine if the necessary elements have been established.
Why Do Scaffolding Accidents Happen in Chicago?
Investigating the cause of your accident is a crucial step in determining whether you may file an injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. The following are common causes of scaffolding accidents in Chicago:
- Careless assembly
- Dangerous walking surfaces
- Negligent equipment maintenance
- Falling tools and parts
- Building structures too close to power lines
- Lack of proper safety equipment
Our scaffolding injury lawyers can help assess whether your accident stems from one of the aforementioned sources. Afterwards, our team can explain how to recover the full range of payment available to you.
Proving Fault for a Scaffolding Accident in Chicago
Plaintiffs in injury lawsuits must prove that defendants are at fault for their injuries. There are many types of evidence that can be used to prove fault for a scaffolding accident. The following are common forms of evidence utilized by our injury attorneys:
Witness Statements
Witnesses can offer both oral and written statements that help our lawyers explain how or why accidents happened. For example, a witness may assert that they saw a worker slip on a loose wire while walking across a scaffolding structure. Furthermore, someone may state that they saw workers assembling a structure improperly. Therefore, after suffering a scaffolding accident, you should attempt to retrieve contact information from potential witnesses. Our team can help when reaching out for their cooperation.
Surveillance Footage
Surveillance footage from nearby security cameras can also be used to prove fault for a scaffolding accident. Like witness testimony, this footage can help plaintiffs establish the events that unfolded before, during, and after a scaffolding accident.
Expert Witness Statements
Furthermore, expert witness statements may be used to prove who is at fault for a scaffolding accident. Expert witnesses are considered experts because they have completed the necessary education, training, and experience in specific fields. They are often used to explain complex theories of fault. For example, after a scaffolding accident caused by defective safety equipment, an engineering expert may be summoned to explain why the equipment malfunctioned.
Personal Recollections
Lastly, your personal recollection of your scaffolding accident may be very helpful when proving fault. During the early stages of some cases, it is difficult to know which details surrounding an accident may become important later. Therefore, recording a detailed recollection of your scaffolding accident while your memory is fresh may be very helpful to our attorneys when building your claim.
Time Limit to File a Scaffolding Accident Lawsuit in Chicago
The time limit to file a scaffolding accident lawsuit in Chicago is established by 735 I.L.C.S. 5/13-202. Therefore, you will typically have two years from the date of your scaffolding accident to file a case against another party. Noncompliance with this deadline could cause your case to be thrown out.
Still, even though you may have two years to file your case, you should contact our scaffolding injury attorneys as soon as possible after your accident. If you are permitted to bring an injury lawsuit against the at-fault party, then you will need to gather evidence to support your claim. However, as time goes by, evidence can become difficult to collect and preserve. For instance, eyewitnesses can forget crucial details and surveillance recordings can be deleted. The more quickly you get in touch with our law firm, the more efficiently our experienced attorneys can gather the information required to win your case.
Damages Available in Chicago Scaffolding Accident Lawsuits
There are multiple forms of compensation available through scaffolding accident lawsuits. Our attorneys can help determine which of the following categories of monetary damages can be sought in your case:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Punitive damages
- Property damage
Some of the aforementioned damages are not available to those filing Workers’ Compensation claims. Thankfully, our experienced scaffolding injury lawyers can review your case and explain the legal options available to you. Afterwards, our team can help determine the proper route to compensation.
Victims of Chicago Scaffolding Accidents Can Contact Our Attorneys for Help
If you were hurt because of a scaffolding accident, you can reach out to our experienced scaffolding injury attorneys at the Rhatigan Law Offices for help with your case. Call us today at (312) 578-8502.
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