In order to complete projects, many workers at construction sites regularly perform their jobs from high off the ground. To ensure the safety of these employees and minimize the possibility of accidents, site owners, managers, and coworkers at construction sites must follow proper safety protocols. Sadly, catastrophic accidents still occur, often resulting in devastating injuries.
If you or your family member suffered serious injuries in a fall at an Elgin construction site, a skilled personal injury attorney could help. The dedicated team at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. could advise you on filing a claim against the people responsible for your fall from heights accident.
Types of Falls Occurring at Elgin Construction Sites
Unfortunately, falls from heights are all too common in the construction industry, especially at high-rise sites.
Scaffolding Accidents
Scaffolds are temporary support structures that provide workers with access to high places and serve as platforms for their work. Many construction workers such as carpenters, electricians, welders, and painters perform their jobs on scaffolds. However, if they are not set up in safe locations, built properly, or used correctly, some of the following serious accidents can occur:
- Workers can fall from the scaffold
- The scaffold can collapse, injuring those who were working on it and potentially trapping and crushing workers on the ground
- The scaffold can come into contact with live electrical wires, such as power lines, which could result in electrocution to those on or touching the scaffold
People in scaffolding accidents often sustain serious, life-changing harm, such as brain, neck, and spinal injuries. A hardworking attorney in the community could help survivors of construction site falls recover sufficient damages to cover their losses.
Sadly, many people lose their lives in scaffolding accidents. A compassionate local attorney at our firm can help surviving family members obtain justice by holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Ladder Accidents
Many construction site workers frequently work on ladders, including roofers, masonry workers, and painters. Because ladders are not secured to anything, they can be unstable if they are not set up properly. Workers need to make sure that they place their ladders in safe spots where they cannot slip and must take extra care when climbing up and down. Unfortunately, some ladders are inherently defective or become unsafe with excessive use or improper care.
Falls from ladders can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, and back and neck injuries. Our dedicated local attorneys have experience investigating falls from construction site ladders. We know where to find the necessary evidence to recover damages. A persistent lawyer at our firm could help someone injured in a ladder accident determine whether to pursue a claim against the construction site manager or owner, another worker, or the ladder’s manufacturer.
Possible Recoverable Damages for Construction Site Falls
A survivor of a fall from heights could recover compensation for all of their actual economic losses resulting from the accident, including:
- Medical costs
- Therapy
- Lost wages
They might also recover non-economic damages to compensate them for those losses which are harder to quantify in actual numbers, such as pain and suffering. In rare instances, the Illinois court might determine that the person who caused the accident acted intentionally or extremely negligently. If so, a claimant could also receive punitive damages.
Except in claims against the state, Illinois does not generally cap the amount of recoverable damages an injured victim can receive from a negligent defendant. A seasoned attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. could explain how any damage limitations might apply in a specific construction site fall case.
Seek an Elgin Attorney after a Construction Site Fall from Heights
If you were a victim of an Elgin construction site fall from heights, reach out the skilled legal team at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. Our attorneys understand how devastating serious falls can be. We could work to ensure that you receive the compensation you need to help you through this challenging time. Call today to set up an initial consultation.
