Construction accidents are responsible for life-altering and painful injuries, ranging from internal injuries to spinal cord damage. Whatever your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for it, which our lawyers can recover on your behalf.
To get damages, focus on documenting the incident and your injury immediately afterward. Do this, whether you are injured while working or as a passerby. Workers’ Compensation is not always the only option for injured workers, and you might be able to sue an employer for intentional injuries, toxic exposure, or if they do not have mandatory coverage.
We can review your case for free when you call the construction accident lawyers of the Rhatigan Law Offices today at (312) 578-8502.
What Happens After a Construction Accident in Skokie, IL?
What you do immediately after an accident on a construction site could affect your future recovery, so take documenting the incident and your injuries very seriously.
Document the Incident
Workers’ Compensation is typically the exclusive remedy for construction workers in Skokie after on-site accidents, making documenting the incident even more important. Tell your manager about the accident and that you are injured. Take pictures and see if anyone else witnessed what happened. You may even call 911 for further documentation, especially if you are badly hurt.
Document the Injury
Next, focus on documenting the injury. For construction accident lawsuits and Workers’ Compensation claims alike, proof of injury is essential. Not only do we need to prove the immediate damages from the injury, but also its ongoing negative effects on your life. Because of this, prioritizing your physical recovery and attending all doctor appointments is key.
Continue attending all doctor appointments, as gaps in your medical care might jeopardize your case.
Pursue Compensation
Next, our construction accident lawyers can start pursuing compensation on your behalf. Workers’ Compensation only covers some lost wages in addition to medical expenses, while a lawsuit may pay more, including non-economic damages. A construction accident lawsuit is not out of the question for workers, who may be able to sue their employers in specific situations with our help.
Construction Accident FAQs
Who Gets Injured on Construction Sites?
While construction workers are most often injured on construction sites, passersby also sustain injuries from falling objects, debris on sidewalks, and other hazards.
What Are the Top Construction Accidents in Skokie, IL?
The following are some of the top construction accidents in Illinois:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Lifting accidents
- Falling objects
- Defective equipment
- Scaffolding failures
- Explosions
- Fires
Is Workers’ Comp the Exclusive Remedy After a Construction Accident?
While Workers’ Compensation is generally the exclusive remedy for workers, there are notable exceptions to this rule, so do not assume you cannot file a lawsuit against your employer in Illinois.
Can You Sue for Toxic Exposure on a Construction Site in Skokie, IL?
Latent injuries due to toxic exposure at the workplace are an exception to Workers’ Compensation, meaning injured construction workers can sue construction companies for these injuries.
Can You Sue for Intentional Injuries on a Construction Site in Skokie, IL?
Illinois also allows construction workers to sue employers who intentionally injure them, even if they have Workers’ Compensation coverage.
Can You Sue for a Construction Site Accident if There is No Workers’ Comp?
Almost all employers are required to carry Workers’ Compensation. If the construction company you work for is uncovered, you may be able to sue for injuries due to ordinary negligence.
What if You Are an Independent Contractor in a Construction Accident?
If you are an independent contractor and get injured on a construction site, you will most likely not be covered by Workers’ Compensation, which also means it does not stop you from filing a lawsuit.
Who Do You Need to Report a Construction Accident To?
You should report a construction accident to the manager on-site. We can get a copy of any incident report later on. It is your employer’s responsibility to inform their Workers’ Compensation carrier.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Construction Accident Lawsuits in Illinois?
Plaintiffs in construction accident lawsuits have four years to bring their construction accident compensation claims in Illinois. If you did not discover the injury immediately, the deadline may be tolled for delayed discovery.
What Medical Records Prove Construction Accident Injuries?
It is important to go to the hospital immediately after a construction accident to document the initial injury and its severity. We may then use X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, physical exams, physicians’ notes, and other medical records to prove why you deserve compensation.
How Do You Get Medical Records for a Construction Accident Lawsuit?
Our attorneys can contact hospitals and physicians to obtain medical records with your permission. You must get medical attention for these records to exist, so focus on your physical recovery most of all while we prepare your compensation claim.
What Economic Damages Can You Get After a Construction Accident?
After a construction accident, you can seek compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Workers’ Compensation only covers a portion of your lost wages, while a lawsuit could cover all economic damages, no matter how great.
What Non-Economic Damages Can You Get After a Construction Accident?
Workers’ Compensation does not cover non-economic damages after a construction accident in Illinois, but a lawsuit may. Non-economic damages represent the pain and suffering you have endured, and we can quantify these damages for you after learning more about your quality of life since the accident.
Do You Need to Get a Lawyer After a Construction Accident?
You should get a lawyer after a construction accident to see if you can file a lawsuit rather than only recover some damages for lost wages in a Workers’ Compensation claim.
Call Us in Skokie, IL for Help Today
Call the construction accident lawyers of the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 to discuss your case for free.
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