In a national job market, some occupations will come with more inherent risks than others. Today, the construction industry is known as one of the most dangerous industries throughout the United States. Despite stringent regulations established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), designed to keep employees safe, workplace injuries and fatalities are more common in the construction industry than many would like to assume. According to statistics compiled by OSHA, construction industry fatalities account for upwards of 20% of annual private sector fatalities. If you or a loved one have been injured while working construction, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
According to OSHA, the leading cause of injury in the construction industry is falling. Construction workers are asked to work on multiple story buildings, roof builds, and other tasks that put them at risk of falls. Throughout 2018 alone, over 300 construction workers were fatally injured after falling on a job site. Other common causes of injuries and fatalities include being struck by objects and electrocutions. In many injury instances, employers fail to apply proper protective measures throughout the site or equip their employees with necessary protective equipment.
When you or a family member suffer an injury while at work, filing a claim can come with some complications. According to Illinois state law, an employee that suffers an injury at work can only file a workers’ compensation claim against their employer. While an employee cannot file a personal injury claim against an employer, they can file a claim against other contractors or parties responsible for injuries suffered. If a contractor used the employee to complete a task that resulted in injury, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim. If a driver crashes into a construction site resulting in injury, you can file a claim against the driver. For more information on the steps you should take after a construction site injury, speak with a knowledgeable attorney.
When it comes to seeking compensation after a workplace injury, you need an attorney you can trust. At Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Mazur, P.C., our team is dedicated to helping our clients secure the compensation they need. A workplace injury can result in costly medical expenses and loss of income, it is important to act in a prudent manner after an injury is suffered. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Kane County personal injury attorney, call us today at 630-907-0909.
Source:
https://www.osha.gov/data/commonstats