Construction sites are dangerous places. Companies are required to put the proper safety protocols into place. If they fail to do so, workers could suffer serious, even catastrophic injuries. Notably, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that nearly 20 percent of fatal workplace accidents in the United States occur within the construction industry. Many of these accidents involve construction equipment or other heavy machinery. Here, our top-rated Rockford, IL construction accident attorneys explain the most common reasons why construction equipment accidents happen.
The Top Four Reasons Why Construction Equipment Accidents Occur in Illinois
- Inadequate or Improper Safety Training
Construction equipment has the potential to be dangerous. All construction workers should be properly trained on how to use the equipment. Without adequate training, employees are put at risk of suffering severe injuries. Employers have a duty to take proper active measures to train their employees on the specific equipment that they are using.
- Workers Being Rushed to Finish the Job
Construction projects are often completed on very tight schedules. There is high demand for quick turnaround on construction work. That being said, companies should never put profits before worker safety. When construction employees are being rushed to finish a project, the risk of equipment accidents skyrocket. Workers need adequate time to complete a task in a reasonably safe manner.
- Lack of Machinery Maintenance
All heavy machinery must be properly maintained. In many cases, machinery and equipment will require regular, ongoing maintenance. If companies allow inspection and maintenance practices to lapse, it could lead to a major accident.
- Defective Equipment
Finally, in some cases, construction equipment accidents happen because of an underlying product defect. Manufacturers have an obligation to ensure that they are putting safe construction equipment and construction machinery into the hands of workers. If an accident occurs because of defective construction equipment, the manufacturer may be legally liable for the resulting injuries.
Construction Equipment Accidents: Personal Injury vs. Workers’ Compensation
If you or your loved one was injured in a construction equipment accident, you may have questions or concerns about filing a personal injury lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim. It is possible that you may be able to file both types of claims concurrently. As a starting point, injured construction workers should always file a claim through the state’s workers’ compensation system — this is the exclusive claim that a worker will have against their employer. Beyond that, if you suffered an injury because of defective construction equipment, you may also be able to bring a separate personal injury claim against the manufacturer. Speak to a construction accident lawyer who can help you pursue all available paths to financial compensation.
Contact Our Rockford Construction Accident Lawyers Right Away
At Tuite Law, our Illinois personal injury attorneys have deep experience handling construction accident claims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a construction equipment accident, we are ready to offer guidance. For a no fee, fully confidential initial consultation, please contact our law firm today. From our law office in Rockford, we represent plaintiffs throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
