Can I obtain any benefits if I have been hurt in a construction accident?

In Illinois, workers’ compensation laws provide benefits after a construction accident. Workers may also be able to file a lawsuit. If you don’t pursue the right type of claim, you could lose out on money and medical care you are entitled to.

Notifying your employer of a workplace injury within 45 days is required to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation pays medical and partial lost income regardless of who was to blame for the construction accident.

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act details the full list of benefits available, including disability benefits equal to 2/3 of your average weekly wage if you cannot work.

However, workers’ compensation does not provide the full extent of compensation available in an injury claim. An injury lawsuit allows you to obtain compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress and the wrongful death of a family member.

Injury lawsuits are not possible in all construction accident cases but should be filed if you have a legitimate claim so you can be fully compensated for your losses. Check our page on How Much Is My Case Worth? to learn how to determine the value of an injury claim.