Construction Accidents

The construction industry has one of the highest worker injury rates of any industry in Illinois. On average, 1 in 5 workplace fatalities occur as a direct result of a construction site accident. Construction accidents result from the unsafe use of heavy equipment, machines, scaffolds, and ladders. Accidents at construction sites arise due to dangerous equipment or the lack of proper training and supervision of others at the work site. All too often, preventable injuries at construction sites result from falls, explosions, burns, electrocution, exposure to toxins and asphyxiation. Unfortunately, regulations imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) often fall short of insuring a safe work site.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or loss as a result of a construction accident, contact the knowledgeable Illinois personal injury lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates. Our law firm has successfully brought and settled claims for our clients' serious injuries after a construction-related accident, and we have the legal knowledge, engineering resources, and experience to help you get the compensation you deserve.

There are several ways in which a construction accident injury can occur. The most common construction accidents arise from:

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents
• Falling objects
• Falling through holes in flooring
• Scaffolding and ladder collapses
• Crane and forklift accidents
• Electrocution/Electric shock
• Explosions
• Machinery/Equipment malfunctions
• Structure failures
• Roof collapses

Construction-related accidents are most often caused by:

• Improper training
• Improper warnings
• Unsafe/dangerous equipment
• Lack of on-site supervision
• Careless use of heavy equipment

Construction accidents often result in serious injuries and death. In fact, construction accidents are often associated with catastrophic injuries. The most commonly reported injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Disc herniations
• Internal bleeding and other injuries
• Brain injuries
• Lacerations
• Nerve damage
• Paraplegia and quadriplegia
• Death

In Illinois, construction accident claims may arise under both Workers' Compensation and negligence theories. There are multiple parties that may be held liable when a construction accident occurs, including employers, property owners, architects, and contractors, as well as manufacturers, servicers, and suppliers of equipment. Identifying responsible third parties is an essential part of investigating and pursuing construction accident cases.

1. Workers' Compensation

   First, a Workers' Compensation claim may be filed against the employer. In Illinois, Workers' Compensation benefits may provide for payment of medical expenses, lost wages, and a lump-sum payment when injuries are suffered as a result of a construction accident. Unlike other personal injury cases, Workers' Compensation benefits are paid by an employer regardless who is "at fault" for the construction accident.

2. Negligence

   The injured worker and his family may also have a claim against responsible third parties at the work site. Individuals and organizations performing work at a construction site who may be liable include the site owner, architects and engineering professionals, contractors, construction managers and manufacturers of construction machinery, or equipment. Subcontractors may also be responsible for unsafe conditions at a work site. It is the responsibility of the general contractor and the subcontractor to maintain a safe work site and to warn others at the site of any hazards that may exist there.

1. Seek medical attention in a hospital emergency room.
2. Report the incident to the site supervisor and your employer immediately.
3. Avoid speaking with any insurance representatives or investigators before consulting with legal counsel.
4. Consult with knowledgeable legal counsel to ensure that the scene can be inspected and vital evidence can be documented, photographed, and preserved for analysis.

The types and amount of damages that are legally compensable varies based on the nature and extent of the injuries in a given case. You may be entitled to:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Valuable lost time from work
• Painful disfigurement
• Loss of a normal life, and
• Pain and suffering (including past, present and future)

The knowledgeable construction accident lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates have successfully resolved complicated construction site accident cases for our clients. We are a team of experienced personal injury lawyers who represent individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an accident. You may be entitled to a substantial settlement if you have been injured. If you have questions about construction accident settlements, call 630-527-4177, or 312-422-6855, and speak with Attorney John J. Malm and his team today.