Jersey County Construction Accident Lawyer

Jersey County Construction Injury Attorney

The government has placed many laws on commissioning, designing, construction, and operating buildings to control risks and ensure safety. These laws do not always keep accidents from happening.

Working in construction carries a high risk of accidents and injury. Construction work is physically taxing and demands the use of powerful machinery. Workers often climb to a great height and work in dangerous environments where accidents are likely to occur.

Injuries obtained while in construction work tend to cause more damage than most other workplace accidents. If you suffered this type of incident, speak to a Jersey County construction injury lawyer. A skilled attorney could advise you on the next steps to take.

Causes of Construction Injury

There are numerous and varied causes of construction injuries. Some of these causes are obvious, while others are not.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has identified the following causes of construction injuries:

Falling Objects

Poorly secured objects like tools pose a significant risk of causing injuries should they fall. Although hard hats are mandatory on construction sites, they do not always prevent brain and spinal injury.

Falls

Scaffolds, cranes, roofs, and ladders present a risk of injury from falling. Even when the height does not seem very high, about five feet, falling on your head, back, or neck can leave you hospitalized.

Falling from high-rises, scaffolding, or construction is likely to be fatal.

The additional danger comes when it is possible to fall into machinery that can cause more damage.

Accidents from Equipment

Machines help improve the efficiency and general safety of the workplace.

Most machines, however, have sharp edges, hot surfaces, and moving parts that can cause serious injuries. They can crush or amputate appendages, cause burns, or even blindness.

When the machines are not well maintained, the risk of injury is much higher. Poorly maintained machinery can misfire, fall over unexpectedly, or fail to work as it should.

Vehicle Accidents

There are many jobs involving vehicles on construction sites. Workers can be run over by trucks at construction sites.

Fires and Explosions

Construction work sometimes involves exposed flames, hot work conditions, leaking pipes, and flammable chemicals. These conditions, paired with accidentally exposed live wires, can lead to explosions and cause fires.

Building or Structure Collapse

Tunnels can collapse during excavations, and buildings can also collapse, or demolition can go wrong. All these conditions make construction sites dangerous and accident-prone.

Exposure to Dangerous Materials

Construction sites can expose workers to toxic materials like asbestos, lead, and dust.

Heat Stroke

No matter the weather or atmospheric conditions, constructions do not stop. Workers will find themselves working in hot areas, which raises the job hazard. Sun exposure and overexertion can lead to workers suffering heat strokes.

Results of Unsafe Working Conditions in Jersey County

The types of injuries you can encounter in construction sites include:

• Amputation
• Fractures and broken bones
• Burns from fires, electrocutions, and explosions
• Cuts and lacerations
• Death
• Damaged eyesight
• Damaged hearing
• Paralysis
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Head and traumatic brain injuries
• Knee, ankle, or shoulder injuries

Call a Jersey County Construction Accident Attorney

Most construction sites will have a worker compensation policy that can cover medical expenses.

If, however, you can prove an accident is due to negligence, you may be eligible for additional financial compensation. If an accident severely injures or kills a family member in Illinois, you can open a third-party liability lawsuit.

Illinois has a personal injury statute of limitations, so you should contact an experienced work injury lawyer as soon as possible. A Jersey County construction injury lawyer may improve your chances of receiving compensation.