Construction workers know that their jobs are dangerous. Every day, work might involve using heavy equipment, climbing ladders or scaffolding or carrying heavy loads. Employers also realize that the work is dangerous and are responsible for ensuring that safety precautions are in place and that all employees are properly trained. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. In 2013, OSHA reported that 20% of work-related deaths were in the construction industry. Almost 800 workers were killed in construction accidents.
The most common cause of a construction accident involves a fall. Other common causes are for someone to be struck by an object (such as a tool dropped from a higher level), electrocutions (possibly caused by frayed cords, worn equipment or wet, muddy conditions) or for workers to be injured when ‘caught between’ (such as being caught between a vehicle and a wall). The odds of a construction worker being injured on the job are high. OSHA reports that about 10% of construction workers are injured on-the-job every year.
When workers are injured, they deserve to receive every penny that they are entitled to. Temporary ‘income’ benefits are usually desperately needed to pay the bills, especially since many injured workers have few resources to draw upon. Medical bills can be extensive; some injuries will have long term repercussions that could make working again difficult or impossible. Receiving the benefits that are due can be difficult, especially when someone is hurt and unable to do all that might be required. An experienced construction accident lawyer in Joliet IL can make the process easier.
When a worker is injured, the employer should be notified immediately. Medical attention should be received as soon as possible. However, the employer’s insurance company will be handling the matter, not the employer directly. Any settlement offers that are made to the worker should be reviewed by an attorney, as the first offers will be too small.
Kipnis and Kahn LTD have the experience needed to aggressively represent those injured in construction accidents. Receiving the benefits that are due is not cut-and-dried, but can be complex. Call this Construction Accident Lawyer in Joliet IL to learn about what must be done to protect your rights. If this Construction Accident Lawyer in Joliet IL does not receive a recovery for their client, no fee will be charged for their services.
