Waukegan Construction Accident Lawyer

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Joseph Conboy | June 30, 2025
Waukegan Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction sites are dangerous places, even when safety rules are followed. One small mistake can cause life-changing injuries. Falls, electrical shocks, or machinery failures can happen quickly and without warning. If you’ve been hurt on a job site, you may be dealing with pain, missed work, and growing medical bills.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers helps construction accident victims in Waukegan, IL get the help and compensation they need. We know how stressful a construction injury can be. You may not know what steps to take or how to deal with your employer, insurance, or other people involved. That’s where we come in.

Our personal injury law firm is here to fight for your rights and guide you through every step. Whether you’re looking for answers or ready to file a claim, our team is here to support you.

Injured on a Construction Site in Waukegan?

Being injured on a construction site can change your life in an instant. It’s important to understand what caused your construction accident and who may be responsible.

Common Hazards: Falls, Electrocution, Machinery Accidents

  • Falls from heights: One of the most common causes of construction related injuries, often involving temporary structures like ladders or scaffolds.
  • Electrocution: Poor wiring, exposed cables, or faulty equipment can cause severe shocks or even death.
  • Heavy machinery accidents: Cranes, forklifts, and other large machines can malfunction or be used improperly, leading to painful injuries or worse.

Legal Support Can Make All the Difference

Working with a Waukegan construction accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and protect your right to fair compensation. The legal process can be confusing, but a skilled construction accident lawyer will handle the details so you can focus on healing.

Common Types of Construction Accident Cases We Handle

Common Types of Construction Accident Cases We Handle

Construction workers face a wide range of hazards every day. At Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers, we have helped clients with many different kinds of construction accidents. Some involve faulty equipment. Others are caused by poor planning, lack of training, or unsafe work zones.

Some of the most common types of cases we handle are:

1. Scaffolding and Ladder Falls

Scaffolding and ladder accidents often happen when the equipment is old, broken, or set up the wrong way. These falls can lead to broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or even death. Many workers are not given proper harnesses or fall protection, which makes the risk even worse.

2. Equipment Malfunctions and Machinery Injuries

Heavy machinery must be maintained and used properly. When a machine malfunctions, or when a worker is not trained to use it, the results can be devastating. We’ve seen cases involving crushed limbs, deep cuts, or long-term disability caused by defective or misused equipment.

3. Falling Objects and Head Injuries

Construction sites often involve work done at different heights. Tools, materials, or debris can fall without warning. If you’re not wearing a hard hat (or if the falling object is especially heavy), you could suffer a serious head injury, concussion, or permanent brain damage.

4. Trench Collapses and Structural Failures

Poorly built trenches or temporary structures can collapse without warning. These accidents are extremely dangerous and can trap, crush, or suffocate workers. Many of these accidents happen because safety rules were ignored or the site was not properly inspected.

5. Electrical Accidents and Burns

Live wires, faulty circuits, or exposed electrical panels can lead to shocks, burns, or even explosions. Workers may not be told where the hazards are, or the site may lack proper warnings. These injuries often require long-term treatment and lead to high medical costs.

6. Vehicle-Related Injuries

Construction zones often involve vehicles like forklifts, bulldozers, or delivery trucks. Accidents happen when drivers don’t see workers, equipment is left in blind spots, or safety barriers are missing. These crashes can cause broken bones, head trauma, and lasting emotional distress.

Who Is Liable in a Waukegan Construction Accident?

After a construction accident in Waukegan, figuring out who is responsible can be difficult. More than one party may share the blame. Liability depends on what caused the accident and who failed to follow safety rules.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers looks closely at each case to hold the right people accountable.

Construction Company Negligence

Construction companies are responsible for keeping job sites safe. When they fail to follow safety standards, ignore training requirements, or allow unsafe conditions, workers and bystanders can suffer serious injuries.

In many cases, the company’s failure to act with proper care leads directly to a construction accident injury.

Third-Party Contractors and Subcontractors

Many construction projects involve subcontractors and third-party companies. These groups often work alongside other crews, but they don’t always communicate well. When a subcontractor ignores safety procedures or operates equipment carelessly, they may be legally responsible for any injuries that result.

Property Owners and Developers

Some accidents happen because the property owner or developer failed to fix a known danger or provide a safe environment for workers. If the owner knew about a hazard like unstable ground or exposed wires, and didn’t warn anyone, they could be liable for the construction site injury.

Product Liability for Defective Equipment

Defective tools or equipment can fail without warning. If a ladder breaks, a machine overheats, or safety gear malfunctions, the manufacturer or distributor may be responsible under product liability laws. These companies are required to make sure their products are safe and work as expected during a construction project.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims

After a construction accident in Waukegan, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation or even a third-party claim, sometimes both. It’s important to understand the difference so you can get the full compensation you deserve.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers can guide you through each option to help protect your rights and your recovery.

What Workers’ Comp Covers in Illinois

In Illinois, workers’ compensation provides medical care and partial wage replacement if you’re hurt while doing your job. You don’t need to prove fault to receive these benefits. As long as the injury happened during your work duties on a construction site, you likely qualify.

However, workers’ comp does not pay for things like pain and suffering or full lost income.

When You Can Sue Outside of Workers’ Comp

If someone other than your employer, like a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner caused your injury, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit. These claims can help you recover much more than workers’ comp, including full lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other long-term damages related to your construction accident injury.

Benefits of Filing Both Types of Claims

  • Broader Compensation: Workers’ comp covers basic medical expenses and a portion of your wages, while a third-party claim can recover full and fair compensation for long-term losses, emotional distress, and ongoing care.
  • No Need to Prove Fault for Workers’ Comp: You don’t have to show that anyone was negligent to get workers’ comp benefits, which helps you receive immediate support after your construction accident.
  • Accountability for Negligence: Third-party lawsuits help hold subcontractors, manufacturers, or property owners responsible when their careless actions put construction workers in danger.

By exploring both types of claims, you increase your chances of recovering everything you need for a full recovery.

Deadlines Matter – Don’t Miss Your Chance to File

Deadlines Matter – Don’t Miss Your Chance to File

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Waukegan, acting quickly is critical. There are strict deadlines for filing both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits. Missing these time limits could mean losing your right to recover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Work Injuries

In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of your construction accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies if you’re pursuing compensation from a third party, such as a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer. If you miss this window, the court will likely dismiss your case, no matter how serious your injury is.

Time Limits for Workers’ Comp Claims

For workers’ compensation claims in Illinois, you must notify your employer within 45 days of the accident. After that, you typically have three years to file a formal claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

However, the earlier you start, the stronger your case may be. Delays can lead to disputes over the cause of your injury or the benefits you’re owed.

FAQs

If you’re hurt on a job site, report the incident to your supervisor right away. Then, seek medical care, even if the injury seems minor. Prompt action not only protects your health but also supports your personal injury claims. A Waukegan personal injury lawyer can begin gathering evidence and building your case while it’s still fresh.

Liability depends on the details. In many cases, construction managers, general contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners may be responsible. The construction industry often involves many parties, and a skilled personal injury lawyer will investigate each one. If safety regulations were ignored, those responsible must be held accountable.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets rules to protect workers. If your construction site accident involved a violation of these standards, OSHA records may support your claim. Our legal team uses occupational safety data to show fault when injured workers are harmed due to preventable hazards.

Yes. Besides rehabilitation costs and medical expenses, you may also claim lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In some cases, pursuing both workers’ comp and a third-party personal injury claim helps clients recover maximum compensation. We’re committed to seeking favorable outcomes for you and your family members.

An experienced attorney knows how to handle the legal process while representing clients against large companies and insurers. From gathering evidence to negotiating settlements, a lawyer ensures your rights are protected. A Waukegan personal injury lawyer helps you understand your legal options and fights for everything you’re legally entitled to.

Contact Our Waukegan Construction Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Contact Our Waukegan Construction Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a construction accident in Waukegan, you don’t have to go through this alone. Serious injuries can lead to costly medical bills, time away from work, and ongoing pain. You deserve to understand your legal rights and pursue the full compensation you’re owed.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers understands how difficult the recovery process can be, whether it’s physically, emotionally, or financially. That’s why our team is committed to helping construction accident victims across Lake County. We handle everything from gathering evidence to speaking with insurers so you can focus on healing.

Let us review your case, explain your options, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation with a trusted Waukegan construction accident attorney. We don’t get paid unless we win for you.

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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