Scaffolding Accidents

• Shoddy construction of the scaffolding (i.e., a scaffold was not assembled properly);
• Worker being hit by a falling object while working on the scaffold;
• Lack of or insufficient guardrails;
• Faulty planks that are prone to give way;
• Lack of or inadequate harnesses;
• Workers who assemble the scaffold not being trained or supervised properly.

Under Illinois law, people who are injured on the job are covered by workers’ compensation. This is a system designed to compensate workers if they are unable to work due to an injury or illness sustained on the job. A scaffolding accident attorney can assist Schaumburg and Wheaton employees in understanding their rights. Depending on the extent of the injury or illness, the employee may be entitled to medical expenses and lost wages from work. In Illinois, you have the right to seek medical help from a doctor of your own choosing. Your company must then pay for all reasonable and related medical care related to your injury.

While all workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, there is a cap on the amount of benefits that a worker can receive. However, if your scaffolding injury was caused by someone other than your employer or co-worker, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim against the at-fault party in addition to your workers’ compensation claim. Through a third-party claim, an injured worker may recover compensation for pain and suffering, as well as other losses that are not covered by workers’ compensation. Thus, damages that could be recovered through a third-party lawsuit are more extensive than those available through workers’ compensation.

If you have lost a loved one in a scaffolding accident, you may also have legal options. Our Wheaton and Schaumburg scaffolding accident attorneys can help families who have lost loved ones in scaffolding accidents obtain workers’ compensation death benefits. Under Illinois law, the following categories of people may be paid long-term death benefits after a worker dies on the job: the decedent’s spouse; the decedent’s children, up to the age of 18; parents who were completely dependent on the decedent; or other family members who were at least 50 percent dependent on the decedent at the time of their death. Not all possible beneficiaries have equal status in the calculation of death benefits. For example, the first priority is given to the surviving spouse and minor children. This is a complex area of law, but we know how to navigate it.

Contact a Scaffolding Accident Lawyer in the Wheaton or Schaumburg Areas

If you or a loved one has been injured in a scaffolding accident, you need to know your legal options. At Therman Law Offices, we can analyze your case and help you fight for the benefits that you need to deal with your injury or loss. We also represent people in communities such as Hoffman Estates, Streamwood, Elgin, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Bensenville, Wood Dale, Bloomingdale, Roselle, and Carol Stream. You can reach us at 312-588-1900 or contact us online.