Construction sites are inherently dangerous. Despite all the regulations and safety protocols in place, accidents happen regularly on Illinois construction sites. The consequences can be severe and include injuries, lost wages, and, in the worst cases, even death.
At the Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC, we are here to help injured construction workers in Litchfield, Nokomis, and surrounding areas.
Top 5 Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Illinois
Recognizing the patterns that emerge in construction accidents is important for avoiding them. And if you’ve already been injured, it can help you understand your legal options.
Here are the five leading causes of construction-related injuries in Illinois:
Falls From Heights
Falls are the leading cause of construction injuries and deaths, and it’s not hard to see why. Construction workers routinely climb scaffolding, work on rooftops, use ladders, and navigate partially built structures.
Many of these accidents are preventable — certain measures can reduce the likelihood of mishaps, such as safety harnesses, guardrails, and proper scaffold construction. On busy job sites, however, safety sometimes takes a backseat to speed.
A fall from even a modest height can end in catastrophic injuries. Workers might suffer brain trauma, spinal damage, and multiple fractures that permanently alter their lives in seconds.
Object Impacts
Construction sites contain lots of objects in motion, like dropped tools, heavy machinery, and materials being hoisted. When these objects strike workers, the injuries can be devastating. The danger is intensified on sites with labor happening on multiple levels simultaneously.
Something as small as a hammer dropped from three stories up can cause potentially fatal injuries to workers below. Fortunately, proper protocols for securing tools and materials, using netting and barriers, and establishing clear work zones can prevent many of these accidents.
Electrical Shocks
Electricity is an ever-present threat on construction sites. Workers frequently deal with exposed wiring and temporary power systems and work near live electric lines.
Electrical accidents are even more tragic because of how quickly they tend to occur. Even momentary contact with an ungrounded source can cause severe burns, cardiac problems, or death.
With electrical mishaps, there’s rarely any warning before it’s too late. These accidents often stem from inadequate lockout/tagout procedures, improper grounding, or miscommunication about which systems are energized.
Caught-Between Accidents
Some of the most gruesome construction accidents happen when workers get caught between heavy objects, like being pinned between a vehicle and a wall, caught in a piece of machinery, or trapped in a collapsing trench.
The human body isn’t built to withstand these forces, and crush injuries, amputations, and internal damage are common outcomes. Training workers to recognize “pinch points” and enforcing safety zones around heavy machinery can decrease the risk of these incidents.
Inadequate Training
Behind most construction accidents you’ll find indications of inadequate training. Construction labor is complex and dangerous work. Without proper instruction regarding equipment operation, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures, workers are essentially navigating a minefield blindfolded.
Some contractors cut corners on training to save time or money, while others train new hires but forgo ongoing education about changing conditions or new equipment. Either way, it’s the workers who pay the price.
What to Do After a Construction Accident
There are several important steps to take if you get hurt on a construction site:
- Get medical help right away, even if you think your injury isn’t that bad
- Take pictures of where the accident occurred, if you can do so safely
- Write down the names of people who saw what happened
- Report the accident to your employer through official channels
- Keep track of all doctor’s visits and medical bills
- Hold on to any equipment or materials that were part of the accident
- Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies until you talk to a lawyer
Workers’ compensation can help with some of the costs you face. In some cases, however, other parties, such as equipment makers or subcontractors, might also be partially responsible for your injuries.
How Our Construction Accident Attorneys Can Help
At the Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC, we understand the physical and financial hardships that follow construction accidents. Our seasoned attorneys can help determine what happened, who bears liability, and what forms of compensation you’re eligible to pursue.
We’ll take the time to understand every detail of your case, from basic working conditions to the extent of your injuries.
Contact The Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC, Today
Construction accident cases require the services of lawyers who understand both the legal principles and practical realities of construction work. Our team is here to help.
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a construction accident, contact us today to get skilled legal representation.
