Joliet Construction Accident Lawyer

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founder, Joseph Conboy who has years of legal experience. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

Last updated on: May 15, 2025

Joseph Conboy | May 15, 2025
Joliet Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction zones are some of the most dangerous places to work in Joliet. Heavy equipment, open trenches, electrical wiring, and unstable structures can all lead to serious injuries or even death. Sadly, many of these accidents happen because someone failed to follow basic safety rules or didn’t take the necessary precautions to protect workers.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers helps construction workers and their families get the help they need after a life-changing injury. If you’ve been hurt on the job, you may be entitled to more than just workers compensation benefits. You could also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit and seek full financial compensation from other responsible parties.

Our team has experience handling construction site accident claims and is ready to help you through the claims process with honesty and care. We offer a free consultation to help you understand your legal options.

Understanding Construction Accidents in Joliet

Construction work is essential to keeping Joliet growing, but it remains one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Workers face daily risks from heavy machinery, elevated surfaces, toxic materials, and fast-paced work environments. Even with safety rules in place, accidents still happen because of human error, equipment failure, or unsafe working conditions created by others.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers understands how devastating a construction site accident can be for both the injured worker and their family. That’s why we fight hard to make sure construction workers are treated fairly and receive the medical treatment, lost income, and other support they deserve.

Whether your injury was caused by a falling object, a machinery malfunction, or unsafe site practices, our law firm is here to provide honest advice and take action when needed. You do not have to face this process alone.

Common Construction Accident Types

  • Falls from Heights: These accidents often happen when workers are on scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops without proper safety gear. A fall can cause serious injuries, including broken bones or brain injuries.
  • Falling Objects: Tools, debris, or building materials can drop from above and strike workers below. These incidents often lead to construction worker injuries like head trauma or back damage.
  • Electrocution: Contact with exposed wires or faulty equipment can cause severe burns, nerve damage, or death. Many of these risks can be avoided with proper occupational safety measures.
  • Caught-in or Between Equipment: Workers can get pinned by machinery or trapped between materials. These types of accidents are often linked to collapse accidents or heavy equipment mishaps.
  • Equipment Failures: Malfunctioning machines can suddenly crush, cut, or injure a worker. Poor maintenance or manufacturer errors are common causes.

Why These Accidents Happen

Construction accidents often occur because safety rules are ignored, or because job sites are rushed to meet deadlines. Many construction companies fail to provide proper training or protective gear, leaving workers exposed to serious risks.

Sometimes, equipment is old, poorly maintained, or used the wrong way, which increases the chance of failure and injury. Lack of communication on the job site can also cause confusion that leads to mistakes.

In other cases, property owners or contractors cut corners to save time or money, putting construction workers in danger. No matter the reason, workers should never be blamed for unsafe conditions caused by poor planning or bad decisions from those in charge.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

When a construction site accident happens, more than one party may be at fault depending on what caused the injury. Often, the construction companies overseeing the project are responsible if they failed to follow safety rules, did not train workers properly, or used unsafe equipment.

In other cases, property owners may be liable if they knew about a dangerous condition and did nothing to fix it. Equipment manufacturers could also be at fault if a machine or tool was defective and caused harm.

Subcontractors working on the site may share responsibility if they created or ignored a safety hazard. A skilled personal injury attorney can investigate the accident and determine who should be held accountable for the injuries and losses.

Injuries Caused by Construction Accidents

Construction accidents can leave workers and others with life-changing injuries. These injuries range from mild to very serious, and they often affect a person’s ability to return to work, enjoy daily life, or support their family.

Minor to Severe Physical Injuries

Many construction workers suffer physical injuries that range from small cuts and bruises to serious injuries like broken bones, burns, or even brain injuries. In some cases, limbs may be crushed or lost in machinery, scaffolding may collapse, or heavy objects may fall from above. Even a fall from a short height can cause long-lasting damage.

Some construction site accidents may result in spinal cord injuries, which can leave the worker with partial or total paralysis. Injuries like these require immediate medical treatment, and in many cases, a long recovery period. The medical bills can become overwhelming, especially if the worker cannot return to their job.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

Not all injuries are visible. Many accident victims experience emotional harm that stays long after the body has healed. Depression, anxiety, flashbacks, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common after construction accidents, especially those involving falls or collapse accidents. These emotional effects can make it hard to sleep, work, or enjoy time with loved ones.

Sometimes, survivors need therapy or medication just to get through the day. Emotional trauma can be just as serious as physical injuries and may require long-term support. That’s why it’s important for personal injury attorneys to consider mental health when seeking financial compensation.

Long-Term Medical Care Needs

Some construction worker injuries don’t fully heal, even with time. Workers may need ongoing medical treatment such as physical therapy, vocational rehabilitation, or repeat surgeries. In more severe cases, permanent disabilities may require medical equipment, home modifications, or help from caregivers.

All of this can cost a lot of money over time. Injured workers may also struggle to work in the same job or earn the same income they did before. An experienced personal injury attorney will fight to include these long-term costs when seeking a fair settlement or verdict, so workers can get the care they need for the rest of their lives.

What to Do After a Construction Site Injury

If you’re injured at a construction site, what you do next can make a big difference in your health, your rights, and your ability to get the financial compensation you deserve. Follow these steps to protect yourself and strengthen your case.

1. Get Medical Help Immediately: Always put your health first. Even if your injuries seem small, visit a doctor or emergency room right away. Some serious problems like brain injuries or internal bleeding don’t show signs right away. Getting prompt medical treatment also creates official medical records, which can help prove your case later.

2. Report the Injury to Your Employer: Tell your supervisor or site manager about the accident as soon as possible. This creates a record that the injury happened at work. Without this step, it may be harder to get workers compensation benefits or prove your case in court.

3. Document the Accident Scene: If you’re physically able, take photos or videos of where the accident happened. Capture equipment, safety hazards, injuries, and anything else that might be important. These images can help your law firm show who was at fault.

4. Collect Witness Names and Statements: Talk to any co-workers or others who saw the accident happen. Get their names and contact details. Their stories may help your lawyer prove that the construction companies or property owners were careless or violated occupational safety rules.

5. Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer: After your accident, an insurance company may call you for a statement. It’s best not to speak to them before talking with a construction site accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters work to protect their company, not you, and anything you say could be used to reduce your claim.

Can You Sue for a Construction Accident in Illinois?

If you were hurt on a construction site in Illinois, you might wonder whether you can file a lawsuit. The answer depends on who was responsible and how the accident happened. Some workers can only file for workers compensation benefits, while others may also be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims

Workers’ Compensation

Personal Injury Claims

You don’t have to prove fault.

You must prove someone else caused the injury.

Covers medical care and partial lost wages.

Can cover full medical bills, lost income, and more.

Limited types of compensation.

Includes pain and suffering and other damages.

Usually filed through your employer.

Can be filed against third parties (not your employer).

No jury trial.

Can go to court with a jury.

Third-Party Liability in Construction Accidents

You may be able to sue someone other than your employer if they caused or contributed to your injury. These are called third-party claims. For example, if a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner was negligent, they may be held legally responsible.

Filing a third-party lawsuit may allow you to obtain compensation beyond what workers compensation provides.

When Can You File a Lawsuit?

You may file a lawsuit if the accident involved unsafe equipment, negligent site managers, dangerous working conditions, or another party not employed by your company. In Illinois, there is a time limit for filing a lawsuit, so it’s important to act quickly.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine if your case qualifies and explain your legal options clearly.

FAQs

Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause serious long-term health problems. If this happens, seek medical help right away and report the exposure to your supervisor. Then, talk to a legal professional who can help you understand your legal rights and whether you can pursue additional compensation.

Yes, if the fall was due to poor safety measures, broken equipment, or negligence by an at-fault party like a contractor or site manager. Falls from other elevated platforms can lead to serious injuries resulting in high medical expenses, and you may be entitled to just compensation.

General contractors often have a legal duty to keep the site safe. If they fail to do so and a worker gets hurt, they could be held responsible. A team of legal professionals at our law offices can help determine if they share liability in your case.

If a dump truck hits or injures you at work, you may have a case against the driver, the company, or others responsible for safety. These are often third-party claims and can involve multiple damages incurred including medical expenses and lost income.

At Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers, we make sure our clients receive the support and free case evaluation they need. We look at all the damages incurred, including eye injuries, trauma, or long-term care costs. Our goal is to fight for the just compensation you deserve.

Call Our Joliet Construction Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review

If you were injured on a construction site in Joliet, don’t wait to get help. Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers understands how stressful this time can be. Medical bills, time off work, and the pain from your injuries can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer a free initial consultation to review your situation, explain your legal options, and determine if you may be entitled to compensation.

We provide expert legal representation backed by years of experience helping construction accident victims across Illinois. Our team knows how to deal with insurance companies and build strong claims that reflect the full impact of your injury.

You won’t pay anything upfront; our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Contact us today and let us fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Joseph Conboy
Founding Attorney

Joseph M. Conboy, founder of Conboy Law, represents victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, securing numerous multi-million-dollar results. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019–2022), he is a member of the American Association for Justice and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Conboy earned his J.D. from DePaul University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado.

Thanks to this amazing law firm, I was able to successfully bring justice and get the help I needed. They really care a lot about their clients, they’re 100 percent fully involved in your case and will do the most to make sure you get the help you need. Thanks for everything!
Tiffany H.
I can't say enough about Joseph Conboy. He was a true asset during our personal injury claim and had such an amazing legal approach, which made me feel like his top priority from day one! I'm so grateful we were able to work together for this win/win outcome.
Jackson K.
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