Frequently-Asked-Questions-Construction-Accidents
1. Who is responsible under the law for a construction accident?
Construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in this country. Those entities who have control over the means, methods and operative details of the work are subject to liability for injuries caused by their negligence. For example, if a general contractor retains enough control such that a subcontractor is not entirely free to do the work his own way, the general contractor might be subject to liability for an injury to a subcontractor’s employee. If one subcontractor improperly erects a scaffold that is to be used by other trades at the site, the entity that erected the scaffold may be subject to liability for injuries caused by the improper construction of the scaffold to other workers at the site. Liability may also exist for injuries caused by the failure to erect appropriate barriers or supports, the improper storage of materials, improper use of cranes or hoists, and other negligent conduct.
We work with leading construction and safety experts to investigate and prove these challenging cases.
2. What compensation does the law provide for those who have been injured in a construction accident?
The law provides for the same measure of damages in these cases as in any other personal injury case. Once a jury determines that a person has been injured as a result of the wrongful conduct of another, the jury is asked to compensate that person for: past and future medical and hospital bills, past and future wage loss or loss of earning capacity, disfigurement, disability or loss of a normal life, and past and future physical and mental pain and suffering. In a wrongful death case, the family of the person killed may be entitled to compensation for the loss of financial support that the decedent would have provided, as well as compensation for the loss of the love, companionship and affection of the deceased. Under a recent change in Illinois law, a family will also be able to seek compensation for their grief.
We work with nationally ranked experts, such as economists, life-care planners, physicians and others to prove that our clients are entitled to the greatest amount of compensation that the law allows.
3. What should I do if I or a loved-one have been injured in a construction accident?
You need to speak to a lawyer qualified and experienced in construction accident cases as soon as possible. There are time limits under the law within which such a case must be filed. All rights can be lost if suit is not filed within these time limits.
It is important that you make a list of the names and addresses of the general contractor, architect, construction supervisor, and as many subcontractors as you can. This information is important in determining who might be responsible for your injuries. As with any other case, you should also gather information about where the injuries sustained in the accident were treated, the bills for that treatment and any information, such as pay stubs, that will help show lost income. Bring this information, such as accident reports, police reports, medical records, or bills when you come to consult with us.
4. How much does it cost to hire a lawyer to represent me or my family in a construction accident case?
There is no charge for an initial consultation. If we take on your case, we receive a fee based on a percentage of the amount recovered. There is no fee if there is no recovery. We are also reimbursed from any recovery for the costs we advance to prosecute the case.
