Helping injured Illinois workers for more than 100 years
Construction keeps Illinois moving, but when a worker gets hurt, everything stops. Medical bills pile up, paychecks disappear, and it can feel like no one is on your side. For more than three generations, Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has stood with injured construction workers and their families. Our Joliet construction accident lawyers know the pressure youāre under and fight to help you get every dollar the law allows.
If you were hurt on a construction site, contact our team today at (800) 985-1819 for a free consultation. Youāll speak directly with an attorney in Joliet who knows how to build a strong case and pursue the financial compensation you deserve.
Why hire Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates?
If youāve been injured at work, youāre probably dealing with pain and paperwork all at once. Itās a lot to carry, and you shouldnāt have to handle it by yourself. Our lawyers are here to step in to make sure your rights are respected and guide you toward fair compensation.
When you hire Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, you get:
- A legal team with more than 100 years of combined experience in personal injury cases
- Proven results with more than $1 billion recovered for injured clients
- Deep knowledge of workersā compensation and personal injury claim procedures
- Straight answers and consistent communication throughout your case
Our attorneys handle all kinds of accident cases, including construction site accidents and car accidents. Weāre proud to represent the same kind of hardworking people who built this state ā laborers, tradespeople, and their families.
Understanding how construction accidents happen in Joliet
Even on well-run job sites, danger is always close by. Heavy machinery and high-voltage lines can make one mistake deadly and life-altering. In many cases, accidents happen because someone cut corners or ignored safety rules.
Some of the most common causes of construction accidents are:
- Falls from scaffolds, roofs, and ladders
- Being struck by moving vehicles or falling materials
- Collapses during trenching or demolition work
- Electrocution from live wires or faulty tools
- Defective machinery or missing safety guards
- Not enough training or a lack of protective gear
According to OSHA, these particular hazards (the often-named āFatal Fourā) cause most construction deaths nationwide each year. Employers and contractors have to follow federal and state safety standards, but too often they donāt. When their negligence leads to an injury, they can be held responsible.
The injuries construction workers often face
No two accidents are alike, but the results can be devastating. Some people walk away with bruises, while others may face months of recovery and permanent disability.
Our attorneys in Joliet frequently handle cases involving broken bones, spine and back trauma, traumatic brain injuries, severe third-degree burns, amputations, and more. Even emotional injuries like anxiety, depression, or PTSD deserve attention, since recovery isnāt only about healing your body; itās about getting your life back on track.
Beyond the pain, many people also struggle with the uncertainty that follows. Questions about income and family needs weigh heavily, and thatās exactly what a claim is meant to address.
What to do after youāre hurt on a job site
There are a few important actions to take after an accident on a construction site to protect your health and your right to compensation:
- Get medical attention right away. Even if you feel āokay,ā adrenaline can mask pain from serious injuries. Always let a doctor evaluate you first.
- Report the incident quickly. Illinois law (820 ILCS 305/6(c)) requires you to notify your employer within 45 days of a workplace injury. Tell your supervisor in writing and keep a copy.
- Save every record. Photos, videos, witness names, and medical paperwork can later prove what happened.
- Be careful with insurance calls. Adjusters may sound friendly, but their job is to save the company money. Talk with a lawyer before giving recorded statements.
- Follow all of your doctor’s instructions. Missing appointments or therapy sessions can hurt both your recovery and your claim.
Once youāve seen a doctor and reported the injury, itās time to get legal advice. The earlier an attorney gets involved, the easier it is to protect evidence and prevent delays.
Who may be responsible for a construction site accident
More than one person can be responsible for a construction accident. Workersā compensation covers your injuries no matter who caused them, but if another company or person played a part, you may also have the right to file a separate personal injury claim.
Possible responsible parties include:
- A property owner who failed to maintain safe conditions
- A general contractor who committed OSHA violations
- A subcontractor who created an unsafe workspace
- A manufacturer that produced a defective ladder, harness, or tool
- A driver who caused a car accident while delivering materials
Our construction accident lawyers review site records and safety reports to find out who is really responsible. If another companyās negligence contributed to your injury, we take action to hold them accountable.
What compensation can you get after a construction accident in Joliet?
The law provides several ways to recover financial compensation after a work injury. Each covers different types of losses.
Workersā compensation benefits
State workersā comp insurance covers most construction workers. This system provides:
- Payment for all necessary medical care
- Partial wage replacement while you recover
- Disability benefits for long-term or permanent injuries
- Death benefits for surviving family members
Workersā comp helps, but it doesnāt cover everything. It wonāt pay for pain and suffering, and wage benefits replace only a portion of lost income.
Third-party personal injury claim
If a negligent company or individual contributed to the accident, you can file a third-party claim in addition to your workersā comp case. Damages in these personal injury cases may include:
- Full reimbursement for medical bills and future care
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Loss of normal life or companionship
- Punitive damages in extreme cases of misconduct
Our construction accident attorneys in Joliet, IL, calculate both your short-term and long-term losses to make sure nothing is left out.
How long do you have to file a construction accident claim in Illinois?
Deadlines matter. Missing one can end your right to recover compensation.
- Workersā compensation: You must notify your employer within 45 days and file a formal claim within three years of the injury, or within two years of your last benefit payment.
- Personal injury lawsuits: Generally must be filed within two years of the accident under 735 ILCS 5/13-202.
If the injury was fatal or involved long-term exposure, different timelines may apply to you. A construction site accident lawyer in Will County can help confirm the correct statute for your case.
How a Joliet construction accident lawyer helps build your claim
A construction case can involve dozens of witnesses and multiple insurance carriers. Itās not something you should have to handle while youāre trying to heal. Our attorneys take care of everything, including:
- Investigating the accident site and preserving evidence
- Reviewing OSHA records, safety logs, and inspection reports
- Coordinating with doctors and medical experts
- Handling all discussions with the insurance company
- Negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to trial if necessary
We also help with workersā compensation appeals if your employerās insurer denies your benefits. We keep you updated as your case moves forward so you always know whatās happening, with no confusion or unexpected surprises.
Real results for Illinois construction workers
Our firm has secured life-changing recoveries for construction workers and their families across Illinois. These cases showcase what we always stand for: protecting hardworking people and holding negligent companies accountable.
$25.6 million recovery for an injured ironworker:
In 2023, attorney Clifford W. Horwitz secured a $25.6 million settlement for an ironworker who was struck by a falling beam on a construction site in Chicago. The impact caused multiple spinal injuries, including a six-level fusion. The case remains confidential, but the recovery helped the worker access lifelong medical care and financial stability.
$9 million jury verdict for a Local 1 Ironworker:
In 2022, a 51-year-old ironworker suffered severe fractures to both ankles and heels after a co-worker lost control of a 5.2-ton steel truss at an Amazon warehouse project in Monee, IL. After 11 surgeries and permanent mobility loss, attorneys Clifford Horwitz and Michael D. Carter Jr. proved that the general contractorās unsafe site management caused the accident. The jury returned a just over $9 million verdict in his favor.
$64 million verdict for a paralyzed construction worker:
In one of the largest jury awards in Illinois history, the firm represented Local 393 Ironworker Ron Bayer, who became quadriplegic after falling 20 feet from a beam. Attorneys Clifford Horwitz and Jay Luchsinger showed that the work platform violated safety warnings and that the property owner ignored site safety rules, leading to a historic $64 million settlement.
These stories share a common thread: working people who refused to give up and found help when they needed it most.
Local resources for injured workers in Joliet
If youāve been injured, these nearby offices may help with medical care or accident reporting requirements:
- Will County Courthouse: 14 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432
- Nearest Illinois OSHA Office: 3650 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL 60026
- Saint Joseph Medical Center: 333 Madison Street, Joliet, IL 60435
- Illinois Department of Labor: 160 N. LaSalle St., Suite C-1300, Chicago, IL 60601
If youād like to understand your options before speaking with a lawyer, explore our construction accident FAQs. It covers common questions about claims and benefits.
Frequently asked questions about construction accidents in Joliet
1. Do I need to report a construction accident if I think my injury is minor?
Yes. Even if your injury seems small, make sure you report it right away. Some injuries can take time to show symptoms, and waiting may hurt your claim later. Illinois law gives you 45 days to notify your employer, but reporting it immediately helps document what happened and protects your right to benefits if your condition worsens.
2. Can my employer fire me for filing a construction accident claim?
No, itās illegal for an employer to fire or punish you for reporting a work injury or filing for workersā comp. This kind of retaliation can lead to separate legal action against the employer. If you feel pressured or threatened after reporting your accident, contact Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates right away to discuss your rights.
3. How long does it take to receive workersā compensation benefits in Illinois?
Once your claim is approved, most workers start getting payments within a few weeks. However, if the insurance company disputes your claim, the process can take longer. Our attorneys help move cases forward quickly by dealing directly with insurers and pushing for fair, timely payments.
Talk with a Joliet construction accident lawyer today
You donāt have to deal with the process on your own after a serious construction injury. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates stands beside injured Illinois workers, focused on earning fair results and helping families move forward.
Call (800) 985-1819 or contact us online for a free consultation with a Joliet construction accident attorney. We only get paid if you recover compensation.
