Did Your Employer Knowingly Expose You To A Hazardous Condition?

Employers are supposed to prioritize the safety of their employees – but too many put efficiency and profits above worker well-being. That can lead to catastrophic injuries and death.

At Pfaff, Gill & Ports, Ltd., we are a small firm that gets big results. Our personal injury attorneys know what it takes to make an unsafe work environment lawsuit successful. We help those injured on the job in Chicago and throughout Illinois, and we take no fees unless we win.

Can I Sue My Employer For Unsafe Working Conditions?

Most of the time, workers’ compensation is an injured employee’s sole recourse – but there are exceptions to that rule. It is never acceptable to have employers putting employees in danger deliberately, so there are times when you can sue a company.

You may have a valid unsafe working conditions lawsuit and be able to sue for your job-related injuries if your employer either purposefully created the hazard that led to your accident or knew about a hazard and continued to risk employees’ safety anyhow.

What Are Examples Of Hazardous Working Conditions?

Everything from inadequate personal protective equipment to trench collapses can lead to significant injuries. Some common causes of unsafe work environments are:

Debris on the floor
Slippery substances
Blocked safety exits
Equipment that is not maintained
Failure to have safety guards
Poor ventilation and toxic fumes
Bad lighting

The possibilities are virtually endless. Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Illinois law says that employees have the right to a workplace that is free of known hazards.

What Evidence Do I Need To Prove Unsafe Working Conditions?

In general, you have to show that the hazard was known – and that there was a reasonable way to address the issue – but your employer failed to take corrective action and that hazard led to serious harm.

How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit Against My Employer For Unsafe Working Conditions?

You only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois. However, you never want to wait to get started. Early legal action is necessary to preserve evidence and protect your interests.