Construction is one of the most dangerous careers in America, with one in ten construction workers injured each year while working on the roads, infrastructure, and buildings across the country. This often involves the use of dangerous and heavy equipment such as thawing equipment.
When a construction site is frozen it can put all work at a stand-still. Ground thawing equipment can quickly bring a construction site back to a work-ready state by thawing the ground and preventing frost penetration to help prepare for excavation, digging, and dirt and concrete curing work throughout the entire winter season, eliminating the need for temporary winter enclosures, especially in remote job locations. While thawing equipment is typically safe and essential, it is not without risk.
If you have been injured in a thawing equipment accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
Thawing Equipment Risks
Thawing equipment is designed to be safe when used in a proper manner. Those employees that are working with thawing equipment should be thoroughly trained in the proper usage of not only the equipment itself, but they should also be instructed in the safe usage of the method being used to power the device itself, such as electricity, propane, or gasoline. When a worker does not understand how to use the thawing equipment or the equipment is not routinely inspected or maintained, accidents can happen. In addition, thawing equipment that is defective in design and/or manufacture should never be used to avoid serious, and sometimes deadly, injuries.
The most common injuries seen in thawing equipment accidents include:
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Fractures
- Abrasions
- Amputation
- Crushing injuries
- Severe burns
- Permanent disabilities
- Head, neck, and spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Death
Liability in Construction Accidents
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH ACT), employers have an obligation to maintain a safe working environment and follow the regulations of OSHA. If the employer, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or another employee fails to follow the appropriate standards of care and their actions or inactions cause an accident, they could be liable for the injuries and damages their negligence caused.
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides benefits, including medical and rehabilitation expenses, partial wages, and disability benefits to an injured worker regardless of who was at-fault for the accident. Workers compensation does typically prohibit an employee from suing their employer for the accident, however, there may be other options including filing a claim against a negligent third-party, such as a subcontractor, vendor, defective equipment designer and/or manufacturer, or general contractor who is not the employee’s direct employer.
Construction accidents are often complex, involving multiple parties and defendants. This is why it is important to contact an
experienced personal injury lawyer to determine your rights under Illinois law.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to negligence on the job site or a defective product, the
lawyers at 844 See Mike can review your claim and determine if there were unsafe working conditions, potential OSHA violations, and other hazards that may have existed at the time of your accident. They will also determine who may be liable for your injuries and damages and what compensation you may be entitled to.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over
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