Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
A 56-year-old man who was injured at a Northwestern University construction site on Thursday has died due to his injuries and police have launched an investigation.The man was working at an Evanston site when he was struck by a 16 foot long beam weighing 70 pounds, according to police. Early reports indicate that another worker maneuvering a crane struck the beam unintentionally with the crane, causing the beam to fall six stories. The victim was struck in the head and chest and was taken to NorthShore University Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries early Thursday morning.
The incident did not result in any other injuries but did cause work to be halted for an investigation. The Occupational Safety Health Administration (“OSHA”) has announced that it will conduct its own investigation into the facility and the incident that cost this worker his life.
OSHA, a division of the United States Department of Labor, is designed to prevent workers from being injured or killed while on the job and does this by requiring employers to provide safe working environments. While most employees nationwide are covered by OSHA protocols, construction workers and construction sites have a separate and specific set of requirements that OSHA imposes. They require a working environment that does not pose a serious threat of harm as well as the presence of safety equipment and proper training and instruction of employees.
The law in Illinois provides that workers who are injured on the job, regardless of who is at fault, are entitled to certain benefits, including access to medical care and treatment, disability pay, and payment for any injuries sustained. Many employees believe that they do not have a case if they are responsible for their injuries but this is not a correct belief. Since the law is complicated but allows for a recovery in most situations, it is important that any injured employee speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney at soon as possible after an accident.
It is also important to note that work place accidents happen every day in all types of work environments. Injuries happen at sites with physical requirements, like lifting, bending, carrying, and moving products, but they also occur in more mundane environments, including an office. The nature of your job or the type of environment you work in does not determine whether or not you have a claim when you are injured.
When a law firm gets involved in this tragic case, they will thoroughly investigate whether there is a potential third-party lawsuit on behalf of the victim and his family. They look to see if any independent party (outside of the employer) committed any negligent act or acts that contributed to this accident.
If you have been injured on the job, you have a right to certain benefits, including paid medical treatment and lost wages. You may also be entitled to a financial settlement for your injuries and suffering.
If you have been injured in a construction accident, you may also be entitled to bring a claim against any negligent third parties involved.
If you have been hurt or if a family member has been hurt or killed while working a construction job, call the work accident lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a free consultation. You can reach us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 to discuss the facts of your injury and the benefits you have or have not received. We make ourselves available 24 hours a day so please call us now.
Prior Blog Entries:
Chicago Driver Hits and Kills Bicyclist, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published May 15, 2013.
Wrongful Death of Illinois Student Killed During Hazing, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published May 14, 2013.
Resources:
Worker in fatal construction site accident identified, by Brian L. Cox and Rosemary Regina Sobol, Chicago Tribune, published May 16, 2013.