Although it may seem unusual to go to a Chicago construction lawyer after suffering an injury in a loading dock accident, loading dock accidents and Illinois construction site accidents have a number of factors in common. These include the facts that loading docks and construction sites require labor intensive work and can involve heavy equipment. Both are dangerous areas in which to work and are the sites of accidents that may result in serious injuries or death.
In addition, both loading dock accidents and construction accidents fall under the Workers’ Compensation Act in the state of Illinois. This is why hiring an experienced Chicago construction accident lawyer is the best route for you to get the compensation that you deserve if you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a loading dock accident.
Types of Loading Dock Accidents
Those who work in loading dock areas need to be constantly vigilant to avoid accidents. Loading dock accidents can include:
- Falling off of the loading dock;
- Being caught between the loading dock and a truck;
- Being hurt by a forklift;
- Rolling a forklift off of a loading dock;
- Slipping on a loading dock;
- Being hurt by improperly loaded merchandise;
- Merchandise falling off of a forklift;
- Lack of communication between warehouse personnel and truck drivers;
- Improperly trained warehouse personnel;
- Improperly trained truck drivers;
- Ignoring safety training; and
- Unsafe conditions such as ice or snow.
Workers’ Compensation & Loading Dock Injuries
Loading dock accidents fall under the Workers’ Compensation Act, a type of no-fault insurance that your employer must carry. You will receive benefits under Illinois Workers’ Compensation, subject to minimums and maximums. Typically, benefits will be granted to address medical costs including:
- hospital stay;
- surgery;
- doctor appointments;
- prescribed medications; and
- physical therapy.
Other benefits that you may receive include:
- temporary total disability;
- temporary partial disability;
- permanent total disability; and/or
- permanent partial disability.
While Workers’ Compensation does provide some important benefits to injured workers and their families, permanent or long-term injuries may require expenses that go beyond the limits Workers’ Compensation can provide. That is why it is so important to discuss your loading dock injury case with a qualified Chicago worksite accident attorney who can help you explore all your legal options for compensation.
Loading Dock Accidents & Survivor Benefits
If you have lost a loved one as a result of a loading dock accident, you may be entitled to survivor benefits under Illinois Workers’ Compensation. These benefits include a burial benefit to help with burial costs and a survivor’s benefit. The survivor’s benefit is calculated by taking two-thirds of the average of the 52 weeks gross salary your loved one was paid prior to the injury that caused the death. This benefit is subject to minimums and maximums.
Loading Dock Accidents & Personal Injury Lawsuits
Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, you likely won’t be able to sue your employer or a fellow employee for damages. However, this doesn’t mean that you aren’t entitled to file a lawsuit in Illinois for damages beyond the benefits that you are receiving through Workers’ Compensation. You may, with the assistance of an experienced Chicago worksite accident lawyer, be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a liable third party. A third party might include:
- The manufacturer of a piece of equipment that failed if the failure was a result of a manufacturing defect;
- The manufacturer of a piece of equipment that failed if the failure was a result of a design defect; or
- Another company if that company’s employee was responsible for your accident.
When to Hire a Chicago Worksite Accident Lawyer
You should consult with a qualified Chicago worksite accident lawyer as soon as you are able. A qualified attorney can help you identify any third-parties that may be liable for your loading dock accident and help you file a claim to recover compensation.
The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and understand the complexities of worksite injury cases. For a free evaluation of your case contact us today – 312-263-1080
