As of January 2024, approximately 3,200 people work in mining, logging, and construction in Springfield, IL, with most concentrated in construction [1]. Construction workers are exposed to many serious dangers throughout their employment: half of the deadliest jobs are in the construction industry [2].
Injured workers need a construction injury lawyer who will fight hard for their rights, and Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is widely respected as the best personal injury law firm in the state. Read on to find out how we can help with your case.
The Most Common Causes of Springfield Construction Site Accidents
OSHA widely recognizes these four elements as the primary culprits in fatal construction accidents, deeming them the “fatal four.”
- Falls – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration notes that a lack of fall protection in construction is the number one cause of workplace injuries across all fields [3]. If you fall at a construction site, contact a Springfield slip and fall injury lawyer for a free consultation.
- Struck-By Accidents – This involves being hit by a moving object, pinned between surfaces, or hit by falling objects. Seventy-five percent of all struck-by accidents on construction sites involve heavy machinery [4].
- Caught-In/Between – Being trapped in machinery or between surfaces can lead to amputations or even fatal asphyxia.
- Electrocution – Approximately 5% of all burn unit admissions are due to burns from electrocution, which can sometimes be fatal [5]. Construction workers make up the majority of occupational electrocution fatalities [6].
Common Construction Accident Injuries
Construction accidents can lead to a variety of different injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Bruises and lacerations
- Paralysis
- Death
What to Do Following a Construction Accident in Springfield, IL
You must act quickly to protect your rights after a work-related injury, ensuring your safety and chances of receiving maximum compensation. Follow these steps:
- Get Medical Treatment – Always get treated after injuries at construction sites, as they can often be very severe.
- Inform Your Employer – Your employer must fill out an incident report regarding where, when, and how the injury occurred.
- Collect Evidence – Take pictures of the site and of your injuries.
- Speak to Witnesses – Gather the contact information of other workers or visitors who saw the accident take place.
- Talk to a Springfield Construction Accident Attorney – Get in touch with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers so we can discuss your options and get started on the process of applying for workers’ compensation benefits.
Who Can File a Construction Accident Lawsuit?
All those who are hurt on construction sites may have valid personal injury claims, including visitors and passersby. Workers may also file a personal injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation if they were harmed by the negligent actions of someone other than their employer.
Family members of construction laborers who passed away due to their injuries can file a wrongful death suit and hold the employer responsible for the loss of their loved one.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Construction Accidents?
The negligent party may not necessarily be the employer. Other liable parties may include:
- Other Workers – If a fellow worker acted irresponsibly, you may file a lawsuit against them.
- Subcontractors – Those not employed by your company but present at the construction site could also be held accountable.
- Property Owners – If construction accidents occur because the property owner created unsafe working conditions, they may be liable.
- Visitors – Sometimes, construction accidents are the result of visitors or trespassers who moved equipment or acted in an unsafe manner.
- Manufacturers – Faulty equipment can lead to serious accidents, and the company responsible for the deficiency may be liable.
Legal Avenues a Springfield Construction Accident Attorney Can Help You Explore
Our Springfield personal injury lawyers will explore all avenues to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Depending on who can be held liable and the type of accident, this may be through the workers’ compensation system or through negotiation with third parties.
Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers compensation is a type of insurance employers are legally required to provide to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation should the worker no longer be able to fulfill their duties.
The claims process can be complicated, but our workers’ compensation attorneys will guide you through the steps to ensure you receive what you deserve.
Personal Injury Claim
You may also file a third-party claim if the accident was due to someone else’s negligence, such as a fellow employer or a property owner.
If the negligent party was not your employer, you may be able to receive both workers’ compensation and a settlement from the responsible person, though we will advise you on which avenue to pursue.
Wrongful Death Claim
Those whose loved ones die as a result of a workplace accident may seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit in order to defray the costs of medical bills, as well as assist in their emotional healing.
Filing a Claim With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
A Springfield construction accident lawyer from our team will follow a thorough process giving you the best chance of success at winning your case, based on our years of experience with cases like yours. Our process includes the following steps.
Investigation
Following your free consultation with us, we will begin to meticulously investigate your claim, leveraging our extensive network of other professionals.
We will review medical records, police reports, and surveillance footage, then work with expert witnesses to dissect the particulars of the accident. In addition, we know the right questions to ask eyewitnesses to gather the facts.
Case Evaluation
After we gather the facts, our Springfield personal injury lawyers will identify the best steps forward. After evaluating your injury, we’ll determine how much compensation we will ask for based on similar cases, and identify the liable party. We’ll then create a claim letter presenting the evidence gathered to justify the sum we will ask for.
Negotiation
Next, we’ll negotiate with the relevant insurance companies to secure a fair settlement. As adjusters will attempt to pay as little as possible, we will handle all communications on your behalf, sparing you the stress and ensuring you the best chance of success.
Taking the Case to Trial
If we cannot negotiate a fair sum with the insurance company, we will file a lawsuit and take your case to court. From there, we’ll represent your best interests in court, utilizing our experience with construction accidents to prove liability and demonstrate why you deserve a settlement.
Damages a Springfield Construction Site Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover
Personal injury claims can include a variety of types of damages, both economic and non-economic.
Economic damages compensate you for material and financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of future earning potential
- Counseling costs
- Burial expenses for a deceased worker
Non-economic damages acknowledge the impact the accident has had on your life and seek to compensate you for these problems. They can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Inconvenience
Compensation Secured by Our Construction Injury Attorneys
- $2,150,000 – A worker fell 20 feet from a scaffold due to inadequate fall protection.
- $5,000,000 – A carpenter suffered hand injuries after a blade guard was removed from a table saw; he subsequently filed a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
- $1,899,000 – A carpenter fell from an improperly secured ladder.
Statute of Limitations for Construction Accident Cases in Springfield, IL
Springfield, Illinois has a statute of limitations of 2 years for personal injury claims, including workplace accidents. However, you can make a workers compensation claim up to 3 years after the accident or within 2 years of the last benefits payment, whichever is later.
Because our construction accident personal injury lawyers seek to negotiate before filing a lawsuit, it’s crucial to contact us as soon as possible in order to ensure we can meet the deadline should the negotiation process fail.
Contact a Springfield Construction Accident Lawyer Today!
We work hard to recover compensation for all of our clients, whether that is due to construction accidents, car accidents, or medical malpractice. With a track record of million-dollar settlements, we have the experience and negotiation skills necessary to get justice for those who have been harmed due to the negligent actions of another.
Call us today at (888) 424-5757 or contact us online for a free consultation and learn how much you may be able to receive. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
References: [1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, [2] Construction Dive, [3] Occupational Safety and Health Administration, [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration, [5] National Library of Medicine, [6] Electrical Safety Foundation,