Construction site accidents can have devastating consequences. In 2020, 2.1 of every 100 construction workers in Illinois were injured severely enough to prevent them from returning to their original job. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury while working on a construction site in Illinois, you may be uncertain about whether to seek legal representation. Since construction site accidents can be life-changing, there is a significant benefit in looking into hiring a personal injury lawyer.
An experienced construction accident attorney can provide guidance and excellent legal representation and help you recover the highest financial settlement possible after an injury or death on a construction site. Discover the benefits of hiring a construction accident lawyer with Nessler & Associates.
Knowledge of the Law
Many employees, construction workers or otherwise, do not know their rights when they’ve been injured on the job. Construction workers may incorrectly believe they have no legal recourse or be misled (whether accidentally or deliberately) by their employer to think they can’t pursue workers’ compensation.
However, a skilled construction injury attorney is familiar with workplace injuries, workers’ compensation, and liability laws. They can review your case and determine whether you have a valid claim.
For example, let’s say that while you were driving from the company building to a construction site, another driver hit you. Since your injuries are from a car accident rather than the construction site, you might believe you aren’t eligible for workers’ compensation. However, an attorney can tell you that because you were on the clock and on your way to a job, it would be considered a work-related injury, so you would be eligible.
Easier to Gather Facts
It can be challenging to piece together the facts of a construction accident case: construction sites may lack cameras, and the victim may not remember or be able to report the full details of the accident.
Additionally, the construction company and property owner are unlikely to share information that could potentially result in them being liable for the accident. An attorney can gather evidence for the case, like taking witness statements from other construction workers or filing a subpoena for an incident report from the construction company.
Stronger Negotiations with Insurance Companies
Construction accident victims will likely receive coverage from their health insurance for their injuries. However, insurance companies may refuse to cover specific treatments or offer lower coverage than the employee is legally entitled to. A construction accident attorney can negotiate with your insurance company to cover your expenses and fight a denied claim.
Assistance Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers’ compensation is a government program providing financial benefits to employees who cannot work due to an injury or illness sustained on the job. Construction workers who are injured on the job are typically eligible for workers’ compensation. In Illinois, workers’ comp can cover the following:
- The employee’s medical expenses resulting from the injury
- Wages lost due to being unable to work at full capacity
- Permanent loss of a limb or body function
- Compensation for burial costs (in the event of the employee’s death)
- Wages lost due to death when the employee has dependent family members
However, to be eligible for workers’ compensation, you must alert your employer within 45 days, file a claim within 3 years, and accept treatment related to your condition. The process can be further complicated by an employer refusing to file an accident report, the insurance company disputing the claim, or your claim being denied outright.
Construction injury lawyers are familiar with filing workers’ compensation claims and can walk you through the process. They can also represent you if your employer resists filing your claim or if your claim is disputed or denied.
Filing Third-Party Injury Claims
Construction workers can’t file a personal injury claim against the construction company they work for. However, if a worker was injured or killed by the negligence of someone outside of the construction company, a construction accident lawyer can help file a third-party personal injury suit against the negligent third party.
For example, if defective construction equipment led to the worker’s injury, they may have a claim against the equipment manufacturer for selling faulty equipment.
Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim
In some painful situations, a construction site accident can claim a worker’s life, potentially leaving a grieving family in their wake. If the employee’s death resulted from gross negligence, the deceased’s family can file a lawsuit claiming wrongful death.
A wrongful death suit typically covers expenses resulting from the employee’s death, like funeral bills and lost wages that dependent family members may rely on. Some people also pursue compensation for non-economic damages, like loss of companionship. An attorney can advise you on your options.
Consult an Injury Attorney at Nessler & Associates
For construction workers, an injury on the job can leave you uncertain if you’ll ever work again. That can be an overwhelming prospect, especially if you’re swamped with medical bills. You don’t have to fend for yourself: instead, contact a construction accident attorney at Nessler & Associates.
When an attorney from Nessler & Associates represents you, you get a free consultation as well as free representation. A no-fee guarantee means you don’t owe us anything unless we win your case. Call our law firm at 800) 727-8010 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation today.