It has often been said that there are two seasons in the Midwest: Winter and construction. As spring is now sprung in Chicago, construction professionals who work in the city and its surrounding communities are ramping up their work hours. For now, they are operating in conditions that are generally windy and sometimes rainy. But within a matter of weeks, many construction professionals who work out of doors will be grappling with the blistering sun, kicking off hot pavement and the metal of massive machinery.
Working in the heat of late Midwestern spring and the sweltering conditions of Midwestern summer is not an easy undertaking. It is also not a safe undertaking. Therefore, it is important that Chicago construction professionals take a little time to review the steps they should take in the event that they suffer heat-related harm while on the job during “construction season.”
1. Remember that Your Health Comes First
If you work construction outdoors and the heat starts to affect you physically, you’ll need to react quickly. Before you concern yourself with your right to pursue compensation, you’ll need to see urgent medical attention. Heat-related injuries and illness can escalate with alarming rapidity.
You work in an industry made up of uniquely tough individuals. Now is not the time to forgo medical care in the name of “sucking it up.” If you don’t seek medical attention, you could suffer permanent harm or death. And if you don’t seek medical care, it will be virtually impossible to prove that you’re owed compensation as a result of your circumstances.
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2. Report Your Harm to Your Employer
You need to report your harm to your employer as soon as you can after receiving medical attention. A failure to take this step could limit your ability to obtain compensation that would otherwise be rightfully yours. If you are concerned about retaliation, know that retaliating against you for reporting harm and/or exercising your legal rights is unlawful. An attorney can help you seek justice should any retaliation occur.
3. Research Your Legal Options
If you are classified as a part-time or full-time employee, you are almost certainly going to be entitled to pursue workers’ compensation benefits as a result of your harm. If a third party – other than your employer – was negligent, reckless, or otherwise engaged in intentional conduct that contributed to your harm, you may also have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. As a result, you will want to speak with a reputable attorney as soon as you can.
Connect with a Skilled Chicago Construction Injury Lawyer for Additional Client-Focused Guidance
Occupational heat-related injuries and illness are not uncommon occurrences during warmer months in Chicago. Due to the nature of their jobs, construction workers who operate outdoors are particularly susceptible to this kind of harm. In the event that, despite your best efforts, you suffer this kind of harm within the next several months, know that the dedicated team of construction injury attorneys at Anesi Ozmon, LTD. is here to help.
Once we have been alerted to your circumstances, we will be able to advise you of your rights concerning workers’ compensation benefits and, if applicable, personal injury damages. You can either call us at 312-997-5784 or connect with our team online at any time. We will be ready to assist you, should the Chicago heat be too hot to “beat” on the job this year.