Chicago Construction Accident Lawyer
Since 1992, the experienced Chicago construction accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti have helped injured workers recover significant compensation beyond workers’ compensation. Contact us online or call (312) 332-2872 today to schedule your free case review.
- Why Choose Levin & Perconti for Construction Accident Cases in Chicago, Illinois?
- How Does Levin & Perconti Investigate Construction Accident Claims?
- Liability in Illinois Construction Accidents
- Can I Sue My Employer if I Was Injured at a Construction Site?
- What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for a Construction Accident in Chicago?
- Chicago Construction Accident FAQs
- Most Common Construction Accidents in Chicago
- Contact our Chicago Construction Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
- Testimonials
We understand that construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the state. The industry experienced significant growth in Chicago in 2024, according to Chicago Construction News. While this creates job opportunities, more workers will face daily exposure to dangerous working conditions.
We proudly serve all Chicago construction workers, regardless of national origin, immigration status, union affiliation, or language. We have attorneys fluent in Spanish and Romanian.
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Why Choose Levin & Perconti for Construction Accident Cases in Chicago, Illinois?
We have over 30 years of experience standing up for injured construction workers in Chicago. Our team includes nationally recognized attorneys who are leaders in construction accident litigation and natives of the Chicago area. Steven Levin is widely known as one of the best trial lawyers in the United States and is a highly sought-after speaker and nationwide lecturer. Michael F. Bonamarte IV has ten years of experience with numerous record-setting case results and a national reputation.
It Costs Nothing to Hire Our Chicago Construction Accident Attorneys
When you choose Levin & Perconti, we take on the litigation risks and costs with no upfront cost to you. As a well-established Chicago personal injury law firm, we have the resources to invest every dollar necessary to stand up to large construction companies and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve. Our resources include a nationwide network of construction site experts, professional medical witnesses, and investigators who can help us build a strong case.
You only pay if and when we win compensation for you. If we fail, we absorb the costs. The initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us today.
Compassionate and Dedicated Representation
Our caring construction accident attorneys provide compassionate, personalized support with effective, aggressive representation. We understand how devastating a serious injury can be to you and your family. We refuse to settle for less than fair compensation. We are proven trial attorneys who prepare every case for trial, so we can confidently present your case to a jury if the at-fault parties refuse to pay full compensation.
Our Construction Accident Settlements
We have recovered over $2 billion in settlements and verdicts for injured clients, including several record-setting construction accident results. The following are just a few examples:
- $5.7 million settlement in a workplace injury case for a 27-year-old roofer who was paralyzed when he fell from a roof as a result of the general contractor’s failure to provide appropriate safety devices.
- $1.5 million construction site injury settlement for a 33-year-old man who sustained severe injuries after falling through a chimney stack opening that was not covered or marked on a residential construction site in Glencoe, Illinois.
- $840,000 verdict for a man who sustained a workplace back injury resulting in multiple spinal surgeries.
- $600,000 settlement for a 47-year-old HVAC foreman who tripped over a piece of structural steel lying in a passageway of a construction site. The plaintiff fell on the piece of steel and suffered a severe back injury.
Client Testimonials
Our caring, compassionate, and responsive approach means everything to our clients. Below are just a few examples of the unsolicited client reviews we have received:
- “I have never been involved in litigation before, so it was a new experience. Due to the sensitive nature of the case at times, the process was frustrating, but the legal team of Jaime Koziol and Danielle Downey treated us with compassion and understanding. They worked hard to ensure we received the best possible outcome. We appreciate the quality service provided.” – Cheryl H.
- “From my first call to my last call, the experience was above and beyond excellent, professional, personal, and more than helpful. At the same time, it always felt like they were Family!!!! Words can’t describe the passion and caring my whole family felt. On behalf of my loving mother and entire family, we love you all. Thank you so much for everything.” – Phil C.
- “Very professional and thorough. They have kept me informed as needed during the entire process. If needed, I would definitely use them again for legal representation.” – Sherlicia G.
How Does Levin & Perconti Investigate Construction Accident Claims?
Strong evidence is crucial to building a successful case and obtaining fair compensation for your injuries. When you choose us, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we identify the liable parties, investigate, gather evidence, and build your case. We will interview witnesses, look into all parties who were present, and retrieve your medical records so we can prove your injuries.
We collaborate with construction industry experts and investigate the safety of your work environment, including the equipment provided by your employer, the training you received, and your work conditions.
We also collaborate with life care planners, vocational specialists, and medical experts to account for the lifetime costs of your injuries. Our thorough approach helps us build a strong case and maximize your compensation.
Liability in Illinois Construction Accidents
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. This means you receive workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who caused the accident. You can even get workers’ compensation benefits if you caused the accident. But the tradeoffs are:
- You cannot sue your employer for most construction accidents
- Workers’ compensation will not cover non-economic losses like pain and suffering
But there is a way for you to recover the expenses that workers’ compensation will not cover, including your non-economic losses. Your employer’s immunity to lawsuits does not cover:
- Other contractors or subcontractors
- The building owner
- Tool and equipment manufacturers
- Vehicle manufacturers
If any of these entities share in the responsibility for your accident, you can file a lawsuit against them and recover your additional economic and non-economic losses.
To pursue a manufacturer for damages, you-or in many cases, an attorney-must show that the manufacturer produced a defective product. For example, a tool designed without a safety guard might have a design defect that makes the tool inherently dangerous.
To recover compensation from other entities, proof of negligence is needed. This means they failed to act in a reasonably prudent manner and, as a result, you got injured. For example, an electrical contractor who incorrectly wired a house and electrified the pipes might owe compensation to a plumber who got electrocuted. An experienced attorney can investigate your situation and recommend a best course of action.
Can I Sue My Employer if I Was Injured at a Construction Site?
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act generally prohibits injured workers from suing employers covered by workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is considered a compromise, providing workers with fast access to medical care and wage replacement benefits outside the court system while relieving employers from the burdens of litigation. However, the law makes exceptions and allows workers to sue employers under the following circumstances:
- The employer failed to carry workers’ compensation insurance (820 ILCS 305/4).
- The worker was an illegally employed minor (820 ILCS 305/5).
- A supervisor or representative of your employer intentionally injured the workers.
- The worker meets the strict definition of a contractor under state law.
Construction workers are considered employees unless they perform services as part of a separately owned business or trade outside the employer’s control.
If an employer has failed to carry workers’ compensation and you file a lawsuit, the employer will be presumed negligent unless the employer can prove that its negligence was not a factor in your injury.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for a Construction Accident in Chicago?
You might be entitled to receive workers’ compensation and damages through a third-party lawsuit if you are injured on a construction job site in Chicago.
Workers' Compensation:
In Illinois, construction workers are covered by workers’ compensation. Almost all employers in Illinois must carry workers’ compensation insurance. After an on-the-job injury, the insurer must pay workers’ compensation benefits to the injured worker.
These benefits include:
- All reasonable and necessary medical expenses
- Two-thirds of your average weekly wage if you miss more than three days of work
Unlike many states, Illinois allows injured workers to choose their doctor rather than using the doctor selected by the workers’ compensation insurer.
To get workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois, you must report your accident within 45 days after the accident or after you realize you were injured.
Third-Party Lawsuit Compensation
In a third-party lawsuit, you can pursue compensation from negligent parties other than your employer. Such third parties include the manufacturers of defective products, property owners, contractors, and drivers. Compensation from a third-party lawsuit may include economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are compensation for monetary losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages not covered by workers’ compensation.
The most significant compensation in a third-party lawsuit often comes from non-economic damages, which cover subjective losses, such as the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of bodily functions
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability
- Emotional distress
Chicago Construction Accident FAQs
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Can a Claim Be Made for a Fatal Construction Accident in Chicago?
The spouse, dependent child, or other dependent family member of a construction worker who died on the job may be eligible for workers’ compensation death benefits. Workers’ compensation pays $8,000 for burial expenses and lost wage benefits to eligible surviving family members.
If your spouse or other next-of-kin has died from a construction accident, our caring and experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyers can also help you pursue compensation through a third-party lawsuit. Damages available may include the following:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of services
- Loss of your loved one’s projected lifetime earnings
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering
Can I File a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Sharing fault for your accident has no bearing on workers’ compensation benefits in most cases since workers’ comp is a no-fault program. However, it can affect third-party claims. You may be entitled to recover damages in a third-party claim if you are less than 51 percent at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced proportionately to your share of the blame. We are dedicated to minimizing your share of the fault and maximizing your compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
For workers’ compensation claims, you generally have up to 45 days to notify your employer of your injury. However, you should do so immediately to avoid delays in receiving medical care and provide important documentation to support your third-party lawsuit. You have three years from the date of your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim.
In most cases, the Illinois personal injury statute of limitations gives you two years to file a third-party lawsuit. However, this does not mean you should wait to contact an attorney. Your attorney will need access to the evidence as soon as possible before it becomes lost or degraded. Having our knowledgeable construction site accident attorneys on your side from the beginning will protect your claim and ensure it is filed on time.
What Is a Construction Site Injury Case Worth in Chicago?
Your construction injury case could be worth several thousand to millions of dollars, depending on the unique facts of your case, such as the following:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether your injuries are permanent
- The cost of your medical care
- The degree of your pain and suffering
- Your age and life expectancy
- The weight of the evidence
- Your earning capacity before and after the accident.
- The skill and experience of your construction accident lawyer
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Construction Accident Case in Chicago?
Most cases take several months to resolve—and longer if they go to trial. The length of time will depend on several factors specific to your case, such as the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the opposition’s cooperation. During the initial consultation, our attorneys can provide a personalized estimate of how long your case might take.
What If Someone Is Injured on a Construction Site but Isn’t a Construction Worker?
If you have been injured on a construction site as a pedestrian, visitor, vendor, bystander, or other non-worker, you may be entitled to sue multiple parties. Potentially liable parties include the property owner, the construction company, a vehicle driver, or a product manufacturer. Your standing to file a lawsuit will vary based on your purpose for being on the property and whether you were authorized to be there.
Most Common Construction Accidents in Chicago
Thousands of construction accidents occur every year in Chicago. These accidents range from slip and fall accidents to fatal electrocutions.
Chicago’s climate poses a risk to construction workers. Adverse weather conditions — including heavy winds and thunderstorms, rain or snowfall for roughly 110 days per year, and subzero temperatures — increase the risk of slips, falls and electrocutions on a construction site.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for regulating all construction sites in Illinois except those operated by the state or federal governments. In its regulatory role, OSHA has identified four categories of construction accidents that cause the most fatalities.
The Focus Four (also called the Fatal Four) include:
- Falls
- Caught in or between objects
- Struck by objects
- Electrocution
In Chicago, you can add a fifth cause — transportation accidents.
Falls
Nationwide, falls account for more than 36 percent of construction accidents, making them the top cause of construction injuries. Construction site falls include:
- Falls from roofs, ladders or scaffolds
- Falls through floor openings
- Falls down stairs
- Slip and falls
- Trip and falls
- Falls into holes
OSHA guidelines require guardrails around elevated workplaces. But OSHA requires personal fall protection devices, like harnesses, only when they are needed to protect worker safety. As a result, many employers choose not to require safety harnesses.
Caught In or Between Objects
Construction workers may be caught by operating equipment, between a moving object and a stationary object or between two moving objects.
Typical injuries that result from these accidents include:
- Crushing injuries
- Pinching injuries
- Compression injuries
These accidents typically happen when workers use unguarded tools. They can also happen when vehicles or materials roll into established walkways.
Struck by Objects
The difference between a “caught” accident and a “struck” accident is that in a caught accident, the injury comes from getting caught or pinned. In a struck accident, the impact alone causes the injury or fatality.
These accidents happen when a moving object strikes the construction worker. OSHA further categorizes these accidents according to the motion of the object:
- Flying objects like ejected work material or tool blades
- Falling objects like construction materials
- Swinging objects like materials hanging from a crane
- Rolling objects like pipes or rocks
Illinois combines the numbers for caught-in and struck-by accidents. In 2019, nearly 17 percent of construction accidents involved workers caught in or between objects or struck by objects.
Electrocution
Electrocution happens when a construction worker gets hit with an electric current. This can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Burn Injuries
- Heart damage
- Brain damage
- Nerve damage
Electrocution can happen during electrical work. It can also happen when an electrical system causes a floor, tool, vehicle or structure to become electrified. Finally, electrocution accidents can result from lightning strikes.
Transportation Accidents
Chicago’s top cause of construction accidents is not in the Focus Four. Transportation accidents caused more than 23 percent of construction industry deaths in 2019.
Transportation accidents counted by OSHA do not include commuting accidents while going to or from construction sites. They include only those accidents that happen while workers are on the roads as part of construction work. These accidents include:
- Road construction accidents
- Vehicle accidents on construction sites
- Accidents while transporting or moving construction equipment
- Accidents while transporting building materials
- Accidents while moving workers from one site to another site
These transportation accidents do not include accidents where workers were hit by, or pinned under, vehicles. Those accidents fall under the Focus Four categories of accidents.
Contact our Chicago Construction Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Since 1992, our Chicago construction accident lawyers have recovered more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including numerous record results. We have the resources, experience, and stamina to stand up to large Chicago construction companies and get you the compensation you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation today by completing our online contact form or calling (312) 332-2872.
Testimonials
Not only were they so professional but also so caring and thoughtful. It was very difficult going over the facts in our mother's case but they were so compassionate and understanding and allowed us to be with them every step of the way. We were able to sit in on the depositions and we were really able to see how hard they worked on our behalf.
During that time, my family and I suffered the loss of my mother. Mr. Levin and Mr. Perconti were more than just our lawyers. Words can’t really express our gratitude.
They were most patient and responded timely to many questions throughout the entire process. All demonstrated professionalism and extensive knowledge of case and state laws. Their in-depth investigative work uncovered details which were unknown to us and yet sadly confirmed our suspicions. We would recommend the Levin and Perconti Law firm and especially this team.
During that time, my family and I suffered the loss of my mother. Mr. Levin and Mr. Peconti were more than just our lawyers. Words can’t really express our gratitude. My family and I will always be grateful for the compassion that they showed us. I want to thank you for what you did for my family, and for always being there for us.
Margaret’s representation, guidance, and professionalism gave us the sense that we could put our trust in Levin & Perconti and the final outcome proved that to be true.
Legally Reviewed by
John J. Perconti
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Notable Results
SETTLEMENT
for a 5-year-old boy run over by a fire truck as he played on a fire hydrant, resulting in the loss of his leg and half of his pelvis
SETTLEMENT
for the family of a 32-year-old woman who was killed when their pick-up truck was rear-ended by a semi-truck
VERDICT
for a 23-year-old woman who suffered multiple leg fractures in an automobile collision
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325 N LaSalle Dr Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60654
312-332-2872
