Construction Accident Lawyers in Chicago
Advocating for Construction Accident Victims in Illinois
Construction accidents are often caused by defective construction products, such as design and material deficiencies, but they can also result from construction or subsurface deficiencies. As such, construction defects can result in serious injuries and deaths. Depending on the circumstances of a construction accident, legal action may be brought under a number of claims, including premises liability, breach of contract, negligence, or product liability.
Building codes and regulations are designed to prevent construction defects, keep construction worksites safe, and ensure that structures are safe during the construction process and upon completion. Although a construction accident can occur absent a building code violation, this type of violation often indicates an inherent construction defect.
At Cogan & Power, P.C., our Chicago construction accident attorneys can guide you through the maze of complex liability issues and help you recover the compensation that you need and deserve. We take a collaborative approach to legal representation so we can evaluate all possible legal claims and the interplay between several legal theories. This approach has helped us secure millions on behalf of our injured clients.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation online or at (312) 477-2500 to get started!
Top 10 Common Construction Accidents and Their Causes
Construction is a dangerous job, as workers face many risks on the job. In 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 1,102 construction worker fatalities and a rate of 2.8 injuries or illnesses per 100 full-time construction workers, illustrating the risks and hazards of working in this industry. As such, we describe 10 common construction accidents below to clarify the causes of these serious incidents:
- Falls: Construction workers often perform their jobs from elevated surfaces such as rooftops, ladders, and scaffolding, making it no surprise that falls are among the leading causes of construction accidents.
- Scaffolding defects: Being so high up from the ground and a critical component of many construction projects, scaffolds should be safe and reliable. However, defective scaffolding can cause serious injuries and death. The BLS reported 61 fatalities in 2018 resulted from scaffolding accidents.
- Inadequate signage: Construction sites are full of warning signs, especially when they’re located on or near highways and streets. Thus, inadequate warning signs could result in car collisions and other mishaps on construction sites.
- Structural defects: These flaws are often caused by negligent workmanship, defective building materials, and design issues. Construction workers who are exposed to these hazards risk getting seriously injured or killed.
- Electrocutions: It is common to find exposed wires, unfinished systems, and downed power lines at construction sites. However, these factors can cause construction accidents.
- Machinery accidents: Construction workers operate machinery such as cranes, jackhammers, and bulldozers, all of which are dangerous in and of themselves. As such, these power tools can cause serious injuries or death.
- Explosions: As we mentioned before, exposed wires are common on construction sites. However, they can cause explosions or fires.
- Subsurface defects: Many projects require construction workers to dig trenches and excavate surfaces, which can lead to unstable and unreliable grounding. As a result, workers could suffer injuries if the ground were to disintegrate or collapse.
- Engineering or design defects: Many construction injuries are caused by engineering and design defects. Before the building phase occurs, a structure must be designed by an architect or engineer. Any flaws in that design process that lead to injuries could pave the way for a lawsuit.
- Poor working conditions: Overexertion is a significant concern in the construction industry. These workers are often subject to long hours, high heat, and other tough working conditions. For these reasons, workers can suffer from dehydration, fainting, strokes, and other injuries.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
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"Beyond thankful for what your firm has done for us"My family is so thankful for all of the hard work that attorneys John Power, Tom Murphy and James Edwards, who along with the support of Greg Marshall and Nancy O’Donnell have done for us.- Mark
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"Excellent Attorneys and even better Humans!"John Power and Tom Murphy are excellent attorneys and even better human beings. Both were there every step of the way guiding us through a very difficult and traumatic process. The hard work and dedication of John, Tom, and the entire Cogan and Power team, make it easier for us to heal and hope for better days. We are forever grateful for the outcome.- Anita Davis
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"The outcome of my case has forever changed my life. Sara is a smiling face that has a lioness’s toughness that works hard for her clients!"Sara Davis truly made my traumatic experience so much easier to deal with. She communicated with me throughout my case to ensure I was up to speed and provided me the next steps to come. Sara was extremely personable, informative and well prepared! She never made me feel as if she was too busy to answer my calls. The outcome of my case has forever changed my life. Sara is a smiling face that has a lioness’s toughness that works hard for her clients! Thanks Sara and team for enhancing my life with the outcome of my case!- Lakitsha L.
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"Great communication, quick responses, informed every step of the way. 10/10."
Great communication, quick responses, informed every step of the way. 10/10.
- Haley D -
"I had highly recommend Sara Davis and Cogan and Power. Sara goes over and beyond for her clients."I had highly recommend Sara Davis and Cogan and Power. Sara goes over and beyond for her clients.- Adrian P.
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"Best lawyers. They really look out for you and your family."Best lawyers. They really look out for you and your family.- Marty J.
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"I cannot recommend Cogan and Power highly enough."Cogan and Power is without parallel. I cannot recommend Cogan and Power highly enough.- Laura T.
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"I can not speak highly enough"
I can not speak highly enough for the experience I have received from Cogan & Power Attorneys at Law. I was introduced to John Power through a mural friend. I was impressed from the very first phone call with John Power to us meeting through the pandemic. His professionalism and his medical knowledge is unbelievable… I have to say from that day moving forward John Power, Sara Davis and Kim Stefanek all put me at ease. My cases lasted just about 3 years and I was notified every step of the way on what was going forward and keeping me in the loop. John and Sara made sure that I was ready and comfortable for my Deposition, they made sure every stone was unturned! Kim Stefanek is one of their paralegals and she is awesome. I can go and I highly recommend Cogan & Power for your legal issues. John Power & Sara Davis are amazing attorneys and exceptional, caring, compassionate people!!
- Beatrice H.
What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?
Cogan & Power is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
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Collaborative Approach to Legal Representation
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Invested in Your Overall Well-Being
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If You Can't Come to Us, We Will Come To You
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You'll Communicate Directly With Our Partners
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Record-Setting Achievements Recovering Millions for Our Clients
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Nearly 200 Years of Combined Experience