After a construction injury, you may be worried about medical bills, time off work, and how to protect your family. If you’re a tradesperson or laborer in Illinois, a construction accident lawyer in Orland Park can help you figure out what steps to take next.
As a local firm, Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can guide you through workers’ compensation claims and, when available, third-party lawsuits after falls, equipment incidents, and other jobsite events.
Our family-oriented team has 75 years of combined experience and can help with a range of claims. To learn more, talk to an Orland Park workers’ compensation lawyer today and schedule a free consultation.
What to Do After a Jobsite Injury
Quick steps make a difference for both your health and your claim. Even if you think you can finish the shift, report the incident promptly and get checked out.
- Report the injury to a supervisor in writing as soon as possible (Illinois requires notice within 45 days).
- Seek immediate medical care and tell the provider it was a work injury.
- Photograph the scene, equipment, and your injuries if you can do so safely.
- Get names and contact details for witnesses and subcontractors on site.
- Save payroll records, timecards, and any incident reports.
Taking these steps helps both your workers’ compensation case and any potential third‑party claim.
Construction Accident Claims We Handle
Construction sites bring multiple employers and moving parts together, which often leads to preventable injuries. Our Orland Park personal injury lawyers handle a wide range of jobsite cases for carpenters, ironworkers, laborers, electricians, roofers, and more.
Common construction accidents we’ve handled include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, and aerial lifts
- Struck‑by incidents involving tools, falling debris, or vehicles
- Electrocutions and arc flash injuries
- Trench and excavation collapses
- Crane and heavy equipment accidents
- Defective tools, guardrails, or safety devices
Whether your case involves an OSHA violation, unsafe sequencing, or poor site coordination, we pursue the benefits and damages available under Illinois law.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims in Illinois
Most injured construction workers are covered by Illinois workers’ compensation. Through workers’ comp, you can receive medical care, a portion of lost wages, and disability benefits without proving fault by your employer.
You may also have a separate personal injury claim against a negligent third party, such as a general contractor, subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer. A third‑party lawsuit can include damages for pain and suffering, loss of normal life, and full wage loss.
When a Third Party May Be Liable
Third‑party liability often arises from ladder or scaffold failures, negligent crane operation, unguarded openings, electrical hazards created by another contractor, or defective equipment. If another company controlled the unsafe condition or violated industry safety rules, we can pursue a claim in addition to your workers’ compensation case.
Building a Strong Case in Orland Park
A solid case starts with documentation. We gather accident reports, daily logs, prime and subcontract agreements, safety manuals, toolbox talks, and site photos to pinpoint responsibility. We also interview coworkers and forepersons to clarify sequencing, site control, and deviations from the work plan.
Timing matters. Illinois requires injury notice to the employer within 45 days, and most workers must file with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) within three years of the injury or two years from the last comp payment, whichever is later. For third‑party cases, the general deadline is two years from the injury.
Because jobs in the region often involve overlapping jurisdictions, union protocols, and large builders, local knowledge also helps. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Orland Park know which records to demand and the practical steps that move a case forward in Cook and Will Counties.
Compensation Available for Injured Workers
Workers’ compensation benefits help injured employees recover financially and medically after a workplace accident or occupational illness.
Depending on the nature of your injury and your ability to return to work, benefits can include necessary medical treatment as well as:
- Temporary total disability (TTD) at two‑thirds of your average weekly wage,
- Temporary partial disability (TPD)
- Permanent partial disability (PPD), which is calculated based on the nature and extent of the injury
- Wage‑differential benefits
- Death benefits for families
If a third‑party claim applies, additional damages may be available: pain and suffering, full lost income and future earning capacity, disfigurement, loss of normal life, and wrongful death damages. You can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Why Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer in Orland Park?
If you were hurt on a site, you don’t have to sort this out alone. A local construction accident attorney in Orland Park knows the contractors, carriers, medical networks, and IWCC processes that can affect your case.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we help injured workers pursue the medical care and wage benefits the law provides and seek full damages when a third party is at fault. Our practical insight helps you act quickly when the employer offers light duty, disputes the mechanism of injury, or pushes you toward a limited provider network.
Choose Charlie and reach out for a free consultation. We’ll review your incident, explain your options, and map the next steps.
