Construction is a dangerous profession that can encompass a number of different purposes, whether its new construction, alteration or remodeling, and repair. Tradesman are risking their lives on a daily basis performing residential construction, erecting bridges, paving roadways, plumbing and roofing or painting. According to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry has the highest number of worker fatalities and injuries of any industry. The list is endless and the number of different trades involved in erecting something as simple as a residential home would surprise many people outside the trades. What is true no matter what trade you are in is the need to make sure the work site is safe and that individuals are not exposed to known or recognizable hazards. Too often state and federal regulations are ignored and short cuts are taken to subsidize construction costs leading to dangerous work conditions.
When a tradesman is injured while working he may have two different cases that arise out of a single accident. First, he may have a work comp case directed at his employer because he or she was injured while working. The second potential cause is a personal injury case if the injury was due to the negligence of a third party.
Employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace and are subject to liability for physical harm to others for whose safety the employer owes a duty of reasonable care.1 General Contractors and Project Managers have a duty to make sure the tradesmen are performing their work safely and they must do so with ordinary care. If your accident was caused by the negligence of another tradesman or sub-contractor or the negligence of the homeowner where you were working then you may have a viable personal injury claim in addition to your work comp case.
If you were injured due to a construction defect you are also entitled to recovery. There are many types of construction defects, which can include but are not limited to contractors failing to follow standard construction procedures, failing to use the proper tools during construction, failing to provide the proper materials or failing to account for water or soil movement.
Stein & Shulman, LCC is dedicated to protecting the rights of tradesmen and workers that were injured while performing their work. We know that injuries suffered at construction sites can be severe and life-altering not only for the injured worker but for their families too. Speak to us at no charge to learn whether you have additional rights to recovery beyond your work comp case. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) and other safety standards require that your workplace and the tasks you are performing be done safely and there may be requirements that were not met that render your accident preventable.
The lawyers at our firm have over 40 years of experience in representing individuals that were injured in construction-related accidents and calling us to discuss the facts of your case is FREE. Tradesmen often times cannot work while they are injured and there are a number of issues that they worry about immediately following their accident. Will I get paid while I am off of work? Who will pay my medical bills? If I need to see a medical specialist will that come out of my pocket? And, lastly, will I have a lawyer that is familiar with the law in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois suburbs as to safety issues in the construction field? Here are just some of the construction negligence cases we specialize in:
- Roofing Accidents
- Crane Accidents
- Ladder Falls
Contact Our Chicago Construction Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one were a victim of a construction accident do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced attorneys for a free consultation at 312.422.0500 or by filling out a contact form online.
Helping clients in Chicago & the surrounding areas including, Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, Will County, McHenry County, and Kane County.
