Northwest Indiana’s construction industry is a vital part of our communities. It creates jobs, builds infrastructure, and supports families. But for the workers on these job sites, the risks are real and constant. Construction sites are inherently dangerous, with heavy machinery, towering scaffolds, and fast-paced environments often leading to serious injuries.
If you’ve been injured on a construction site in Indiana or Illinois, Schafer & Schafer LLP is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our family-owned law firm has over 100 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of injured workers. We are dedicated to serving our hardworking local communities with the personalized care and aggressive advocacy they need.
Who’s Liable for Your Construction Site Injury in Indiana?
Construction site accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, and determining liability is a critical step in seeking compensation. Depending on your specific situation, one or more parties may be held responsible for your injury, including:
- General Contractors or Subcontractors: Responsible for ensuring the safety of the site and following OSHA regulations, they may be liable for negligence or safety violations.
- Equipment Manufacturers: If faulty machinery or tools caused your injury, the manufacturer may be held accountable under product liability laws.
- Property Owners: If unsafe site conditions contributed to your accident, the property owner could share liability.
- Third-Party Vendors: Delivery companies, electricians, or other third parties may play a role in construction site accidents.
Our attorneys meticulously investigate every case to identify responsible parties and hold them accountable, maximizing your opportunity for full and fair compensation.
Common Construction Accidents We Handle
The construction industry sees a broad range of accidents, many of which result in severe injuries. At Schafer & Schafer LLP, we’ve represented victims in cases involving:
- Falls from Heights: Scaffolding, ladders, or unsecured platforms.
- Electrocutions: Contact with live wires, faulty equipment, or power lines.
- Falling Objects: Tools, debris, or materials striking workers below.
- Caught-In or Caught-Between Accidents: Workers trapped by machinery or collapsed structures.
- Faulty Equipment Failures: Malfunctions or poorly maintained heavy machinery.
- Trench Collapses: Sudden cave-ins that trap or suffocate workers.
Each of these accidents can have devastating and life-changing consequences. If your accident occurred due to negligence or unsafe practices, legal action can help you rebuild your future.
What to Do After a Construction Injury
Taking the right steps after a construction injury is critical to protecting your health, building your case, and preserving your ability to collect compensation. Follow these steps to safeguard your rights:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if the injury seems minor, get checked by a medical professional as documentation is essential for your claim.
- Report the Accident: Notify your employer or supervisor and ensure the incident is officially documented.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazards that contributed to the incident.
- Get Witness Information: Collect names and contact details from coworkers or anyone who saw the accident happen.
- Do Not Sign Anything: Avoid signing documents or making statements without consulting an attorney, especially when dealing with insurance companies.
- Contact Schafer & Schafer LLP: Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process and act swiftly to preserve evidence and build your case.
Types of Compensation Available to Injured Workers
Construction site injuries often result in significant financial and emotional challenges. Schafer & Schafer LLP is dedicated to ensuring you receive full compensation for your losses. Depending on your case, you may be entitled to:
- Medical Expenses: Covering hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the time you’ve missed work due to your injury.
- Future Loss of Earnings: If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, we’ll pursue compensation for diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: We account for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by your injury.
- Wrongful Death Benefits: For families who have lost a loved one, we help secure compensation for funeral costs and loss of financial support.
- Punitive Damages: If gross negligence or intentional misconduct occurred, additional damages may be pursued.
With our extensive legal experience, we’ll thoroughly assess your case to ensure every facet of your damages is addressed.
Injured on a Construction Site in Northwest Indiana? You Have Legal Options
Even if you’ve received workers’ compensation, you may be eligible to pursue a third-party claim for additional damages. Workers’ compensation often fails to cover the full scope of your losses, but filing a lawsuit against a negligent third party can bridge the gap.
At Schafer & Schafer LLP, we handle every aspect of your claim, from investigating the accident to negotiating aggressively with insurance companies. We work tirelessly to hold all responsible parties accountable and secure the justice you deserve.
Contact Schafer & Schafer for a Free Case Evaluation
Don’t wait to take action if you or someone you love has been injured on a construction site. Indiana has strict time limits for filing claims, and evidence can fade quickly. Schafer & Schafer LLP offers free consultations, and with our contingency fee guarantee, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact us today to take the first step in your recovery. Your health, your family, and your future are our priorities, and we’re here to fight for you every step of the way.
