Construction jobs come with a substantial risk of injury from heavy equipment, electricity, and hazardous materials. When you have been injured on the job, you need access to critical resources to recover and return to your career. But managing the paperwork and details of insurance claims is overwhelming when you are in pain.
Instead, turn to an Aurora construction accident lawyer from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates to determine your best course of action. We are ready to listen to your situation and help you through every step of applying for benefits and appealing your case if you are denied. Contact us to arrange a free consultation with an Aurora workers’ compensation lawyer and learn more today.
Our Aurora construction accident lawyer works diligently to protect your interests
Hiring a personal injury lawyer may be something you avoid because you are not sure if you need one. You might also worry about whether you can afford professional legal representation. When a construction accident leaves you recovering at home, an Aurora personal injury lawyer can be your champion for dealing with insurance companies.
At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, our goal is to alleviate these fears and secure justice for accident victims like you. Our personal injury lawyers in Aurora collect evidence and records of your medical expenses, prepare documentation and claim forms, and then negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. You can put your energy into getting better rather than facing exhausting conversations about your case.
While you may be dealing with reduced income until you heal, those lost wages do not mean you cannot afford a lawyer. We offer an initial free case evaluation and a contingency fee guarantee, where you do not pay our fees unless we win your case. You can get the help you need without paying upfront, giving you the confidence and peace of mind you need to partner with our firm.
Read how we have guided other clients in construction accident cases
“I am extremely grateful to Horwitz, Horwitz & Assoc. After being turned down by another firm, I approached Horwitz, who took on my case. I was treated by the firm like family. Everyone there helped me in many ways, reassuring my confidence and answering any questions I had. After years of litigation and the hard work of Cliff and Jay, we went to trial. They all went far and beyond with their knowledge and professionalism to win my case. As a union carpenter, I would highly recommend Horwitz, Horwitz & Assoc.”
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“I was lifting heavy steel at work and tore my rotator cuff…Mitch Horwitz got me into a pain management specialist and kept it under control. When I lost the ability to go back to what I was used to doing put me in unfamiliar territory, and I questioned my worth. It was such a great feeling not worrying about all the details and knowing that they were protecting my best interests. I am so grateful for Mitch and the Horwitz team!”
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“It wasn’t like talking to an attorney, it was like talking to a union brother.”
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Legal rights for Aurora injured construction workers
| Right to a safe workplace – Companies must maintain safe and clean environments according to construction industry standards enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). If a company ignores these standards negligently or intentionally, you may have the right to file a lawsuit. |
| Right to seek benefits – Nearly all Illinois employers are required to carry employee insurance, giving you the right to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. These include medical payments, partial wage replacement, and vocational retraining if you are not able to return to your former job. |
| Right to hire a construction accident lawyer – You can hire an attorney to guide you through the benefits process and help with filing a personal injury claim against third parties for your injuries. |
We make the workers’ compensation claims process easier to understand
Filing a claim after getting hurt may seem relatively straightforward, but providing the right information and documentation is where many workers often encounter problems. Missing anything can set your claim back for weeks or even result in a denial. Your Aurora, IL, construction accident attorney will discuss the claims process, which has the following steps:
- Report your injury: You should report your injury to your supervisor or manager right away. Under Illinois law, you have 45 days to do so, but it’s better to report it quickly.
- Your employer reports the injury: Your employer must complete and return the First Report of Injury form to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) within 14 days if the injury causes you to miss three or more work days.
- You receive medical treatment: Your employer must give you a list of authorized treating physicians within 14 days after you notify them of your injury. If you need emergency treatment, you can receive that before filing your injury report.
- You file your claim: You must file your workers’ compensation claim for benefits within three years of the date of injury.
- You receive a medical exam: The IWCC may require you to get a medical exam to determine the full extent of your injury and projected treatment.
- IWCC reviews your claim: The Commission will examine your claim and supporting documents and decide whether to approve or deny it. Upon approval, the employer’s insurance carrier will begin paying benefits, which may include lost wages, medical expenses, and vocational rehabilitation.
The review process can be lengthy, so keeping all your receipts and tracking expenses related to your injury is essential. If your claim is denied, you can request an appeal through the IWCC dispute resolution process. Since this can be a complicated process, we recommend consulting with a qualified Aurora, IL construction accident lawyer to increase your chances of a satisfactory outcome.
Common types of construction accidents in Aurora, IL
Nearly every job on construction sites is high-risk. Even those working in the project office can get badly injured. Some of the most common causes of accidents in Aurora include falls, electrocution, accidents involving heavy machinery, vehicle collisions, and trench collapses. These circumstances can lead to the following kinds of injuries:
- Fractures from falls or being struck by heavy equipment
- Head injuries as a result of falling or being struck by falling objects
- Lacerations from coming into contact with sharp edges or tools
- Burns from electrical hazards, fires, or coming into contact with hot equipment
- Crush injuries from heavy machinery or collapses
- Amputations due to machinery accidents or other types of accidents
- Back and spinal cord injuries from falls, heavy lifting, or other accidents
- Illnesses related to exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead
- Repetitive motion injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or stress injuries from lifting heavy objects or carrying materials
Each of these injuries can lead to high medical bills and even permanent disability. Your Aurora construction accident attorney will help you collect all records of your condition and work to recover every penny of your expenses. They may also connect you with medical specialists who will help you receive the treatment you need.
Contact Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates for superior representation in a construction accident injury claim
After suffering a construction accident, you need a champion on your side who will fight for what you deserve. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we believe in providing top-notch service for all personal injury cases, no matter how complex. Arrange a free consultation when you call us at (800) 985-1819 or use our online contact form and get the compensation you need.
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates answers common questions about Aurora construction work accident claims
Are there time limits for filing a claim?
If you’re filing a claim through workers’ compensation, you have three years from the date of injury or illness to file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) if you haven’t received compensation or benefits from your injury. If you’ve received any benefits or compensation, then you must file your claim with the IWCC within two years of the date you last received compensation.
How much time do I have to file third-party personal injury claims?
If your Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates Aurora construction accident attorney recommends that you have greater chances of recovering damages through a personal injury lawsuit, then the deadline or statute of limitations by which you must file your claim is two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file a claim within these two years, you will likely be barred from pursuing legal action for your injuries or losses.
Why work with an Aurora construction accident attorney from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates?
An Aurora, IL construction accident attorney with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and interview witnesses, all of which can be critical in proving negligence in a personal injury lawsuit or for recovering maximum benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. The Horwitz family has been representing injured people in Illinois since 1924. We bring nearly a century of legal experience to every case we handle.
Your Aurora, IL, construction accident lawyer can also help you determine whether pursuing a third-party personal injury lawsuit is right for your case. This may be an option for recovering the full range of damages beyond what workers’ compensation benefits provide. This can include pain and suffering, such as PTSD, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
Local resources for injured construction workers in Aurora
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
25 E. Washington Street, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60602
(800) 985-1819
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission
The IWCC administers the Illinois workers’ compensation system. On their site, you can file claims, access forms, and learn about your rights as an injured worker.
Lake County Workforce Development
Lake County Workforce Development provides career assistance and resources for injured workers transitioning into less physically demanding roles.
Illinois Department of Public Health
The Illinois Department of Public Health is a state agency that provides resources and information for workers who may have been exposed to hazardous materials. This agency also helps employers and employees understand the regulations and reporting process.
