subject: Chicago Construction Accidents - Construction Industry Dangers [print this page] The construction industry has one of the highest rates of workplace injuries and fatalities, making it one of the most dangerous industries for employees. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2007, there were 135,000 injuries requiring missed work days in the construction industry, and in 2008, there were nearly 1,000 deaths.
The high numbers of injuries and fatalities associated with the construction industry are because of the inherent hazards associated with construction sites, such as trenches, scaffoldings, power lines, dangerous equipment, falling objects, and exposure to harmful and toxic chemicals. Some of the most common injuries and fatalities are because of falls, being struck by an object, being caught in collapsing materials, and contact with an electrical current. Although construction laborers are the most commonly injured construction employees, roofers, carpenters and construction managers are also especially at risk.
Recovering Damages for Construction Site Injuries
Construction workers injured on the job are entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits. Employers are required to pay for the costs of any medical care necessary to treat the employee's injury, such as emergency room visits, doctor visits and physical therapy. In addition to medical expenses, employees may be entitled to additional benefits such as Total Temporary Disability Benefits. It would be in the best interest of a person injured on a construction site to contact an accident attorney in Chicago with experience in construction site workers compensation law.
Self-employed workers and independent contractors who are injured on construction sites may also be able to recover for their injuries. Illinois has a number of specific laws addressing the construction industry, including laws intended to prevent construction site owners and contractors from wrongfully misclassifying workers in order to avoid paying workers' compensation benefits and to prevent clauses in construction contracts disclaiming liability or seeking indemnification for injuries resulting from certain types of negligence. Business owners and sole proprietors who purchase workers' compensation insurance for themselves can also recover workers' compensation benefits. In addition, self-employed workers may also be able to recover damages in which the owner of the construction site was negligent in maintaining the premises. For compassionate representation, contact a Chicago accident lawyer.
Chicago Construction Accidents - Construction Industry Dangers
