A serious construction accident can leave you with painful injuries, missed paychecks, and questions about how you will support your family. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we understand what working people are up against after a job site injury.
Since 2002, our firm has recovered more than $100 million for clients, brings 75 years of combined legal experience, and treats every client like a person, not a case number. Our Tinley Park construction accident lawyer will explain your rights, help you pursue workers’ compensation benefits, and determine if another party may also be responsible for your injuries.
Our Tinley Park workers’ compensation lawyer also helps workers coordinate their benefits while exploring third-party claims that may provide more financial recovery. If you need care but do not have health insurance, we will connect you with providers who can delay payment until your case is resolved. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover for you. Choose Charlie.
How Our Construction Accident Lawyer in Tinley Park Will Help
A Tinley Park personal injury lawyer from our firm understands that construction accidents often involve more than one legal claim. We begin investigating immediately, identify every possible source of recovery, and handle the legal work while you focus on your health.
When you hire a construction accident lawyer in Tinley Park, we can:
- Investigate how the accident happened.
- Preserve evidence before it disappears.
- Identify everyone who may be legally responsible.
- Handle communication with insurance companies.
- Manage your workers’ compensation claim.
- Determine whether you have a third-party lawsuit.
- Calculate the full value of your financial losses.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement or prepare your case for trial if necessary.
Founding attorney Charlie Therman previously worked on the insurance side with Allstate. That experience gives our team valuable insight into how insurance companies investigate claims and evaluate settlements. We use that knowledge to anticipate common defense strategies and build stronger cases for our clients.
We also make communication simple. You can upload documents electronically, communicate with our office through our website and app, and count on prompt responses whenever questions come up.
Who We Help After Construction Accidents in Tinley Park
Construction sites involve many different employers and contractors working together. Whether you were employed directly by the general contractor or another company, you may have important legal rights.
We represent:
- Construction laborers
- Electricians
- Ironworkers
- Roofers
- Plumbers
- Heavy equipment operators
- Carpenters
- Concrete workers
- Delivery drivers
- Union and non-union workers
- Site visitors
- Pedestrians injured by construction activity
Construction accidents often affect entire families. When someone cannot work for weeks or months, the financial stress builds quickly. Our goal is to help clients secure the resources they need while they recover.
Common Construction Accidents We Handle
Construction sites contain constantly changing hazards. A single mistake, equipment failure, or safety violation can lead to catastrophic injuries.
A Tinley Park worksite accident lawyer at our firm handles claims involving:
- Falls from roofs, ladders, scaffolding, and aerial lifts
- Falling tools, materials, and debris
- Electrocutions
- Trench collapses
- Heavy equipment accidents
- Crane accidents
- Forklift collisions
- Machinery malfunctions
- Defective tools or safety equipment
- Explosions and fires
- Elevator and hoist accidents
- Caught-between and caught-in machinery accidents
We also represent families pursuing wrongful death claims after fatal construction accidents.
Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims
Most injured construction workers qualify for Illinois workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who caused the accident. Workers’ compensation may pay for reasonable medical treatment, a portion of lost wages, disability benefits, and other available benefits under Illinois law.
If someone other than your employer contributed to the accident, you may also have a personal injury claim against another party.
Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Property owners
- Equipment rental companies
- Equipment manufacturers
- Maintenance contractors
- Material suppliers
Unlike workers’ compensation, a third-party lawsuit may allow you to recover damages for pain and suffering, the full amount of lost income, future earning capacity, and other losses that workers’ compensation does not cover.
Our Tinley Park construction injury lawyers evaluate every case carefully because pursuing both claims when appropriate may significantly increase the total recovery available.
What Causes Construction Accidents?
Many construction injuries are preventable.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Poor fall protection
- Unsafe scaffolding
- Unsecured ladders
- Defective machinery
- Inadequate training
- Lack of proper supervision
- Electrical hazards
- Unsafe excavation practices
- Failure to follow OSHA safety requirements
- Poor communication between contractors
- Missing safety guards
- Improperly maintained equipment
When companies cut corners or ignore safety procedures, workers often suffer the consequences.
What to Do After a Construction Accident
The actions you take after an accident may affect both your health and your legal claim.
If possible:
- Get medical treatment immediately.
- Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Take photographs of the accident scene, equipment, and visible injuries.
- Save medical records and work restrictions.
- Collect contact information for witnesses.
- Avoid discussing the accident with insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney.
The sooner evidence is preserved, the easier it often is to determine exactly what happened.
Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Claim
Construction accident cases often involve extensive documentation. Helpful evidence may include:
- Accident reports
- Job site photographs
- Video footage
- Safety inspection reports
- OSHA investigation records
- Equipment maintenance records
- Contracts between contractors and subcontractors
- Training records
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Pay records showing lost income
Our firm works quickly to obtain and preserve evidence before it is lost or destroyed. When appropriate, we also work with construction safety experts and other professionals who can explain how the accident occurred.
Compensation Available After a Tinley Park Construction Accident
Depending on the type of claim, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of a normal life
- Disfigurement
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits
If a loved one died because of a construction accident, surviving family members may also have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit under Illinois law. Our Tinley Park wrongful death lawyer can help you with that process.
Workers’ Compensation Deadlines Matter
Illinois law places strict deadlines on construction accident claims. Workers generally must notify their employer within 45 days of a workplace injury. Workers’ compensation claims are also subject to filing deadlines with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Third-party personal injury lawsuits are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations, although exceptions may apply. Waiting too long can affect your ability to recover damages, so it is wise to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Speak With a Construction Accident Lawyer in Tinley Park Today
After a serious job site injury, having experienced legal guidance can make a meaningful difference. Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., will review your situation, explain your options, and help you pursue every available source of recovery.
We work on a contingency fee basis, can connect eligible clients with medical providers who treat on a lien, and remain available to answer your questions throughout your case.
Contact our construction accident lawyer in Tinley Park today for a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights after a construction accident.
