Construction sites are inherently dangerous, but accidents often occur due to negligence, unsafe equipment, or lack of adequate precautions. Injuries can be life-altering, leaving workers and their families struggling to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our construction accidents lawyers in Mount Prospect focus on helping victims navigate their legal options. We handle workers’ compensation claims, third-party liability suits, and wrongful death cases.
With over $100 million recovered, our Mount Prospect workers’ compensation lawyers always pursue fair compensation for our clients. Contact us for a free consultation today.
Your Legal Options After a Construction Accident
When injured on a construction site, you may have more than one option for recovering compensation:
- Workers’ compensation: Illinois law requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for employees injured on the job. This no-fault system provides coverage for medical care, a portion of lost wages, and temporary or permanent disability benefits.
- Third-party claims: If someone other than your employer caused or contributed to the accident, you may also have a negligence claim. Examples include a negligent subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer.
Workers’ compensation and third-party claims can be pursued at the same time. Workers’ comp ensures immediate coverage for injuries, while a third-party lawsuit can address additional damages like pain and suffering and full wage loss. At our firm, we evaluate both paths at the start of your case to develop a complete compensation strategy.
If you are an independent contractor, things may be less straightforward. Our Mount Prospect personal injury lawyers will examine the details of your work arrangement to determine what options align with Illinois law.
Common Hazards at Prospect Construction Sites
Construction work involves constant risks, with hazards that range from falling objects to defective equipment. Recognizing these patterns is key to investigating and establishing liability. Common site dangers include:
- Falls: Ladders, scaffolding, and roof work often lead to fall-related injuries.
- Struck-by accidents: Workers may be struck by cranes, forklifts, or falling materials.
- Equipment malfunctions: Heavy equipment rollovers or pinning injuries happen due to improper maintenance or usage.
- Electrical hazards: Shocks, arc flashes, or exposed wires frequently lead to severe injuries.
- Collapses: Trenching collapses or building failures are often the result of negligence.
Whether you were injured on a residential or commercial site, we work to map out which parties controlled safety measures and how their negligence played a role in your injuries.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation is designed to provide quick benefits without the need to prove fault. In Illinois, workers who are injured on the job may be entitled to:
- Medical care: Full payment for reasonable and necessary treatments, including surgery, therapy, prescriptions, and medical equipment.
- Temporary total disability (TTD): If you’re unable to work while recovering, you may receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD): Benefits are available if you return to light-duty work at reduced pay.
- Permanent disability: If your injury results in long-term impairment, benefits may cover either specific body parts or person-as-a-whole restrictions.
You typically have the right to choose your treating physician within program rules. If the insurance company disputes recommended treatments or pressure to return to work, our team advocates for fair resolutions.
Pursuing a Third-Party Claim for Damages
Workers’ compensation provides important benefits, but it doesn’t account for all losses. Pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages are not covered. If another party’s negligence caused your injury, filing a third-party lawsuit can ensure you recover these additional damages.
Examples of third-party claims include:
- A general contractor ignoring fall protection standards across trades.
- A subcontractor’s debris creating slip hazards.
- A property owner failing to address known electrical risks.
- A crane company hiring an unqualified operator.
- Faulty tools or equipment provided by a manufacturer.
Third-party claims focus on duties and control. We analyze contracts, safety plans, and audits to determine who was responsible for creating safe working conditions and how they failed to do so.
Proving Liability in a Construction Accident Case
To succeed in a third-party claim, you must show that the negligent party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result. Industry standards, OSHA regulations, and site-specific rules often clarify what safety measures were required.
Our Mount Prospect construction accident lawyers build strong cases by:
- Securing witness statements and physical evidence as soon as possible.
- Reviewing site conditions through photographs and video footage.
- Preserving defective tools, machinery, or components.
- Consulting with engineers, safety specialists, and medical experts.
- Demonstrating how industry standards and legal obligations were ignored.
We present a detailed picture of fault, ensuring that all liable parties are held responsible for your injuries.
Our Mount Prospect Construction Accident Attorneys Fight for Your Recovery
Construction accident cases often involve several moving parts. Workers’ compensation claims, medical disputes, and third-party cases require careful coordination, especially when dealing with overlapping deadlines and insurance tactics.
Our Mount Prospect construction accident attorneys focus on:
- Verifying your wage loss and medical bills to ensure proper payment under workers’ comp.
- Organizing medical records and causation opinions to support both workers’ comp and third-party claims.
- Negotiating workers’ comp liens to maximize your net recovery after a third-party settlement.
- Preparing cases for trial if insurers fail to offer fair compensation.
We evaluate every detail to ensure that long-term losses like future medical care and diminished earning potential are considered fully in your case.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation and Choose Charlie
Construction accidents can cause life-changing injuries, but you don’t need to face the aftermath alone. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we’re here to protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Call today for a free consultation. Our Mount Prospect construction accident attorneys are ready to evaluate your case and develop a plan to help you recover fully.
