Electrocution injuries on construction sites can be devastating and often fatal. Although less common than other construction injuries, those who are electrocuted often suffer life altering injuries. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently reported an average of 411 fatalities occur every year at construction job sites due to electric hazards. Many of these injuries can be prevented. If the electrocution was a result of negligence from another party, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney.
Electric shock happens when an individual comes in contact with an electrical source. If the energy is at a lethal amount, the injury can be fatal. In this case the circuit overstimulates the nervous system and causes damage to the internal organs. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the four main types of electric injuries are:
- Electric Shock
- Burns
- Falls Due to Contact With Electrical Energy
- Fatal Electrocution
Burns are the most common injury and will be most severe at the point of contact with the electric current. The voltage determines the severity of the burn. At times, the injury is external, but it can also cause vessels to clot or severe muscle contractions. If a worker is on a ladder or ledge at the time of electric shock, the person can fall resulting in other head injuries or broken bones. In Chicago, personal injury attorneys have represented many victims of these devastating injuries.
Many precautions and safety measures are in place to help prevent electrical accidents according to Illinois personal injury lawyers. If you are a survivor of an electrical accident on a construction site, contact a skilled Chicago personal injury attorney with experience in Workers’ Compensation cases.
Popularity: 32% [?]
Share This
Falls are the main type of construction site accident. Many of these falls occur from a scaffold. A recent study done by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) found more then 4500 injuries and 50 deaths happen approximately every year from falls. Injuries as a result of falling from a scaffold is often the result of negligence and Illinois personal injury lawyers can help seek justice for damages if you or a loved one has been involved in a scaffolding accident.
Construction workers who fall from scaffolding are usually seriously injured. In some cases, the scaffolding was not constructed properly, or workers are not given proper training. Strict construction guidelines and safety regulations are provided to prevent injuries and death. Despite these safety measures, serious injuries and falls occur too often.
Chicago personal injury attorneys explain that more than one party can often be held liable depending on the type of management of the construction project. Depending on
the management of the construction project, liable parties may include:
- Construction Managers
- Equipment Suppliers
- Equipment Manufactures
- Insurers
- General Contractors, Prime Contractors and Sub-Contractors
Scaffolds by law must hold at least four times of their maximum intended load. A study conducted by the Department of Labor found 72% of scaffolding accidents were due to the support or planking giving way. In other cases, employees slip or are struck by a falling object.
Experienced Illinois personal injury lawyers can help investigate your case and identify responsible parties if you have been injured, ensuring you receive full compensation for any injuries sustained. Even if the worker is covered under Workers’ Compensation law, a third-party civil action is often another avenue for seeking justice under the law in Chicago. Personal injury attorneys are your best tool to take action.
Popularity: 20% [?]
Share This
As learned in the previous post, the welding industry can be dangerous and on-the-job accidents are frequent. Chicago personal injury attorneys have extensive experience representing clients who have been injured and are not fully covered by Workers’ Compensation. In this post, Illinois personal injury lawyers elaborate on the welding industry and offer tips on staying safe and injury-free.
One of the main prevention tips is to assess all risks involved. Refer to accident records, work safety procedures, training and the operators’ experience. Proactive steps must be taken to minimize or eliminate the risk. Use the following suggestions to help prevent welding accidents
- Wear protective clothing at all time
- Use a shield with filtered lenses
- Use fire resistant gloves and a leather apron
- Wear fire resistant overalls and arm protection
- Wear a felt skull cap or beret
In addition to wearing protection, Chicago personal injury attorneys advise to keep protective clothing and equipment clean and to store it carefully. Preventing deterioration can help keep you safe and injury-free.
As stated previously, taking precautions does not prevent all workplace injuries in the welding industry. If you have been injured on the job in Illinois, personal injury lawyers with experience in Workers’ Compensation Law can help protect your rights.
Popularity: 24% [?]
Share This
In the past few posts, Illinois personal injury lawyers have been discussing the dangers of the construction industry and what to do if you have been injured on-the-job. The welding industry is full of hazards which should never be underestimated. Proper training is necessary in using the equipment safely and to understand all risks involved. Even with proper training, injuries happen frequently in Chicago. Personal injury attorneys can help protect your rights or seek compensation for damages.
One of the main hazards associated with welding are fumes. Even in normal industrial use, welding fumes can contain the metal manganese. These welding fumes can damage the nervous system. Many welders suffer from Parkinson’s disease which affects movements and walking. This progressive disease can be devastating and although the fumes may not cause Parkinson’s disease, welders have been shown to develop the condition at an earlier age than other sufferers. Manganese poisoning is a similar disease often seen in welders and currently does not have a cure.
Chicago personal injury attorneys identify additional hazards of the welding industry that include:
- The arc itself which can reach 6000C
- Welding gases which can be dangerous if exposed to a cigarette, naked flame or electrical fault
- Explosions when undetectable fuel residues vaporize
- Heat which can cause severe burns to unprotected skin
- Electric shock, one of the highest risks in welding
Risks associated with the welding industry can be life changing and even deadly. Illinois personal injury lawyers can be of great assistance if you have been injured on the job in a welding accident.
Popularity: 21% [?]
Share This
An on-the-job injury can be a life-changing experience. If you are no longer able to work, you and your family’s income can be decreased or even eliminated. Physical, emotional and financial pain can cause great suffering. Many injured employees are not aware of their rights in Illinois. Personal injury lawyers can help explain these essential rights and assist in getting you help in a timely manner.
Benefits and coverage through Workers’ Compensation has changed frequently throughout the years. Getting prompt medical treatment is not always a simple process. Paperwork can be lost somewhere in the system, while the injured employee is left in pain. Insurance companies often refuse authorizing medical treatment and many workers feel helpless. Chicago personal injury attorneys have found that wage benefits are frequently miscalculated. In Illinois, getting all the benefits you are entitled to under Workers’ Compensation can be confusing and extremely difficult.
If you or a family member has suffered a serious or dangerous injury on the job in Illinois, personal injury lawyers will help you fight for benefits. You do not need to wait for the Workers’ Compensation system to provide what you need for medical treatment. Insurance companies can be very slow to pay claims and the serious nature of your situation can often require immediate treatment.
Contact a Chicago personal injury attorney today if you or a loved one has been injured on-the-job. When tragedy strikes, he physical, emotional and financial pain can be too much to handle alone.
Popularity: 21% [?]
Share This
Ironworkers have a physically demanding job, full of dangers. These brave workers are involved in erecting buildings and bridges along with other structures. The main job duties consist of following blueprints to install structural steel, reinforce materials, precast concrete and position steel girders. Other tasks related to construction are also performed by many ironworkers such as assembling prefabricated buildings, welding or installing steel studs for framing. Chicago personal injury attorneys have successfully represented ironworkers who suffered life-changing injuries.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ironworkers rate among the top ten most dangerous professions in the United States. Many times, ironworkers work outside at great heights, dealing with rain, wind and even snow leading to the risk of slipping and falling. According to the Center to Protect Workers’ Rights, ironworkers are more likely to be fatally injured from a fall than any other trade or profession. Slip and fall accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries or even death. In addition, the physical demands of hoisting and positioning steel units or heavy concrete forms can result
in back injuries, neck injuries or other related problems.
Chicago personal injury attorneys explain that ironworkers can also experience injuries from being struck by objects such as rebar or other construction materials. Faulty power tools can also lead to fractures, contusions or lacerations. As you can see, ironworkers face numerous risks on-the-job.
Illinois personal injury lawyers have successfully represented ironworkers who have been injured on the job. Even when precautions have been taken, ironworkers are at risk on a daily basis. Employers have the responsibility of enforcing safety compliance and following government safety regulations. An employer may be held liable for on-the-job injuries if ironworkers were not provided the proper safety equipment, or if they acted with any disregard for the safety of their employers. According to a Chicago personal injury attorney, manufacturers can also be held accountable if a defective product or piece of equipment without proper labeling led to injury.
If you are an ironworker and have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to compensation for disability, medical expenses, pain, suffering and lost wages. Illinois personal injury lawyers with experience in Workers’ Compensation Law will represent your best interests and seek justice.
Popularity: 24% [?]
Share This
As discussed in previous posts by Illinois personal injury lawyers, construction jobs can result in many on-the-job injuries. The number of injuries and fatalities is much higher than most other industries. Recent statistics from the Federal Bureau of Labor showed the construction industry as having the second highest number of fatalities of all industries. In addition, construction workers were shown to average a higher number of work days off as a result of injury or illness.
Other studies have resulted in shocking statistics. For example, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that construction accidents led to the highest number of fatalities in any industry in 2007. Over 1,100 construction-related fatalities were reported. Chicago personal injury attorneys have successfully represented many of these claims.
The main risk for construction works is from falling. Second to this risk is falling objects and electrocution. Recent research also showed that 15% of all Workers’ Compensation cases stem from construction workers. Even if all precautions are taken to prevent injury, the nature of most construction jobs are dangerous. These highly dangerous occupations put workers at serious risk as you can see from these statistics.
In our last post, Illinois personal injury lawyers discussed Workers’ Compensation benefits and how many workers do not receive proper compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of construction job, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney immediately.
Popularity: 21% [?]
Share This
In the last couple of posts, Illinois personal injury lawyers have been discussing the dangers of construction jobs. Often times when on-the-job injuries occur, workers take advice from employer’s insurers or the employer itself. This can be a serious mistake because employers and their insurers do not always have the worker’s best interest in mind. A Chicago personal injury with experience in Workers’ Compensation Law is often needed to represent injured construction workers or anyone who has been the victim of a workplace injury.
If you have been injured, Illinois personal injury lawyers recommend consulting an attorney under the following circumstances:
- You feel your employer is retaliating against you or filing a claim
- You feel your employer is punishing you
- You are contacted by a Rehabilitation Counselor
- Your employer’s insurer offers to settle your claim
- Your employer asks you to have their own “expert” evaluate you medically
Nearly all of injured workers who have valid claims do not receive proper compensation and benefits they are entitled to. Many victims try to handle their case alone or rely on the employer’s insurers.
Illinois personal injury lawyers stress to pay attention to warning signs that you are not receiving all of your benefits. Withholding payment on your claim for any reason, signing a final settlement form, or your employer suggesting you file for Group Insurance Benefits instead of Compensation benefits are also warning flags.
Contact a Chicago personal injury attorney if you have been injured and feel it may be due to the fault of your employer or a third party. He or she can help ensure you receive all deserved Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Popularity: 26% [?]
Share This
Construction workers in Illinois face dangerous scenarios on a daily basis. The construction industry is comprised of many different types of subcontractors who face various risks associated with their professions. In our last discussion, Illinois personal injury lawyers highlighted specific examples of these risks.
Recent government data estimated construction workers around the United States suffered nonfatal job related injuries at a rate of 3% or roughly 270 workers out of every 10,000 workers. This estimate includes all construction related industries. Some industries have a higher risk than others. For example, ironworks were injured or became ill at a rate of 7.5% and construction laborers at 5%.
These estimates only included nonfatal injuries and illnesses according to a Chicago personal injury attorney. Fatalities was shown at a rate of 13.2 for every 100,000 workers. The following types of construction workers face the highest risk of fatality:
- Ironworkers
- Roofers
- Welders and Cutters
- Construction Laborers
- Truck Drivers
- Operating Engineers
Ironworkers by far have the highest risk of fatality with estimates at 67% of fatalities. Roofers fall second with a rate of around 30%. Illinois personal injury lawyers explain that even taking every precaution necessary cannot prevent all injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. If you have been injured on the job and are a construction worker in Chicago, personal injury attorneys with experience in worker’s compensation law can help you fight for proper compensation.
Popularity: 28% [?]
Share This
Many construction workers are at risk for many injuries and illnesses and Illinois personal injury lawyers have successfully represented numerous injured clients. Ironworkers have the highest rate of injuries and occupational illnesses among construction workers. These workers also have a higher risk for respiratory disease and other health problems. Roofers also face increased dangers due to the risk of falling. In the next series of posts, our Chicago personal injury attorneys will be discussing construction workers’ rights, labor union representation and workers’ compensation benefits.
In addition to ironworkers and roofers, the following types of construction workers are also at risk for illness and injury. These examples highlight a few dangers construction workers face daily:
- Truck Drivers - Risk of motor vehicle accidents
- Operating Engineers - Risk of physical strains, exposure to harmful elements and dust and hearing problems
- Electricians - Risk of electrocution and burn injuries
- Brick Masons - Risk of falling and respiratory diseases
- Plumbers - Risk of asbestos and other plumbing accidents
- Carpenters - Risk of injuries from falls, construction accidents and tools
- Drywall Installers - Risk of harmful dust and injury from carrying heavy sheets of drywall
- Painters - Risk of paint fumes and falling off scaffolds or ladders
These examples illustrate only a few of the serious risks constructions workers in all fields face. Precautions must be taken to prevent injuries from happening. Illinois personal injury lawyers explain that taking precautions cannot prevent all injuries. If you have been injured at any construction or labor job, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney immediately. He or she will have extensive knowledge on your rights, labor union representation and will help seek justice for your damages.
Popularity: 26% [?]
Share This
