Construction Accident Attorney Fairview Heights, IL

Common Construction Accidents

Construction accidents can happen in a number of ways, but there some that are more common than others. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) identifies the four most common construction accidents, which include:

• Slip and falls: On construction sites, a slip and fall accident can be particularly dangerous, because workers often fall from a great height.
• Struck by object: There are many ways workers are struck by objects on constructions sites. They may be stuck by a flying object, striking falling objects, struck by swinging objects, and struck by rolling objects.
• Electrocution: Construction sites are filled with electrical equipment, live wires, and exposed electrical elements, all of which could result in an electrocution.
• Caught-in between: Construction sites contain some of the heaviest equipment. When a worker is caught in between them, injuries can be devastating.

These accidents are so common on construction sites, they are known as the Fatal Four. When they occur, the family members of construction workers still have many options to recover compensation, including workers’ comp death benefits and a wrongful death claim in the event of a death.

Common Injuries After a Construction Accident

Even when a construction worker survives the accident, they will likely suffer from serious injuries. The most common of these include:

• Burns, including chemical, thermal, and electrical burns
• Eye injuries, including blindness and vision impairment
• Multiple broken bones
• Back, neck, and shoulder injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including quadriplegia and paraplegia
• Occupational illnesses caused by exposure to chemicals or toxic elements
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries

When a construction worker sustains any of these injuries after a construction accident, it is critical that they know the options available to them.

Workers’ Compensation Claims vs. Personal Injury Claims

Many times after an accident, construction workers or their family members think workers’ compensation is the only option for claiming benefits. It is true that many construction accidents are eligible only for workers’ compensation, but this is not always the only option.

• Workers’ Compensation Claims. When filing a workers’ compensation claim, workers can claim all of their medical expenses and a portion of their lost wages. When a construction worker is killed on the job after a construction accident, their family members can claim death benefits that provide a portion of the deceased’s lost income. Workers’ compensation claims sound fairly straightforward, but that is not always the case. These claims can become extremely complex, so it is always best to work with a workers’ compensation lawyer who can help.
• Personal Injury Claims. Workers’ compensation benefits are extremely helpful after a construction accident, but they are not the only option available. In some cases, such as when the accident was caused by another person’s negligence, a personal injury claim may also be appropriate. Unlike with workers’ compensation, when filing a personal injury claim, the injured worker or their family members must prove another party acted negligently, and that it was this negligence that caused the accident and resulted in injury or death. Due to this, personal injury claims can become very complicated as well.

While personal injury claims are sometimes more complex and take longer than workers’ compensation claims, they offer many benefits. Through a personal injury claim, construction workers and their family members can generally claim more damages than what is available in a workers’ compensation claim. Individuals can claim not only their medical expenses and lost income, but also pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, even punitive damages.

Get Legal Help Today

At Jerome, Salmi & Kopis, LLC, our experienced Fairview Heights, IL construction accident attorneys are here to help after you have been hurt. During a free consultation, we can advise on your case and explain the options available to claim the compensation you need during this difficult time. Located in Fairview Heights, IL, we serve clients throughout southern Illinois and eastern Missouri. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.