Granite City Construction Injury Lawyer

Granite City Construction Injury Attorney

Construction sites are hazardous locations and can injure both employees and those near the site. However, employees run a much higher risk of injury by being onsite more often and working directly with dangerous machines and materials. Falls, falling objects, unsecured scaffolding, faulty machinery, and many other hazards can cause injuries. If you are injured on a construction site, a Granite City construction injury lawyer can determine if you have a claim.

Bystanders and sometimes employees may have a personal injury claim if another party acted carelessly or recklessly. Generally, employees are covered by their workers’ compensation insurance regardless of who was at fault or even if no one was at fault for their injuries. Injured employees may have several options to compensate for their injuries, and a Granite City workers’ compensation lawyer is important to understand what is available to you.

A personal injury can be very costly. In addition to high medical bills, you may be unable to earn income while you recover. Recovering damages through a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim may be essential to maintaining your financial stability.

How Bystanders Can Recover Compensation

When individuals are injured on a construction site who are not employed by the company, such as a pedestrian, a sub-contractor, or other party visiting the site, they may be able to file a personal injury claim in Granite City. Unlike workers’ compensation claims, these civil claims are only successful if you can prove another party is at fault and liable for your injuries. Depending on your individual accident, this party could include:

• The construction company, for their own negligence or the negligence of their employees, such as failing to ensure safety guidelines are followed.
• A property owner who failed to address hazards on the construction site.
• The designer, manufacturer, or distributor of a dangerous or defective product.
• Another third party on the construction site whose negligence caused the accident.

An attorney can help you determine if you have a valid personal injury claim after a construction accident.

How Employees Can Recover Compensation in Granite City, IL

Employees may have several options to recover compensation in Granite City, IL, depending on the facts of the accident or their developmental condition. These options may include:

1. Workers’ Compensation Claim: When an employee sustains an injury while completing their work duties, they are usually eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Most employers are required to carry this insurance, which covers employee injuries regardless of who was at fault. Workers’ comp benefits recover a portion of the employee’s wages and any medical costs. Usually, this is the only option for employee recovery.
2. Third-Party Personal Injury Claim: If another party’s negligence or misconduct causes an employee’s injury, the employee could file a personal injury claim. Though fault must be proven for a successful claim, these claims could recover high settlements. Bystanders, property owners, drivers on the road, and subcontractors are potentially liable third parties.
3. Employer Personal Injury Claim: Though not common, there are situations where an employee can file a personal injury claim against an employer. Typically, workers’ compensation insurance protects an employer from liability unless they deliberately cause an employee’s injury. If an employee files for workers’ compensation, they lose the ability to file a personal injury claim against their employer for intentional tort.

In some cases, an injured employee may be able to recover damages through multiple avenues. A personal injury claim against a third party could secure the remaining lost wages and non-economic damages that are not covered by a workers’ compensation claim. Your attorney can review your situation and determine how to obtain the most compensation possible.

Granite City Construction Injury Law FAQs

Q: How Much Do Lawyers Usually Take From Settlements?

A: How much lawyers usually take from settlements in the state depends on several factors, including the attorney you work with and your type of claim. Most personal injury or workers’ compensation attorneys charge a contingency fee. This means you do not owe attorney’s fees if your claim is not successful. An attorney is only paid a portion of your damages if they win your case. This fee will be larger if your case is more complex or if it goes to trial.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for Construction Injuries in Granite City, Illinois?

A: The statute of limitations for construction injuries depends on the circumstances of your injury in Granite City. Personal injury claims have a time limit of two years, while injuries sustained during the design or construction of real property have a time limit of five years. It’s important to talk with an attorney soon after sustaining an injury while working on a construction site. They can determine what the statute is for your claim and help you recover compensation.

Q: Can You Sue for a Work Injury in Illinois?

A: Typically, you cannot sue for a work injury because your injury would be covered under workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation insurance protects employers from personal liability and protects employees by providing them with certain benefits even when no one was at fault for the injury. In some cases, you can sue for a work injury, such as:

• Your employer intentionally caused your injury or illness.
• A third party acted negligently, causing your injury.
• Your injury or illness was caused by an unreasonably dangerous and defective product.

Q: Does Workers’ Comp Pay for Pain and Suffering?

A: No, workers’ comp does not pay for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering damages are non-economic damages for emotional and psychological harm in personal injury claims. Employees can be compensated for residual pain if they suffer a permanent disability from their injury or illness.

Workers’ compensation has fewer benefits than personal injury claims in this way but does not require a party to be at fault to recover compensation. Additionally, workers’ compensation may apply even if the employee is partially liable for their own injury.

Work With a Qualified Granite City Construction Accident Attorney

Accidents on construction sites can cause devastating and catastrophic injuries that alter a person’s entire life. That damage deserves to be compensated. For bystanders and employees alike, it can be difficult to secure fair compensation alone. Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, can review your options for compensation and advocate for your interests. We are proud to stand up for the rights of employees and families in our community. Contact our team today.