Chicago Construction Zone Accident Lawyers
Holding work zone owners responsible for failing to protect citizens in Illinois
Almost every day, commuters and drivers encounter some road that is being constructed due to necessary repairs, widening lanes, building new edifices, or other reasons. While construction is a necessary part of life, the owners of construction sites have a duty to make their sites safe for drivers, pedestrians, and workers.
Our Chicago construction zone accident lawyers understand the steps that owners must take to protect anyone who drives or walks through the construction site. At Gainsberg Law, we’re skilled at determining why the accident happened and what could have been done to prevent it. We seek to hold liable negligent site owners, irresponsible repair crews, contractors, and even a city, town, or state if they failed their safety obligations. We demand full compensation for your injuries or the death of a loved one.
How can we help?
- What types of construction zone accidents happen in Chicago?
- Why are work zone accidents so dangerous?
- What are the causes of construction accidents in Chicago?
- Who is responsible for a construction accident in Chicago?
- How much is my construction accident claim worth?
- How much time do I have to file my Chicago work zone claim?
- Do you have a construction accident lawyer near me?
What types of construction zone accidents happen in Chicago?
Roadway construction projects take place throughout Chicago and Cook County constantly. Many projects are initiated by the government. Some projects may be private construction projects. Often, government projects include the use of private contractors and subcontractors.
At Gainsberg Law, our Chicago work zone lawyers handle all types of construction accidents including these types of projects and accidents:
- Road construction
- Placing cables and wires for utilities
- Sewer installation and repair
- Tree work and other types of landscaping projects
- Bridges
- Environmental cleanup projects
- Vehicle accidents. If a car or truck gets too close to a work zone, the workers will likely suffer catastrophic injuries or death. Vehicle accidents involve crashes by non-workers and accidents by workers, including truck, forklift, crane, and bulldozer accidents.
- Falls. Workers who work in the trees or above ground may fall from scaffolds, ladders, or other heights. Workers may also fall because the ground is constantly shifting as work is being done, there are tools on the ground, the area is wet due to rain, and other reasons.
- Being struck by an object. Tools and equipment may fall onto a worker from trees, scaffolds, or other heights onto a worker.
- Toxic materials. Many Chicago construction workers work with dangerous and deadly chemicals such as silica, asbestos, and formaldehyde, which can cause skin disorders or breathing disorders.
- Product defects. Construction work involves many different types of machinery, equipment, and tools. Defective power tools, forklifts, and other construction items can cause electric shock, burns, traumatic amputation, head injuries, and many other types of serious injuries.
Construction accidents in Chicago also include fires, structure collapses, and many other types of accidents.
Why are work zone accidents so dangerous?
Roadway construction throughout Chicago is dangerous because there is a mix of drivers who are using the roads and workers who are performing the construction work. Drivers must be warned and directed away from the construction site in a safe and orderly manner. The owners and managers of the construction site must protect both their workers.
Construction accidents include accidents where a driver injures or kills a worker, a driver strikes another vehicle (other than a construction vehicle) or a pedestrian, and accidents to employees that don’t involve vehicles. Construction accidents also include employees who are injured by a construction vehicle.
Our Chicago construction zone accident lawyers are skilled at showing that construction companies failed to follow any applicable federal or state laws and failed to follow construction industry safe practices. Some of these safe practices include:
- Properly warning drivers about the construction work.
- The warnings should be posted far away from the work site so that drivers don’t panic if they get too close to the site and so the workers are protected. Electronic signs and overhead road signs are commonly used.
- The warning signs should clearly explain what steps drivers need to take.
- Explaining to drivers which lanes they need to drive in and when they need to merge.
- Placing traffic cones and barriers to help direct traffic.
- Ensuring that drivers can’t get too close to the work site.
- Providing shoulders and other safe areas for the workers in case a car does drive by.
- Proving quality lighting at night.
- Ensuring that the workers wear bright clothing so they can be clearly seen.
Taking many other safety measures depending on the type of construction work being undertaken.
What are the causes of construction accidents in Chicago?
Our Chicago work zone accident lawyers work with investigators, the police, construction professionals, engineers, and others to help show how your construction accident happened. We also thoroughly question everyone with knowledge about the accident and seek to examine all relevant documents and materials.
Some of the many reasons construction accidents happen in Chicago include:
- Failure to follow federal requirements, including Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations (OSHA)
- Failure to follow state and local building codes
- Failure to follow the industry construction best practices for the type of construction work being done
- Not planning, implementing, or monitoring how to direct drivers away from the roadway work site
- Not warning drivers about the construction work in a timely and efficient manner
- Failing to warn pedestrians about any dangers such as when construction work is being done near a crosswalk
- Failing to take steps to always protect the workers
Who is responsible for a construction accident in Chicago?
At Gainsberg Law, our Chicago construction zone lawyers file claims against all responsible parties. The defendants, depending on how the accident occurred, may include:
- Drivers and the owners of cars, trucks, and other vehicles that cause a work zone accident
- The Illinois Department of Transportation or other governmental agencies or entities involved in the construction project and the oversight of the road or highway
- Private construction companies
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Engineers
- Architects
- Manufacturers
- Repair companies
- Parent companies
Employers of non-employees such as the employer of a driver who failed to merge properly
How much is my construction accident claim worth?
At Gainsberg Law, our Chicago personal injury lawyers understand how traumatic injuries are and how devastating the loss of a loved one due to negligence is. The compensation we demand depends on the type of claim we file:
- Personal injury and product liability claims. These claims are due to negligence or product defects. The damages include all your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of bodily function.
- Workers’ compensation. These claims are brought by Chicago construction employees against their employer. The damages generally include all your medical bills, temporary disability benefits while you can’t work, and permanent disability benefits if you have a permanent injury. Families can claim workers’ compensation death benefits if a loved one died while doing his/her job.
- Wrongful death damages. These claims are filed by the families of a non-employee who died – a worker, driver, passenger, or a pedestrian. The damages include the funeral and burial costs, the loss of personal support, the loss of personal guidance and emotional support, and the grief of the family members.
We may also seek punitive damages if the wrong was especially egregious.
How much time do I have to file my Chicago work zone claim?
We recommend that you contact us as soon as possible so we can examine the construction site, speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh, and review your medical condition.
There are different deadlines depending on the type of claim you have and who is responsible.
Do you have a construction accident lawyer near me?
Gainsberg Law meets construction workers, drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and families at our office located at 77 W Washington Street, Suite 1215, right in downtown Chicago. There are two bus stops right near us if transportation is an issue. Our Chicago work zone lawyers also conduct video conferences by appointment. We do make in-hospital visits when necessary.
Our lawyers have been fighting for personal injury victims for more than 20 years. We are strong advocates for personal injury victims.
Get justice for construction zone accidents in Chicago by speaking with an experienced lawyer
At Gainsberg Law, our Chicago construction accident lawyers are respected by former clients, insurance companies, and defense lawyers for our strong record of settlements and verdicts. We have the experience, resources, and tenacity to show how your construction accident happened and who is responsible. We work with your doctors to fully understand all the medical care you need and how your injuries affect your ability to work, perform daily activities, and enjoy your life.
To discuss your case with a caring Chicago construction zone accident attorney, please call for an appointment or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.