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Common Construction Site Accidents in Illinois (Part B)

Crane Accidents

Like elevator shaft accidents and scaffolding accidents, crane accidents can result in serious injuries or death. Incidents that can contribute to crane accidents include:

• Ÿ Improper crane inspection;
• Ÿ Using the wrong loading chart;
• Ÿ People walking underneath the operating area of a crane;
• Ÿ Falling objects;
• Ÿ Falls from cranes;
• Ÿ Improper testing of cranes;
• Ÿ Not maintaining proper clearance with overhead electrical lines;
• Ÿ Operating a crane on an unstable surface;
• Ÿ Lack of training;
• Ÿ Lack of communication between appropriate personnel; and
• Ÿ Improper blocking, or "cribbing," of loads for load stabilization.

Trench Accidents

Construction workers often find themselves working in trenches or performing excavation on a construction site. Common trench accidents include:

• Ÿ Exposure to toxic gases;
• Ÿ Having insufficient oxygen;
• Ÿ Collapsing walls;
• Ÿ Falls;
• Ÿ Explosions;
• Ÿ Electrocution;
• Ÿ Cave-ins;
• Ÿ Being hit with falling objects; and
• Ÿ Drowning.

These trench accidents can occur because of:

• Ÿ Inadequate trench inspections;
• Ÿ Inadequate soil analysis;
• Ÿ Poorly built walls;
• Ÿ Neglecting to locate underground utility lines;
• Ÿ Neglecting to use appropriate safety equipment;
• Ÿ Insufficient protection against water accumulation;
• Ÿ Neglecting to install the required guardrails, ramps and walkways;
• Ÿ Neglecting to test for gases; and
• Ÿ Prolonged working time in trenches.

Injuries involved in trench accidents will depend on the cause and severity of the accident, but may include head injuries, burn injuries, and broken or fractured bones.

Loading Dock Accidents

A variety of different accidents can occur on or close to loading docks.

Common types of loading dock accidents include:

• Ÿ A forklift hitting a person;
• Ÿ A forklift rolling off of the loading dock;
• Ÿ A forklift dropping merchandise on a person;
• Ÿ Getting caught between a truck and a loading dock;
• Ÿ A person slipping or falling off of a loading dock;
• Ÿ Improperly stacked merchandise falling on a person;
• Ÿ Trailers separating from loading docks;
• Ÿ Trailers leaving loading docks without notifying warehouse personnel; and
• Ÿ Poor weather conditions that result in ice or snow.

As with other common construction accidents, loading dock accident injuries will vary according to the type and severity of the incident. Those who are lucky may not have any injuries at all or may only experience minor scrapes and bruises. However, less fortunate victims may experience injuries that permanently affect the quality of their lives or experience injuries that lead to death.

When to Hire a Chicago Construction Accident Lawyer

It's important to contact a qualified Chicago construction accident lawyer as soon as you are able. Even though Workers' Compensation is available for victims of construction site accidents, this alone may not be enough to cover all of your accident-related expenses. A Chicago construction accident lawyer can help you explore all available avenues of compensation for your injuries.

The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and understand the complexities of worksite injury cases. For a free evaluation of your case contact us today - 312-263-1080

The Law Offices of
Barry G. Doyle, P.C.
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Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: 312.263.1080
Fax: 312.263.0153

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