Bloomington Construction Accident Lawyer

Helping Injured Construction Workers in Bloomington, IL

Construction work is among the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Every day, workers in Bloomington, IL, risk serious injury due to heavy machinery, falls, electrical hazards, and unsafe working conditions. When a construction accident happens, the consequences can be devastating—physically, emotionally, and financially.

At Haxel Law, our dedicated construction accident attorneys fight for injured workers and their families. We understand the complex web of workers’ compensation, third-party claims, and insurance issues that often accompany construction injuries. Our mission is to help you recover maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term needs.

Call (217) 215-4166 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation case review.

Common Types of Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently dangerous, with multiple contractors, subcontractors, and equipment in use. Despite safety regulations, accidents still occur with alarming frequency. Some of the most common construction accidents in Bloomington include:

Falls from Heights

Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Workers may fall from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, or open-sided floors due to lack of guardrails, improper equipment, or failure to provide fall protection.

Struck-By Accidents

These incidents happen when a worker is hit by falling tools, swinging cranes, moving vehicles, or flying debris. Even a small object falling from a significant height can cause serious or fatal injuries.

Electrocutions

Construction workers often deal with unfinished wiring, power lines, and electrical equipment. Inadequate grounding, improper insulation, or contact with overhead power lines can lead to severe electrical burns or death.

Caught-In or Between Accidents

These occur when workers are pinned between heavy equipment, collapsing trenches, or machinery. Such accidents often result in crush injuries, amputations, or fatalities.

Equipment and Machinery Accidents

Bulldozers, cranes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery pose major risks. Malfunctioning equipment, lack of training, or missing safety guards can all lead to catastrophic accidents.

Trench and Excavation Collapses

Trench collapses can bury workers within seconds. OSHA requires strict safety measures for trenching, but when these rules are ignored, the consequences can be fatal.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Many construction accidents could have been prevented if employers and contractors had followed established safety protocols. Common causes include:

• Lack of Proper Safety Training: Workers may not be adequately trained to use equipment, identify hazards, or respond to emergencies.
• Faulty or Defective Equipment: Poorly maintained machinery, defective tools, or unsafe vehicles can lead to severe injuries.
• Unsafe Work Practices: Ignoring safety rules, failing to wear protective gear, or rushing to meet deadlines increases the risk of accidents.
• Inadequate Supervision: Site managers must monitor safety compliance. A lack of oversight can lead to preventable mistakes.
• Failure to Follow OSHA Standards: Employers are legally obligated to maintain safe working conditions. Violations of OSHA regulations often play a role in construction site injuries.
• Negligence of Third Parties: Sometimes, another company or contractor’s negligence—such as improper installation or reckless driving—causes an accident.

When an accident occurs, determining who is legally responsible is crucial to securing fair compensation. That’s where Haxel Law comes in.

Workers’ Compensation & Third-Party Claims in Illinois

After a construction accident in Bloomington, your first source of recovery is usually workers’ compensation. However, Illinois law may allow you to pursue additional claims depending on the circumstances of your case.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Illinois requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage provides benefits regardless of fault, including:

• Payment for medical treatment
• Temporary total disability (TTD) or wage replacement
• Permanent partial or total disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation if you can’t return to your prior job

However, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering or full wage loss. That’s why it’s important to explore all legal options.

Third-Party Claims

If someone other than your employer caused or contributed to your injury—such as a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer—you may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim.

These claims can seek compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Full lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior)

For example, if a defective ladder collapses or a negligent crane operator from another company injures you, you may have grounds for a third-party lawsuit.

At Haxel Law, our Bloomington construction accident lawyers meticulously investigate every case to identify all possible sources of compensation—so you’re not left with mounting expenses and unanswered questions.