Construction Accidents

Of the myriad industries that exist today, the construction industry continues to be one of the most dangerous for workers. Indeed, in a single year, more than 20 percent of all workplace fatal injuries that occurred in the United States involved workers in the construction industry, and non-fatal injury rates are steep, too.
The fact that working construction is inherently risky enhances the importance of construction industry employers carrying workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance type is designed to pay for an injured worker’s lost wages and medical expenses after an on-the-job injury occurs.

Common Causes of Construction Worker Injuries

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that there are four common causes of worker death within the construction industry:

• Falls
• Being struck by an object
• Electrocutions
• Being caught in machinery or equipment

However, these are not the only causes of injury, fatal and otherwise. Slips and trips, transportation incidents, equipment and tool malfunctions, and general negligence can all lead to serious injuries. These injuries might include fractured bones, internal injuries, amputated limbs, crushed limbs, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue injuries. Because of the severity of injuries that are possible within the construction injury, it is not uncommon for a construction worker to suffer permanent disability as a result of a workplace accident.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available After a Construction Accident

Illinois law requires that in nearly all situations, businesses within the construction industry are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, they may be in violation of the law. You should consult an attorney immediately to learn more.

Assuming that your employer does carry workers’ compensation insurance, then you are eligible to receive these benefits if you are injured while at work or performing a work-related task, and do not have to prove fault. One guaranteed benefit is compensation for the full extent of your necessary and reasonable medical expenses, including doctors’ appointments, hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, prescription drug costs, and more.

In addition to compensation for your medical expenses, you may also be eligible for wage replacement benefits for permanent or temporary partial or total disability. These benefits are typically paid at a rate of two-thirds of your average weekly wage, but cannot exceed the maximum weekly benefit amount.

Our Construction Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help You

At the law offices of Brassfield, Krueger & Ramlow, Ltd., we know how serious construction accidents can be. We also know that if you are injured while working construction, the injury may prevent you from being able to return to work – your skills in construction, which are now impaired, may be your only form of livelihood. If this is taken from you, you might have questions about your future – our attorneys are here to help.

To start the process of getting the benefits to which you’re entitled, call our Rockford construction accident attorneys today for a free consultation. Our lawyers are passionate about helping you.