How Chicago’s construction boom is leading to an increase in amputation injuries: legal insights
Construction Accident - September 19, 2024 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
The high volume of heavy machinery, power tools, and hazardous environments make construction sites especially prone to accidents. One of the most severe types of injuries workers can sustain is amputations—the loss of limbs or digits, which can occur in a variety of ways on a construction site.
At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, our Chicago construction accident lawyers understand the complexities of workplace injury claims and have extensive experience representing construction workers injured on the job. Keep reading to learn legal insights into these cases and how workers seek compensation.
Common causes of amputation injuries on construction sites
Construction sites are rife with hazards, and amputation injuries can result from several factors, including:
- Heavy machinery accidents – Workers operating or working near equipment such as cranes, forklifts, and bulldozers face significant risks. A single malfunction, improper use, or failure to follow safety protocols can result in crushing injuries or amputations.
- Power tools – Saws, drills, and other tools are frequently used on construction sites. Improper handling, lack of training, or defective equipment can lead to serious accidents, resulting in limb loss.
- Falls and scaffolding accidents – Falls from heights or collapses of scaffolding can lead to severe crushing injuries, often requiring amputation.
- Caught-in/between accidents – These accidents occur when a worker is caught, crushed, or compressed between objects or machinery. Such incidents are common on construction sites and can result in traumatic amputation.
As construction activities in Chicago continue to rise, the likelihood of these types of accidents also increases, particularly if safety standards are not strictly enforced.
The legal implications of amputation injuries in construction accidents
Amputation injuries not only lead to physical and emotional suffering, but they also have significant legal implications. Injured workers are entitled to compensation, but securing it can be complex, especially if the injury results from negligence or unsafe working conditions.
Workers’ compensation claims
In Illinois, most construction workers who suffer amputation injuries are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits cover:
- Medical expenses – Workers’ compensation should pay for all necessary medical treatments, including surgeries, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages – Injured workers are entitled to temporary or permanent disability benefits, depending on the extent of their injury and their ability to return to work.
- Vocational rehabilitation – Workers who cannot return to their previous jobs due to their injury may be eligible for vocational training to help them transition to a new role.
Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, these benefits are available regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, workers’ compensation does not cover all construction accident damages, such as pain and suffering. This is where third-party liability claims come into play.
Third-party liability claims
Sometimes, a third party (someone other than the employer) may be responsible for the accident. For example, if defective equipment caused the injury, the manufacturer could be held liable. In such cases, the injured worker may be able to file a third-party lawsuit for additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
A third-party claim can seek damages for:
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Loss of quality of life – If the injury significantly impacts the worker’s ability to engage in everyday activities or enjoy life as they once did.
- Punitive damages – In cases where the responsible party’s conduct was particularly reckless or negligent, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we conduct thorough investigations to identify any third parties who may be responsible for the accident, ensuring that our clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve.
How Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can help
Dealing with the aftermath of an amputation injury can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we are committed to advocating for injured construction workers and fighting for the compensation they deserve.
Free consultations and no upfront costs
We offer free consultations to assess your case and provide legal guidance on your next steps. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
Experienced legal representation
With decades of experience representing injured construction workers, our attorneys are well-versed in Illinois workers’ compensation laws and personal injury litigation. We have a proven track record of securing significant settlements and verdicts for clients who have suffered life-altering injuries.
Hurt on a construction site? Call us.
At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we are dedicated to helping injured workers secure compensation through workers’ compensation claims and third-party liability lawsuits. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the legal process to get the justice you deserve.
