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When you hit the road, you likely try your best to mind your own business. You focus on driving, watch out for other vehicles and abide by the rules of the road. Of course, even your most conscientious driving does not mean you are immune to being involved in a car accident.

There are a lot of jobs that just seem obviously dangerous, like working in construction or in the manufacturing industry. But there are many more jobs that cause serious injury and even death each and every year. Some of those jobs might not look obviously dangerous from the outside, while others might be too far out of the public’s eye to even think about.

There is no denying it — working in the construction industry is dangerous. Construction workers spend their working hours around large vehicles, at significant heights, and with dangerous machinery, any of which could lead to a serious accident for which a victim may need workers’ compensation benefits.

Illinois workers who suffer injuries at work need help and support during the recovery period. The right support might feel as if it’s out of reach, and this may be because a victim of a workplace accident is not aware of his or her right to file for workers’ compensation benefits.

Serious and even fatal accidents can occur in virtually all workplaces, from office settings to construction sites. Some work settings will inherently pose a greater risk to worker safety than others. For example, roadside construction sites are especially dangerous because they combine the inherent risks of construction work and nearby vehicles.

Driving a car is not the only way to get around. Walking and biking are also popular choices in Illinois, sometimes by choice and other times out of necessity. Unfortunately, the number of pedestrians who are dying in car accidents is on the rise.

Illinois employers should prioritize worker safety, but many value productivity over protecting employees. Most workers do not have the ability to address insufficient safety standards, and many are not even aware of the risks they face in the workplace. Unsafe workplaces might be particularly prone to accidents that can injure people.

A single missed paycheck may be all that it takes for a worker to lose control of his or her finances. Because of this, most people in Illinois are hard workers who take their jobs very seriously. Unfortunately, as all it takes single accident to cause a severe injury, it does not matter how attentive to safety a person is while at work.

Working in the construction industry can be extremely fulfilling both financially and in regard to a long-term career. Many construction workers in Illinois truly enjoy their jobs. Unfortunately, these workers also understand the dangers of their chosen career field and that they may need workers’ compensation in the future.

There is no time to waste if you were injured at work. You probably already know that you need to apply for workers’ compensation benefits in a timely manner, but maybe you are not sure how to go about that process. If you have questions about the Illinois workers’ compensation system, some of the following information may be helpful.