Construction work is a necessary part of any growing city or town, but it can be dangerous. Workers are often injured on construction sites. While some injured are minor, others are severe, and injured workers should seek legal help right away.
An injured construction worker may be able to file a lawsuit against those responsible for the accident. Often, this involves suing general contractors or subcontractors in charge of the construction site. In others, injured workers might sue property owners who negligently allowed the premises to fall into disrepair. An attorney can help you determine whom to sue. Common causes of construction accidents in lawsuits include falls, faulty equipment, and safety violations.
Get a private, free case assessment by calling our construction accident attorneys at Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502.
How Do Construction Accidents Occur?
Construction sites can be complex places with numerous different jobs being performed. As such, construction accidents vary, but below are a few examples that occur frequently.
Falling Accidents
Falling accidents are somewhat common, as many construction workers do their jobs from high roofs or ladders. You do not have to fall very far to be seriously hurt, especially if you fall onto a hard surface like concrete.
Dangerous Tools and Machinery
Tools and machinery are necessary for construction workers to do their jobs. Unfortunately, some tools or machinery do not work as they should. Many people are hurt when power tools or heavy machinery malfunction. If the malfunction happened because the tool or machine was somehow damaged before it got to the consumer, or if it was poorly designed and unsafe, you may sue the manufacturer.
Safety Violations
Construction sites must abide by strict safety regulations. Federal agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforce strict safety regulations on construction sites. If these regulations are not followed and an accident occurs, the construction company may be held liable.
Who May Be Liable for Construction Accidents in Cicero, IL?
Various parties may be held responsible for a construction accident. Many injured workers end up suing their employers, property owners, or the companies that produce faulty construction equipment, although your case may differ.
General and Subcontractors
A general contractor is often hired to be in charge of the entire construction project and site. They may be permitted to hire other workers to do the job, and they can be held responsible if unsafe conditions on the site cause an accident.
It may also be possible to sue a subcontractor responsible for only one aspect of the construction project, such as an electrician or plumber. They may also hire workers to help with specific tasks, and they can be held responsible for certain accidents.
Manufacturers of Machinery and Tools
If you were injured because of a defective tool or piece of machinery, you can sue the manufacturer in addition to almost anyone else in the chain of sale, including retailers who sold the equipment. Our construction accident attorneys must prove that the tool or machinery was damaged or so poorly designed that it could not function safely.
Property Owners
While property owners tend to step back from the construction site, they sometimes take a more hands-on role. For example, if a property owner supplied certain equipment that caused an accident, they may be held responsible. Alternatively, if the property owner knew of dangerous conditions on the property but neglected to inform the construction company, they may be liable for an accident.
FAQs About Suing for Construction Accidents in Cicero, IL
How Long Do I Have to Sue for Damages After a Construction Accident?
Construction accident lawsuits often involve serious personal injuries, which must be filed no later than 2 years after the accident. This is a very strict deadline, and if you do not file your case within this time, you may be time-barred and prohibited from filing the case at all.
Are Injured Construction Workers Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
Possibly. In Illinois, anyone considered an employee may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation, but those who are independent contractors usually are not. While many construction workers are independent contractors, many others are not. Even if you must file for Workers’ Compensation, you might still be able to file a lawsuit under certain circumstances.
What Are Common Causes of Construction Accidents?
Many construction accidents are falling accidents. Workers might fall from high ladders or rooftops and be seriously hurt. Other common causes include faulty equipment, malfunctioning machinery, and hazardous working conditions caused by safety code violations.
Who Can I Sue for Injuries from a Construction Accident?
You may sue an employer, property owner, or even the manufacturer of faulty tools or equipment. Many plaintiffs sue the general contractors or subcontractors who hired them, sometimes both. Suing property owners is less common, but if their negligence caused the accident, you may be able to sue them.
How Do I Prove My Claims in a Construction Accident Lawsuit?
Proving your claims requires evidence. Evidence may include, but is not limited to, security camera footage, witness testimony, construction company records, the results of construction site safety inspections, and the results of investigations by authorities such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
What Are Damages in a Construction Accident Lawsuit Worth?
Damages are higher when injuries, expenses, and emotional distress are more significant. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may claim significant damages for current and future lost wages. Although each case is unique, many defendants are awarded tens of thousands of dollars. Others might be awarded over six figures.
How Long Do Construction Accident Lawsuits Take?
Civil lawsuits can take time, and construction accident cases are no exception. It may take several months or more than a year for your trial to begin. The trial itself may take several weeks to complete, depending on how complex the facts are and how much evidence is introduced.
Do I Need a Lawyer After Being Injured in a Construction Accident?
Yes. You may be badly hurt and in no shape to begin a lawsuit. An attorney can step in and prepare and file your case while gathering evidence and building a strong case for damages. Additionally, the legal procedures of the civil court system are famously complicated, and you need someone who has experience with the courts to help you.
Ask Our Construction Accident Attorneys in Cicero, IL for Legal Support
Get a private, free case assessment by calling our construction accident attorneys at Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502.
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