Scaffolding is a necessary part of many construction sites, especially for high-rise residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. When companies do not properly erect and maintain scaffolds, they pose a serious hazard to the workers using such structures.
If a scaffolding collapse or another incident caused you harm, an attorney may be able to help you understand your rights and legal options. A Chicago scaffolding accident injury lawyer from McCready Law could help you pursue recovery through a workers’ compensation claim.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), scaffolding-related injuries lead to approximately 4,500 hospitalizations and 60 deaths each year. State law entitles most construction workers to workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses, temporary disability, and other costs related to their workplace accidents.
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation insurers often delay or dispute payment. At McCready Law, attorneys help Chicago victims of scaffolding accidents gather proper documentation of their injuries, including hospital records, physician statements, and accident reports, to present a clear case for prompt coverage. If a third party (such as a contractor or equipment supplier) contributed to a scaffolding accident, a separate lawsuit unrelated to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/) can ensure the injured party is fairly compensated for all damages.
Employers sometimes attempt to shift the blame for scaffold accidents onto workers. The scaffolding accident injury attorneys at McCready Law in Chicago have seen employers allege that an injured person failed to follow safety procedures or used equipment improperly. However, OSHA regulations, including those under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L, place responsibility for scaffold safety on employers and site supervisors.
McCready Law could investigate the true cause of the accident by reviewing site records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with construction safety professionals. Even if the worker made a mistake, Illinois workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning benefits are available regardless of who was responsible. If a third party’s negligence or a defective product caused the injury, comparative fault can reduce but not eliminate the right to sue an employer.
Insurance adjusters often minimize the severity of a claimant’s injuries, misstate applicable laws, or ask victims to give recorded statements, which does not follow the relevant protocol. In these situations, clear and informed communication is essential.
If someone injured in a scaffolding accident in Chicago chooses not to have an attorney handle their insurance communications, they should:
Whether the injured worker belongs to a local labor union or works independently, state law protects their rights after a scaffolding accident. Union workers typically have access to additional benefits or protections under collective bargaining agreements, including access to specific medical providers or grievance procedures.
Non-union workers are equally entitled to workers’ compensation, and in many cases, can pursue lawsuits against negligent parties. McCready Law’s attorneys handle workplace injury cases related to scaffolding accidents for union and non-union workers in Chicago, ensuring that no one’s employment status denies them justice.
McCready Law brings over 90 years of collective experience in construction injury litigation and workers’ compensation, with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. If you have additional questions regarding a scaffolding collapse, contact our caring, dedicated team. We could evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and handle every step of the recovery process. Schedule a free case review now to speak to a Chicago scaffolding accident injury lawyer.
