Construction liability is an issue typically seen by most as coming squarely under the heading of worker's compensation. Because construction site accidents are indeed workplace injuries, worker's compensation rules do typically apply. However, because construction site injuries involve a myriad of factors, including dangerous, heavy machinery and chemicals, and a variety of circumstances that each require meticulous safety checks and balances, when a construction accident does occur, it is entirely possible that it is due to negligence on the part of a third party. If it can be demonstrated that that is the case, the victim may very well have a claim that goes well beyond a standard workers' compensation award.
Most work environments remain under strict control of the employer. However, with construction sites, other parties could actually bear some responsibility for injuries suffered as a result of their negligence or ineptitude. A subcontractor could maintain chief control over the operative conditions of a portion of a work site or maintain control over persons technically employed by other companies. If that subcontractor is negligent in ensuring minimum safety standards, they could be held liable for injuries suffered on that site. Erecting barriers properly, storing materials safely and general neglect of conditions may be cause for a personal injury claim. Likewise, architects or machine and materials manufacturers could be liable for defects in products that lead to construction injury.
If you have been injured in a construction accident, you should immediately seek medical treatment and, thereafter, consult an experienced personal injury attorney that has expertise in construction accident cases.The attorneys of Panio Law Offices have vast experience in construction accident and personal injury litigation. We work with leading experts in safety and construction site management to help demonstrate liability and are experienced in gaining a wide array of damages in such cases. Awards in construction accident cases range from medical payments to loss of wages or loss of earning capacity to disfigurement or disability to physical and mental pain and suffering. Additionally, Illinois law provides for recovery of damages for family members in wrongful death cases.
From gathering of documentation to management of the claim within the statutory period allowed by law, an experienced personal injury attorney like those at Panio Law Offices can guide you through the process and help with every step in the recovery of damages. If you've suffered injury as a result of a construction accident or if you have further questions, feel free to contact us at (708) 928-8680. We can help.