Few would argue that construction workers have a crucial role in society. Unfortunatley, although government regulations have been established to increase safety and reduce the chances of a construction accident, construction work is still one of the most dangerous industries. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that one out of every five workplace deaths occurs in the construction industry.

Trench collapse can be especially dangerous, resulting in catastrophic injuries and deaths. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a construction site trench collapse, you may be able to take legal action and recover financial compensation.

Trench Collapse Caused by Third-Party Negligence

In March of this year, two individuals were charged with first degree manslaughter after a trench collapsed on an employee and killed him. According to reports, there were no safety devices being used to hold the trench in place and prevent collapse. The trench had already collapsed twice on the day of the fatal accident, but actions were not taken to prevent another collapse.

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Construction workers are required to work with massive machinery, atop dizzyingly high structures, and in very unstable environments. They are prone to a variety of serious injuries that can lead to disability or death.

Equipment or machine malfunctions, struck-by accidents, severe falls, and structural collapses are just some of the ways that construction workers may suffer catastrophic injuries. Amputations are one of the most damaging injuries construction works can sustain on the job.

Severe Injuries Leading to Amputation of a Limb

When a hand, foot, arm, or leg is severely injured in a construction accident, there may be nothing that doctors can do to save the injured body part. The only option may be amputation of the injured limb. This surgery can have a huge impact on a worker’s life, as they may no longer be able to do their job or even perform basic everyday tasks. The worker may suffer from excruciating pain, numbness, or even "phantom limb syndrome," a condition in which the patient feels as if their amputated limb is still there.

Despite numerous laws and regulations designed to reduce accidents and injuries, construction sites are incredibly dangerous. Approximately one in five worker fatalities occurs in the construction industry. Equipment-related accidents, falling, electrocution, trench collapses, and struck-by accidents are just some of the common reasons for serious construction site injuries. If you were injured or a loved one was killed on a construction site, it is essential to understand your legal options. You may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, and other damages.

Bringing a Claim Against a Negligent Third Party

Some injured construction workers assume that workers’ compensation is the only avenue through which they may recover financial compensation because their injury occurred at work. However, this is not always the case. If the careless or dangerous actions of a third party caused or significantly contributed to your injuries, you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit directly against this party.

The liable party in a construction site injury or death may be:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roofing is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. In 2017 alone, 2,060 roofers were injured and 96 were killed on the job. Falling accounts for a large percentage of severe and deadly roofing accidents. If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury on a roofing job, you may be facing expensive medical bills and major financial hardship. You may be able to get compensation for your losses through workers’ compensation or a third-party claim.

Getting Financial Compensation for Injuries Caused in a Roofing Accident

Roofing accidents are often life-changing. Severely broken bones, internal organ damage, and debilitating spine injuries are not uncommon. An injured roofer may be left with limited mobility or may even be paralyzed in a roofing accident. Traumatic brain injuries with devastating physical, mental, and psychological effects are also common consequences of a roofing accident. If you or a loved one were hurt while on a roofing job, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. However, the types and amount of compensation that you may recover depend on your worker classification, who is liable for the accident, and several other factors.  

Determining Liability for Your Accident  

If you are an employee of a company in Illinois, your employer is required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation typically covers medical expenses and two-thirds of the injured worker’s lost income. An employee is covered by workers’ compensation regardless of who is at fault for the accident. However, getting the compensation you need and deserve from a workers’ compensation insurer is often much more difficult than it would seem. Furthermore, if you are classified as an independent contractor and not an employee, you may not be entitled to workers’ compensation.

When we think about construction site injuries, we typically think about injured construction workers. When a construction worker is harmed as an employee on a construction site, he or she is typically entitled to compensation for medical bills and lost wages though workers’ compensation. You may wonder, however, what happens when a non-worker is injured at a construction site. For example, what happens if you are walking near a construction site and are injured by falling building debris? In a situation like this, you may be able to recover compensation via a personal injury claim.

Non-Employee Construction Site Injuries

Construction sites are filled with dangers. Partially-constructed buildings, suspended beams, hazardous materials, other dangers can lead to severe injuries and deaths. Construction companies and contractors are expected to follow strict safety regulations to protect the wellbeing of workers as well as non-workers. However, construction site accidents still can and do occur. A construction accident can lead to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, amputation injuries, and much more.

When Does a Non-Worker Have a Valid Legal Claim?

If you were hurt on a construction site or your loved one was killed in a construction accident, you may wonder if you have a valid damages claim. Typically, a person is only entitled to compensation for injuries caused in a construction site if he or she was on the site legally. Individuals who are trespassing often have limited rights or no right to compensation. Most construction site injury or death claims are based on the concept of negligence. You may be entitled to compensation if your injury or your loved one’s death involved the following factors: