Concrete Burn Lawyer in Chicago

Helping Illinois Construction Workers Recover Compensation for Cement Burns

You may not think of wet cement as being a dangerous substance, but many construction workers in Illinois experience concrete burns when it comes into contact with their skin. Cement burns can have painful and long-lasting effects on the individual. Fortunately, a concrete burn lawyer from an experienced firm can guide you through the claims process to recover compensation for your losses. 

IL Work Injury Lawyer has decades of experience helping construction industry workers pursue workers’ compensation benefits or third-party liability claims. 

Why Choose IL Work Injury Lawyer

A firm with a strong reputation can make all the difference in securing a fair settlement after cement burns. Our legal team is recognized among the top 5% of attorneys by Super Lawyers, and we maintain an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau. IL Work Injury Lawyer even has experience specifically with concrete burn injuries.

Tyrone, a 38-year-old laborer from Bronzeville, suffered severe chemical burns to both legs while helping pour a foundation at a commercial build in the West Loop, after being left standing in wet concrete without proper protective gear. He required multiple skin grafts and was left with permanent mobility issues, with the case focusing on failures in site safety training and supervision. A settlement of $6.4 million was awarded to Tyrone. 

Common Types of Cement and Concrete Burns

There are several types of construction injuries that fall into this category, and they can range from mild to severe concrete burns:

• Alkali burns – Chemical burns from cement’s high pH
• Thermal burns – From the exothermic reaction during curing
• Abrasive injuries – From high-speed grinders or saws on concrete surfaces
• Mixed injuries – Combination of chemical and mechanical trauma
• Inhalation-related burns – Respiratory tract irritation from cement dust

How Do Concrete Burns Happen on Illinois Job Sites?

Determining the cause of more severe burns could play an important role in securing maximum compensation, especially for third-party liability claims. Here are some common causes of construction worker burns:

• Prolonged human skin contact with wet concrete during pouring/finishing
• Cement dust exposure while mixing, grinding, or cutting concrete
• Splash injuries during concrete pumping or pouring
• Trapped concrete in boots or gloves during work
• Lack of immediate washing stations or safety protocols
• Contact with uncured concrete while performing demolition or patchwork

What Are the Most Common Cement Burn Injuries?

Concrete exposure can cause first-degree burns, second-degree burns, and even third-degree burns. Here are the most common effects of these cement burns in construction worker accidents:

• Deep tissue chemical burns
• Nerve damage
• Chronic skin irritation, dermatitis, and other skin conditions
• Infections due to delayed treatment of the affected area
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Respiratory issues from inhalation of dust

What Damages Can Cement Burn Victims Recover in Illinois?

If you are hurt as an employee, or the employer is at fault, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to receive medical bills, lost wages, disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation costs. This falls under the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305). 

Under state law 740 ILCS 100/, multiple parties can be held liable for an accident. However, the victim can pursue lost income, medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of normal life damages if they are no more than 50% liable. 

What Is the Average Concrete Burn Payout?

It is difficult to calculate an average settlement amount when so many factors can affect the settlement. Your payout will depend on the injury severity, permanent damage, liability impact, and lost earning capacity caused by the wet cement burns.

Why You Need an Illinois Concrete Burn Injury Attorney

Severe cases involving cement burns can be very complex. They may involve Occupational Safety and Health Administration violations, a lack of personal protective equipment, and defective safety protocols. 

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we can represent both union and non-union workers across the state. This can include concrete finishers, masonry workers, and general laborers. 

How Common Are Cement Burn Injuries?

Every year in the United States, roughly 1.8% of burn patients suffer from wet cement burns (out of 50,000). Chemical burns may not manifest any signs of an injury until up to six hours after exposure. 

Where Do Cement Burn Injuries Happen Most Often in Illinois?

Some locations in Illinois are more likely to cause burn injuries than others. Here are some environments where workers should be extra cautious about exposure to wet concrete:

• Road and bridge construction work in Chicago
• High-rise and parking garage projects
• Warehouse floor pouring in the suburbs
• Residential foundation work in Cook and DuPage counties

OSHA Safety Measures

• 29 CFR 1926 – PPE must be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary way for employees exposed to hazards
• 29 CFR 1926.55 – Workers must be protected from inhalation exposure limits when working with dry Portland cement

OSHA also provides guidelines for preventing cement burns or washing skin after direct contact with wet cement. This may include rinsing eyes with water, washing skin with soap and warm water, and wearing alkali-resistant gloves and protective clothing. 

How Long Do Concrete Burn Victims Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, injured victims have two years from the date of their injuries to pursue a personal injury construction accident lawsuit. 

If you are an employee who has been hurt by cement burns at work, 820 ILCS 305/6(d) grants you three years after the date of the injury or two years after the last benefit payment to file your claim. Whichever date comes later will apply. 

Generally, it is always wiser to pursue legal options as soon as possible, as it will be easier to preserve evidence from the scene. 

Who Is Liable for Cement or Concrete Burn Injuries in Illinois?

Several parties may be liable for your severe burns on a construction site:

• Your employer (workers’ comp)
• General contractors (site safety)
• Concrete suppliers (chemical composition warnings)
• Equipment manufacturers (defective PPE or pumps)

How to Strengthen Your Chemical Burn Case

While a personal injury attorney can help you build a strong case, your claim’s strength depends on the actions you take in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

Here are the steps you should follow to prepare for a workers’ compensation or third-party injury claim (or both):

• Seek immediate medical attention
• Complete an incident report according to your employer’s protocols
• Remove contaminated clothing and do not wash it
• Document site conditions and PPE provided
• Preserve photos and witness information
• Retain all medical records from your treatment
• Consult an experienced concrete burn injury attorney from our firm

How IL Work Injury Lawyer Can Help

IL Work Injury Lawyer has experience with cement and concrete burn cases across the state. Our legal services for injured workers include:

• Investigating the accident
• Procuring medical documentation
• Researching OSHA findings
• Negotiating for maximum settlements with the insurance company
• Assessing all legal damages
• Navigating workers’ comp and third-party claims

Book a Free Consultation

Whether your construction injury was caused by a lack of proper training, defective safety equipment, or prolonged exposure to dangerous chemicals, IL Work Injury Lawyer will fight for fair financial compensation on your behalf. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win. 

Our Chicago-based work injury law firm represents clients across Illinois, so contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.