Trenches are a necessary aspect of many construction endeavors. Unfortunately, this necessity does nothing to lessen the inherent danger that comes with the job. Occupational accidents and injuries happen regularly at construction sites, including a trench collapse accident or a fall. Often, trench accidents and their resulting injuries could have been prevented, but were not due to the negligence of some party.
Trench Collapse Accidents and the Resulting Injuries
A trench collapse accident can be caused by worker negligence, poorly dug trenches, failure to follow safety guidelines, or a number of other reasons. No matter what the cause of the accident may be, the results usually include serious or permanent injury or even death.
Some common trench collapse injuries include:
- Broken wrists
- Broken ankles
- Spinal injuries
- Hip and knee problems
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Cartilage tears
- Broken pelvis
- Broken back
- Rotator cuff tears
If you have suffered any of the abovementioned injuries or a related injury in a Chicago trench accident, it would be in your best interest to contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to determine your legal options.
Trench Collapse Accident Causes and Prevention
As previously mentioned, there are many known causes of Chicago trench accidents. These causes have inspired a lengthy list of required precautions surrounding trenches. Unfortunately, these precautions are not always implemented; as a result, many workers are subjected to unreasonably dangerous work conditions.
Trench collapses can be caused by:
- Flooding;
- Improper shoring;
- Equipment defects;
- Machinery resting dangerously close to the trench;
- Inadequate safety equipment; and
- Poor digging.
You may notice that most of these dangers could be corrected if one simply took the time to do so. For this reason, those in charge of construction projects are required by federal law to take specific preventative measures. Thus, if you or a loved has been injured in a trench collapse accident, a Chicago personal injury lawyer may be able to assist you in gaining workers compensation for any such negligence.
A trench collapse accident is almost always preventable if federal safety mandates are followed correctly. However, if you have been injured in a Chicago trench accident due to a vendor or other third party’s neglect, you may be entitled to recover damages outside of Worker’s Compensation.
What to do After You Have Been Involved in a Trench Collapse Accident
First and foremost, you need to alert your supervisor of your accident and seek the appropriate medical attention. Alerting your supervisor to your accident and injuries should help you begin the Workers’ Compensation paperwork. Then you should contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer experienced in trench collapse accidents who can help you determine who was responsible for your injuries and what compensation may be available to you. This is especially important as Workers’ Compensation may deny your claim or not provide enough compensation to cover all of your accident-related expenses.
It is also highly important that you maintain a detailed record of your injuries and medical treatments. This will support your case for a personal injury claim and Workers’ Compensation.
If possible, get pictures and other evidence of the conditions surrounding the trench collapse as well as the names and contact information of any co-workers or other witnesses to the collapse. Any such evidence can assist your personal injury claim.
Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer
You should be able to recover from your injuries without worrying about confusing court documents and filing paperwork. While you re-adjust to life after a Chicago trench accident, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an Illinois personal injury alone.
When you have the help of a trusted Chicago personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.
