Illinois Workplace Injury News: Construction Worker Struck by Falling Debris at Construction Site
Construction Accident,In the News,Personal Injury,Work Injury,Workers' Compensation - August 19, 2014 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
Construction Injuries
Construction work is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Although it’s earned a reputation as a risky way to make a living, many people don’t realize just how hazardous a construction work zone can be.
Fatal Workplace Accidents
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 806 construction workers died on the job in 2012. To put that number in context, that accounts for 19.3 percent of all fatal workplace accidents.
OSHA also reports that the second most common type of accident on construction sites involves being struck by an object. That is why construction workers are required to wear hardhats, but this precaution doesn’t always help. SI Live reports that a construction worker was seriously injured last week after a piece of falling metal struck him.
The Man Suffered Serious Injuries Despite Safety Precautions
Paramedics say that he was wearing a hardhat when the accident occurred. Even so, his injuries were serious enough that he required treatment at a nearby hospital, but he was still conscious when emergency crews arrived. Investigators are looking into what caused the incident.
Workers who are injured on the job deserve compensation that allows them to fully recover before returning to work. In some cases, that means filing for workers’ compensation. In other situations, filing a lawsuit against the company or contractor is the only way to find compensation.
We can help with both. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, our Illinois construction injury lawyers are proud to help our clients seek the money they deserve, and we have experience using both workers’ compensation and civil lawsuits to do it. To learn more about our services or to speak with a construction-accident lawyer, call us at (800)-985-1819.
Building Collapse Injures Four Construction Workers
During the construction of a new building, there are many times when one mistake can bring the entire building down. Construction workers are often in danger of roof collapses, which can injure multiple people at once.
According to OSHA, falls are the most common type of construction accident and caused 279 deaths in 2012. The Burlington Free Press reports that four people were injured when a building collapsed during construction.
Authorities say that a crane operator was placing a final truss when the other trusses gave way. All four men were standing on the roof when it collapsed, and they each fell approximately 20 feet to the dirt.
Three of the men landed on top of the debris while the fourth became trapped. Paramedics were able to free the worker and transported all four to the hospital. Three suffered serious injuries in the fall.
If you are looking for a reliable construction-accident lawyer in Chicago, call us. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we give each of our clients the attention they deserve, and we aggressively protect their rights. Most of our attorneys have 30 years of experience in personal injury law and workers’ compensation law. To arrange a free consultation with a Chicago personal injury attorney, please call (800)-985-1819 or email us.
