Although it may seem unusual to go to a Chicago construction lawyer after suffering an injury in a loading dock accident, loading dock accidents and Illinois construction site accidents have a number of factors in common. These include the facts that loading docks and construction sites require labor intensive work and can involve heavy equipment. Both are dangerous areas in which to work and are the sites of accidents that may result in serious injuries or death.
In addition, both loading dock accidents and construction accidents fall under the Workers’ Compensation Act in the state of Illinois. This is why hiring an experienced Chicago construction accident lawyer is the best route for you to get the compensation that you deserve if you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a loading dock accident.
Types of Loading Dock Accidents
Those who work in loading dock areas need to be constantly vigilant to avoid accidents. Loading dock accidents can include:
- Falling off of the loading dock;
- Being caught between the loading dock and a truck;
- Being hurt by a forklift;
- Rolling a forklift off of a loading dock;
- Slipping on a loading dock;
- Being hurt by improperly loaded merchandise;
- Merchandise falling off of a forklift;
- Lack of communication between warehouse personnel and truck drivers;
- Improperly trained warehouse personnel;
- Improperly trained truck drivers;
- Ignoring safety training; and
- Unsafe conditions such as ice or snow.
Workers’ Compensation & Loading Dock Injuries Loading dock accidents fall under the Workers’ Compensation Act, a type of no-fault insurance that your employer must carry. You will receive benefits under Illinois Workers’ Compensation, subject to minimums and maximums. Typically, benefits will be granted to address medical costs including:
- hospital stay;
- surgery;
- doctor appointments;
- prescribed medications; and
- physical therapy.
Other benefits that you may receive include:
- temporary total disability;
- temporary partial disability;
- permanent total disability; and/or
- permanent partial disability.
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