Construction Worker Injured In Joliet Wall Collapse Accident

Unsafe Premises - July 28, 2023

Construction Worker Injured After Being Trapped Under Concrete Rubble In Joliet By Interstate 80 and Richards Street

Construction Worker Injured In Joliet Wall Collapse Accident

JOLIET, ILLINOIS (July 28, 2023) – A construction worker was injured in a Joliet wall collapse accident at construction site by Interstate 80 and Richards Street.

Will County officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday. A worker became trapped under the rubble of a concrete wall.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. He was rescued by other workers at the scene and then transported to Silver Cross Hospital in fair condition.

There is an ongoing investigation into the cause of the Joliet construction collapse.

Liability For Illinois Construction Accidents

Despite yers of improvements in workplace safety standards, far too many people are killed or seriously injured in the construction industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Falls, slips, and trips accounted for 35.3 percent of the workplace deaths within construction and extraction occupations in 2020. Workers in construction and extraction occupations experienced 21,400 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses due to falls, slips, and trips.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to a wall collapse.

  • A wall may collapse due to improper drainage around the wall. Water can erode away dirt and gravel that is keeping a wall upright.
  • A wall may collapse due to construction errors. In particular, less-than-ideal grouting could harm the structural integrity of a wall.
  • A wall may collapse due to improper building materials being used in the creation of the wall.

When a worker is injured on the job, they will typically have recourse through worker’s compensation. The worker’s compensation system in Illinois is based off of a no-fault insurance scheme. There is no need for an injured worker to demonstrate liability after any accident. It is also possible for an injured worker to seek aid through a third party liability claim.

A third party liability claim may be possible when an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident. There are many potential sources of third party liability for any construction accident. For example, the company that built a wall that collapsed could face liability for an accident. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any construction accident.

  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
  • Medical records should be preserved.
  • Surveillance footage should be sought.
  • A thorough investigation should be conducted.

It can be hard to know what to do after any workplace accident. But it is important for workers to know that they do have rights. Many workers may have to take weeks or months off of work in order to recover. Any person that is injured in a construction accident may be able to seek aid through a civil claim. It is important that all evidence is preserved after any accident.

Investigating A Joliet Construction Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the construction worker injured in this Joliet wall collapse. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents like this.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Joliet construction accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of construction safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after any accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.