If you got injured in a construction accident in the Chicago area, you might be able to file a lawsuit seeking money damages from the at-fault party. If you were hurt on the job, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits like medical care and the replacement of most of your income. Still, you might be able to file a lawsuit against someone else if their negligence or intentional act caused the accident that harmed you.
A Chicago construction accident attorney could help with protecting your rights and seeking compensation after a construction accident. We are happy to talk to you about your case at no charge.
Damages Recoverable from At-Fault Third Parties
If you qualify for a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, you might be able to go after the same categories of money damages for your construction accident that you could after a car accident or another type of personal injury claim. For example:
- Lost income. If you did not get paid the full regular amount of your wages or salary because you could not work while recuperating, we can add your lost income to your injury claim.
- Lost future income. Some people cannot earn as much money even after achieving maximum healing of their severe wounds. The difference in their income could be part of the construction accident injury case.
- Medical expenses. Usually, a person can recover the reasonable cost of the medical bills to treat their injuries.
- Pain and suffering. This category of damages is separate from getting your medical bills paid. Pain and suffering damages are for the physical discomfort, inconvenience, and emotional distress of getting wounded.
If your close relative died because of a construction accident that was the fault of a third party’s negligence, the family might be eligible for additional compensation.
Types of Construction Accidents
“Falls from a height” cause many construction accident injuries. Whether working on a roof or an unfinished upper level of a building, people on construction sites often get hurt by falling. Scaffolds and ladders are also common causes of injuries in this industry. Getting pinned by equipment or electrocuted round out the list of some of the top reasons for construction accidents.
Situations That Could Lead to a Construction Accident Lawsuit
You might qualify to file a personal injury lawsuit if someone else caused you to get injury through their careless or intentional act, for example:
- You were a vendor delivering construction materials to the job site at the time of the accident.
- You were delivering food to the workers.
- You were struck by a construction vehicle while in another vehicle or on foot.
- You were passing by the construction site when you got injured by a dropped object, out-of-control equipment, an explosion, or some other type of event or item.
In these scenarios, the construction company’s worker’s compensation insurance would be unlikely to cover your losses because you are not employed by the construction company, but you could pursue an injury claim against the responsible party. Construction accident injury claims are complex, so you will want to talk to a Chicago personal injury attorney to sort out who might be liable and go after compensation. Get in touch with our office today, for help with your case.