Falling Debris Injury Attorney in Chicago

Helping Illinois Construction Workers Injured by Falling Objects Recover Maximum Compensation

Construction sites in Illinois pose many risks to workers, but falling objects cause some of the most common injuries in this industry. A falling debris injury attorney can help you pursue compensation for your losses after a construction site accident. 

IL Work Injury Lawyer has experience helping clients navigate workers’ compensation and third-party injury claims. Our legal team will investigate your case and fight for maximum benefits.

Why Choose IL Work Injury Lawyer

Expert attorneys can make all the difference in your pursuit of a settlement. At IL Work Injury Lawyer, our attorneys are recognized among the top 5% by Super Lawyers. Our firm has also achieved a five-star rating from AVVO. 

The best construction accident lawyers in Chicago bring vast experience to the table, including cases involving falling objects on construction sites. Here are some past settlements we have secured for injured construction employees:

• $1.67 million – Dante, a 29-year-old concrete worker from Humboldt Park, was digging footings at a Near North Side job site when a mini-excavator shifted and knocked loose debris from the trench wall, pinning him underneath. He suffered a fractured femur and spinal injuries, and the case focused on unsafe equipment use.
• $1.8 million – Erica, a 44-year-old office worker from Logan Square, was walking past a commercial building in Wicker Park when deteriorating brickwork fell from the facade and struck her. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and a torn rotator cuff, with the case uncovering long-standing neglect of known exterior hazards.
• $3.6 million – Miguel, a 35-year-old laborer from Little Village, was clearing an excavation site near South Clark Street when a partially supported retaining wall gave way, sending concrete chunks crashing down. He sustained severe pelvic fractures and internal injuries, and the investigation revealed ignored safety recommendations and debris buildup.

What Types of Debris Commonly Cause Injuries on Illinois Construction Sites?

• Hand and power tools
• Fasteners and hardware
• Lumber and plywood
• Metal beams
• Rebar
• Masonry materials
• Roofing materials
• Concrete chunks
• Glass panels
• Insulation
• Ductwork
• Scaffolding components (planks, guardrails, couplers)
• Overhead equipment parts (rigging, hooks, crane accessories)
• Construction waste

What Causes Falling Debris Construction Site Accidents?

The cause of a construction accident will be relevant for your case, especially if you are seeking third-party lawsuit damages. Here are some common causes of construction accidents:

• Failure to secure tools and materials at heights
• Lack of toe boards, debris nets, or guardrails
• Unsafe crane or hoist operations
• Poor weather-related hazard planning
• Violations of OSHA falling object standards and building codes
• Inadequate training

What Are Common Injuries Sustained by Falling Objects on Construction Sites?

Here are the most common construction injuries that occur when objects fall on job sites. 

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions (even with helmets)
• Skull fractures and facial injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Fatal blunt force trauma

What Damages Can Injured Workers Recover in Illinois?

Under the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305), an injured employee can seek medical expenses, TTD benefits, PPD/PTD benefits, and vocational rehabilitation costs. If the construction accident is fatal, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death benefits. 

The Illinois Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/) allows for the allocation of fault among multiple negligent parties. Injured victims can obtain compensation for medical expenses, future medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of normal life, and lost earning capacity.

In rare cases, a judge may award punitive damages if the serious injuries were caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

What Is the Average Falling Debris Accident Payout?

The average payout for a construction accident involving falling items is $1.12 million. All settlements fall between $2,500 and $2.35 million. 

Factors that will affect your payout include fall height, injury severity, ability to work, evidence of OSHA violations, and defective equipment claims. 

Why You Need an Illinois Falling Debris Injury Lawyer

These cases can be complex, which is why a top-rated firm like IL Work Injury Lawyer is necessary. You may be facing multiple defendants, such as the employer, general contractor, rental company, and manufacturer.

Additionally, defense lawyers know what arguments can undermine your claim, including:

• A failure to use PPE 
• The debris fell due to weather conditions
• The victim was outside the work zone

We can counter these defenses with site safety records, OSHA findings, and witness statements. 

How Common Are Falling Object Accidents in Illinois?

In 2022, dropped objects and equipment accounted for 4% of all workplace injuries, totaling 52,000 incidents across the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a dropped object causes an injury in the US every ten minutes in work environments. 

Lastly, falling debris accidents resulted in $1.4 billion in workers’ compensation costs in the construction industry in 2020. 

Where Do Falling Debris Construction Site Accidents Happen Most in Illinois?

• Downtown Chicago high-rise construction and demolition sites
• Bridge and overpass repairs along the Kennedy and Dan Ryan Expressways
• Warehouse rack collapse incidents in Joliet and Bedford Park
• Industrial plant maintenance work in Cicero and Harvey

OSHA Falling Object Protection

• 1926.501 – Employees can only work on surfaces with adequate strength and structural integrity
• 1926.759 – All loose materials not being used at heights must be secured
• 1910.28 – Employers must provide protective equipment to employees at risk of serious injuries from falling debris

How Long Do Injured Construction Workers Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois?

Under state law 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you have two years to file a personal injury claim. Wrongful death claims also have a deadline of two years. 

For workers’ compensation claims, construction employees have three years from the injury or two years from the last benefit payment to file (820 ILCS 305/6(d)). 

Who Can Be Liable for a Falling Debris Accident in Illinois?

• Employer (workers’ comp)
• General contractor
• Subcontractors
• Crane or hoist operator
• Property owner
• Equipment manufacturer

How to Strengthen Your Falling Object Injury Case

Here are the steps you must follow to prepare for a successful claim:

• Seek immediate medical care
• File a written accident report
• Take photos of the scene
• Obtain witness information
• Preserve physical evidence
• Consult expert construction site attorneys at our firm

How IL Work Injury Lawyer Can Help

Our legal services for victims of construction site accidents include:

• Filing workers’ comp claims
• Investigating third-party negligence and product liability
• Working with safety and engineering experts
• Negotiating for maximum settlements
• Litigating in Cook County and other courts

Book a Free Consultation

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we win your case. Our legal team represents victims of construction accidents statewide from our Chicago office. 

Contact our Chicago workplace accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.