Cranes accidents aren’t common, and that’s a good thing. The consequences of a crane accident leaves workers with devastating injuries. Most often these are caused by objects falling off the crane and crushing victims. If this has happened to you, you need our O’Fallon crane accident lawyers to look at your case.
Morelli Law has helped thousands of victims get compensation for their injuries, including crane accidents. Over our history, we’ve earned over $1 billion in settlements for our clients. Find out how we can put our O’Fallon construction accident lawyers to work for you with one phone call.
Won’t Workers’ Compensation Cover My Case?
If you’re eligible for workers’ compensation, it’s always a good idea to apply for it. However, there are limits to what workers can claim under that program and you may be owed much more than what your employer’s insurer will give you.
If you were a bystander and got injured by a crane, workers’ compensation will not cover your injuries. Your case will be like other personal injury cases, so you will need the help of a lawyer to prove that whoever harmed you acted negligently to win.
Workers’ compensation pays for most medical bills and repays most lost wages because of an accident. You may also get compensation for temporary or permanent disability, or for vocational rehabilitation.
When Can I Sue About a Crane Accident?
Workers’ compensation prevents you from suing your employer after a workplace accident according to the Illinois worker’s comp rules. That’s the bargain for getting faster compensation without the need to prove negligence. In rare cases, you may sue your employer. Some examples are if they deliberately harmed you or acted with gross negligence.
However, it’s probable that whoever loaded or operated the crane wasn’t part of your company. General contractors often hire specialists to operate cranes and heavy machinery. If a worker for another company was the responsible party for your injuries, you can sue them and their employer for damages.
If you’re unsure if you can sue, find out by contacting our O’Fallon crane accident attorneys. We’ll investigate your accident to discover who was responsible and if you may be eligible to sue a third party for your injuries after a crane accident.
O’Fallon Crane Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Compensation You Could Receive from a Crane Accident Settlement
Victims of people who commit negligent acts are entitled to compensation, usually split between economic and non-economic damages. Workers’ compensation covers most, but not all, of your economic damages. It does not cover non-economic damages.
Non-economic damages are things like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and similar negative consequences from an injury. They cover things that don’t have a bill or an invoice but still have powerful consequences you wouldn’t have suffered otherwise.
In rare cases, your crane accident case may qualify for exemplary damages. These are damages awarded by a court as a punishment. Some defendants act so far beyond the bounds of common sense that courts award victims extra money as a deterrent for others.
Can I Sue and Also Get Workers’ Compensation?
It is possible if the liable party does not work for your company and if you were working for your employer when you got hurt. Speak with our O’Fallon crane accident lawyers to find out if your accident may qualify for both a personal injury lawsuit and workers’ compensation.
Regardless of your situation, we can help you get the most money possible from your case. We’ll fight back against the accusations of employers and insurance companies that could lower your compensation, like saying you were at fault or that your injuries are less expensive than they are.
Morelli Law knows how to fight against insurance companies. Our firm has been part of some of the most well-publicized accident cases in the nation and won. The lawyers at our firm will pursue your case all the way to a jury’s verdict if that’s what it takes to win justice.
Can I Sue If My Loved One Died?
Do the families of victims who die in crane accidents have any legal recourse? You can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of your loved one if they could have sued had they lived. Morelli Law can help you through the process.
Workers’ compensation may also offer you survivor’s benefits, though these might not be enough to make up for the sudden loss of someone’s income. We can help you file for these benefits.
The laws about filing wrongful death claims differ slightly from other personal injury cases. For instance, only certain people may file the claim. Reach out to our crane accident lawyers in O’Fallon to see if you qualify to file a wrongful death claim.
Are There Limits to My Crane Accident Compensation Amount in Illinois?
In the past, there were limits to how much compensation victims could get in non-economic damages. The courts lifted these limits in 2010, so there are no legal limits to how much you could get from a crane accident claim.
However, any damages we claim must be backed up by evidence. By working with a lawyer, you maximize your compensation because we know how to find and present the evidence necessary to make the insurance companies listen.
Also, we know how to negotiate with the insurers to find a fair rate for non-economic damages, and we know the local courts very well. We’re not a small law firm. Insurers know who we are and know that if you’ve hired Morelli Law, you mean business.
Call Morelli Law for a Free Crane Accident Consultation
Crane accidents often leave victims with massive trauma and massive medical bills. Workers’ compensation may not be enough. Find out if your case qualifies for a lawsuit by calling our O’Fallon crane accident attorneys at Morelli Law.
To get a free case evaluation and learn your legal options, call or email our firm today to schedule your appointment. Our lawyers will also help you with your workers’ compensation claim. Get the firm that knows how to get results. Call Morelli Law.