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Frequently Asked Questions about Construction Accidents

Q: How do I take steps to assert my rights to a safe workplace?

A: If you feel that your workplace is unsafe, your first action should be to make your supervisor aware of the danger, then follow up in writing. If you are still unsuccessful in getting the safety hazard corrected, you can file a complaint at the nearest OSHA office. You can refer to OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov for more information.

Q: If I'm injured while working on a construction site, is it possible for me to recover more than just workers' compensation benefits?

A: Workers' compensation laws only affect your recovery from your employer, not other parties. If other parties, such as equipment manufacturers, property owners or third-party contractors, are responsible for your injuries, you may be able to recover from them in addition to collecting workers' compensation benefits.

Construction workers must deal with some of the most dangerous working conditions faced by employees in any industry, and serious work-related injuries at construction sites occur with an unfortunate frequency.

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Construction Site Accident Lawyers

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When an employee is seriously injured on the job, Workers’ Compensation may not fully compensate the worker for all losses. If the accident was due to negligence of the employer or a manufacturer, there may be grounds for a personal injury claim also.

Based in Chicago, Illinois, the construction site injury lawyers of Seidman Law Offices have obtained significant jury awards and insurance settlements for victims of workplace accidents in Cook, Kane, Will, DuPage, and Lake counties. Our prompt investigation and thorough preparation for trial has earned clients several settlements of more than $1 million for catastrophic on-the-job injuries. We have handled roofing and scaffolding falls, work vehicle accidents, forklift and machinery accidents, highway worker accidents, and all types of work zone injuries. Contact the construction site accident attorneys of Seidman Law Offices for a free consultation, including evenings and weekends, by appointment.

Construction Accidents - An Overview

Construction workers face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the country on a daily basis. Although there are regulations, statutes, ordinances and industry standards that mandate employers must provide a reasonably safe working environment, construction workers still suffer serious injuries at an alarming rate.

The sheer number of hazards on a construction site makes it virtually impossible to prevent all injuries from occurring. These hazards include falls from scaffolds and other elevations, being struck by moving or falling machinery, electrocution, health hazards resulting from exposure to asbestos and chemicals, injuries caused by defective or unsafe equipment, and lifting and repetitive motion injuries.

If you have suffered or if one of your family members has suffered injuries as the result of a construction accident, an experienced construction accident and injury litigation attorney can help you understand your rights.

Construction Injuries at a Glance

According to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry accounts for the highest number of worker fatalities of any industry. Hazards posed by construction sites include exposure to noise, dust and other chemicals, working from high elevations and in confined spaces, working with power tools and other mechanical equipment, exposure to electricity, and performing excavations. More information on the specific types of injuries suffered by constructions workers is provided below.

Workers' Compensation

If you have been injured while working at a construction site, your financial recovery may be affected by workers' compensation laws, depending on your employment situation and the degree of liability on your employer's part. Following is a brief examination of the typical workers' compensation procedure. Keep in mind that parties other than your employer may be legally responsible for your injuries (such as third-party contractors, property owners or equipment manufacturers) and your recovery from those parties will not be affected by workers' compensation laws. If you or your loved one has suffered injuries as the result of a construction accident, consult a workers' compensation attorney to learn if you qualify for benefits.

OSHA and Employee Workplace Rights

OSHA safety standards and regulations apply to construction projects, so it is helpful to have a general idea of your rights under OSHA as an employee at a construction job site. If you or your loved one has suffered injuries as the result of a construction accident, consult an attorney to learn more about your rights regarding compensation.

Construction Accident Resource Links

OSHA - Employee Workplace Rights
From the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. What to do if you question the safety of your workplace. Lists addresses and phone numbers for more information.

OSHA - Construction Scaffolding
Overview, press releases, links, OSHA standards and regulations, and a "Scaffolding eTool", which provides illustrated safety checklists for specific types of scaffolds and identifies hazards.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related disease and injury.

Construction Accidents Information Center