Chicago Personal Injury Attorney
Construction is considered one of the most dangerous jobs, resulting in injuries and fatalities for the men and women who help construct roads, buildings and infrastructure in Chicago and beyond. In addition to workers’ compensation, there are laws that protect workers as well as options for families affected by fatal construction accidents in Chicago and Illinois.
Most workers and many lawyers believe that if someone is hurt on a construction site, a workers’ compensation case is the only claim they can make. This is not true. Often, a general contractor or another sub-contractor may have been responsible for a worker’s injuries. George Argionis is an experienced construction accident lawyer in and has successfully prosecuted many construction negligence lawsuits in Chicago, recovering millions of dollars for his clients. Our personal injury team will explore every possible avenue of recovery for you.
Construction accident reports for Chicago and Illinois show that some of the most common types of construction accidents include:
According to construction accident statistics, Chicago construction workers are at high risk of fatal injuries. In 2016, there were 29 work fatalities in the private construction industry, with the specialty trade contractor sector representing 72 percent of fatal injuries in this group.
If you’ve been injured in a construction work site accident in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, you need to keep a few things in mind:
After a construction work accident, your first step will be to get any emergency medical treatment you need. Gather copies of medical records, photos of your injuries and the work site where the accident took place and a written record of your injuries, lost time at work and medical treatments. All of this information will be valuable for your Chicago construction injury attorney.
Get the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident. If you suffered an injury due to construction equipment malfunction, take plenty of photos all around the potentially affected equipment.
Hiring a construction injury lawyer in Chicago ensures you have an expert who understands local laws and regulations, can navigate the legal system effectively, and will maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Most construction injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. If you do win your case, the typical fee will be a percentage of your total settlement or award.
The duration of a construction injury case varies depending on the complexity of the case, but most settlements are reached within several months to a few years.
In many cases, workers’ compensation laws prevent suing your employer directly if you are receiving benefits. However, you may be able to file a claim against third parties such as equipment manufacturers or subcontractors. If your employer acted intentionally or negligently, you may be able to take legal action beyond workers’ compensation. Consult a personal injury attorney to see if any of these options apply in your case.
Yes, Illinois has several laws that provide protections for construction workers. This includes the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).
The statute of limitations for filing a construction injury lawsuit in Illinois is typically four years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to act promptly and discuss your case with legal counsel to preserve your right to compensation.
Your Chicago personal injury attorney can help you build the strongest case possible and can represent you as you pursue all avenues of compensation. If you’d like to speak with a skilled and caring personal injury attorney with extensive experience in work injury claims, contact George Argionis online or at (312) 782-4545 for a free consultation.