Demolition work is the most high-risk activity that can take place on a construction site. All of the usual hazards involved in construction are present. There is also the added potential for events that can be difficult to predict. Once a wall is forced to collapse, there are risks associated with the behavior of the debris.
The Chicago demolition accident lawyers at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates know injuries that occur as a result of demolition accidents are often severe or life-threatening. Employers have a responsibility for ensuring worker safety, even in this high-risk environment. If you have been injured in a demolition accident where proper procedures were not followed, you have a right to seek compensation for your losses.
Demolition Accident Attorneys
The construction accident attorneys at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates have extensive experience with construction accident litigation. Our record of success in securing injury verdicts includes what was the largest jury award for a construction accident in Illinois history.
Two of our lead attorneys have backgrounds in the construction industry and can hold their own against any witness or expert. You won’t find a team more qualified to help pursue a settlement or verdict on your behalf than the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates.
Setting the Stage for Problems
Some of the most important steps that can be taken to prevent accidents during demolition take place before the work even begins. These include:
- Design and planning: These must consider proximity to other buildings, the method, and sequence of the demolition process, the height of any walls that are to be demolished, any special building features that could present special hazards, etc.
- Equipment: All the necessary equipment for the safe execution of the work to be undertaken must be identified and brought to the site. This includes all relevant protective equipment. All of these items must be verified to be in proper working order.
- Training: Everyone involved in the demolition process must have received proper training for the job they are being asked to do, be well-briefed on all aspects of the demolition project and fully understand any safety equipment or safety procedures that are involved.
Lack of attention to details sets the stage for serious accidents and injuries.
Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos is one of the most significant risks in demolition work. Prior to the 1980s, asbestos was commonly used in building construction.
An estimated 12,000 to 15,000 Americans die each year as a result of asbestos exposure. Whether from lung cancer, asbestosis or mesothelioma, asbestos can be deadly. In 2006, the World Health Organization published a document on asbestos-related diseases. In it, the document states even very low exposures to asbestos can lead to cancer.
These risks can be heightened at the site of a demolition job if the building history has not been adequately investigated to predict the likelihood that asbestos will be released or if the necessary protective equipment is not provided or fully operational.
Help for Demolition Accident Victims in Chicago
If you or a loved one has been injured in a demolition accident, we invite you to schedule a free consultation. Our Chicago demolition accident attorneys will review your case and advise you regarding your next steps. If you like, you can also get this process started using the “Live Chat” feature on our website.
You deserve to know your right and to hold anyone who has contributed to your injury accountable. You also deserve to receive compensation that reflects the impact of the injuries or illness on your life and future. Call our team at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates today.
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