Lost Wages and Piling Medical Bills: How a Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help You Stay Afloat

Many individuals face similar challenges, and understanding your legal options is the first step toward regaining financial stability and focusing on your recovery.

The Immediate Aftermath: Lost Wages and Medical Bills

Construction sites, while crucial to our infrastructure, are inherently dangerous environments. Despite strict safety regulations, accidents happen, often resulting in severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and even fatalities. The immediate impact on your life can be devastating.

One of the most pressing concerns for injured workers is the sudden loss of income. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, even temporarily, your regular paycheck stops, but your financial obligations don't. Rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and daily living expenses continue to accrue. This financial void can quickly lead to immense stress and anxiety.

Simultaneously, medical bills begin to pile up. Emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy all contribute to a significant financial strain. Even with health insurance, co-pays, deductibles, and services not fully covered can leave you with substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

Workers' Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims: Understanding Your Rights

When a construction accident occurs, two primary avenues for seeking compensation may be available: workers' compensation and a personal injury claim. Understanding the distinctions between them is crucial.

Workers' Compensation is a no-fault insurance system designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured on the job.1 It typically covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. While essential, workers' compensation benefits often do not cover the full extent of your losses, particularly for long-term injuries or if the accident was caused by a third party.

A Personal Injury Claim, on the other hand, allows you to seek compensation from a negligent party whose actions or inactions led to your injury. This could be a third-party contractor, a property owner, equipment manufacturer, or another entity not directly your employer. In a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover a broader range of damages, including:

• Past and Future Medical Expenses: This includes all costs associated with your treatment, from emergency care to ongoing therapy and future medical needs.

• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Not only can you seek compensation for the income you've already lost, but also for future earning potential if your injury permanently impacts your ability to work.

• Pain and Suffering: This accounts for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life you've experienced due to the accident.

• Disability and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent impairments or changes to your physical appearance.

How a Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help You Stay Afloat

Navigating the complexities of workers' compensation claims and pursuing a personal injury lawsuit can be incredibly challenging, especially while recovering from a serious injury. This is where a knowledgeable and experienced construction accident lawyer becomes an invaluable asset.

Here's how a dedicated legal team, like those at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., can help you stay afloat during this difficult time:

• Understanding Your Rights and Options: A skilled attorney will thoroughly assess your case, determine the cause of the accident, and identify all potential avenues for compensation, whether through workers' compensation, a third-party personal injury claim, or both.

• Gathering Evidence: Building a strong case requires meticulous evidence collection. Your lawyer will investigate the accident scene, gather witness statements, obtain accident reports, review medical records, and consult with expert witnesses to strengthen your claim.

• Calculating Full Damages: Determining the true value of your claim involves more than just adding up immediate bills. An attorney will work to accurately calculate all your past, present, and future damages, including lost earning capacity and the long-term impact on your life.

• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to settle claims for the lowest possible amount. Your lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters,2 protecting your rights and fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.

• Litigation if Necessary: While many cases settle out of court, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. They will represent your interests vigorously in court.

• Alleviating Stress: By entrusting the legal complexities to experienced professionals, you can alleviate significant financial and emotional stress, allowing you to focus on your recovery and rehabilitation.

If you're facing the daunting prospect of lost wages and piling medical bills after a construction accident, don't try to navigate the legal system alone. Seeking legal counsel early on can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and your ability to rebuild your life.

For those in and around Chicago, Cook County, and areas like Window Company Naperville il, a reputable construction accident lawyer can be your strongest advocate.

Call our office today at (312) 332-5400 to learn how we can help you pursue a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim. Or visit us at our Chicago office location: 162 N. Franklin, Suite 300, Chicago, Il 60606.