The construction industry in and around Chicago continues to be strong, especially during the warm months. Working in the construction industry is also one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Severe injuries and fatalities can result when workers fall from heights, get hit by falling objects, get caught in-between two objects, or are even electrocuted. At least one worker is likely to be seriously injured in a construction accident in Chicago today. Most injured workers believe that workers’ compensation benefits are their sole and exclusive remedy. That’s not necessarily true when a construction worker is injured on a job site.
The General Rule
Construction sites are teeming with activity every day. Ironworkers, electricians, sheet metal workers, carpenters, plumbers, and laborers are usually all on a large commercial site at the same time, and accidents happen. If an electrician loses his or her balance and falls off of a ladder, that employee is ordinarily restricted to workers’ compensation benefits. Illinois law doesn’t permit an actual lawsuit.
Third Party Liability
If that same electrician is accidentally knocked off of that ladder by a plumber from another company, the electrician probably won’t be restricted to workers’ compensation benefits. On a third party theory, Illinois law allows the electrician to file a personal injury lawsuit at the same time that his or her workers’ compensation claim is pending. The personal injury lawsuit allows the victim to seek damages that Illinois workers’ compensation benefits fail to contemplate. It could be of substantially more value than the workers’ compensation claim.
The timing of any personal injury lawsuit involving third party liability is critical. If you were injured in a construction accident in Chicago today, contact Ryan Ryan & Viglione right away to arrange for a free consultation and case evaluation. Contact Ryan Ryan and Vigilone at. No legal fees are even due unless a settlement or award is obtained for you.
