Compensation for Lifting Injuries on Construction Sites in Illinois

Experienced Chicago-Based Attorneys

Lifting injuries on construction sites, such as at a Gold Coast high-rise building or a McKinley Park rehab project, can result in serious injury and long-term medical care needs. Our attorneys aggressively advocate for injured workers, ensuring they receive the funds they need to recover. If you were hurt carrying loads at a renovation, demolition, or construction site, contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Choose IL Work Injury Lawyer

We have secured fair financial compensation for over 5,000 clients, including construction workers and independent contractors. With over $490 million recovered in verdicts and settlements, IL Work Injury Lawyer is the premier firm for workers’ compensation and third-party injury claims.

Our Chicago construction accident law firm is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum thanks to our record-breaking settlements. For example, we secured $1,800,000 plus lifetime payments for Bill, a construction worker who suffered career-ending injuries at a River North construction site. 

What Are the Most Common Injuries Due to Heavy Lifting on Construction Sites?

Many workers sustained career-ending injuries after lifting heavy objects. Repeatedly lifting heavy loads can result in cumulative trauma, particularly if performing the same activity over a long period. Common injuries include:

• Lower back injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Wrist injuries
• Herniated or slipped discs
• Shoulder injuries and rotator cuff tears
• Torn ligaments and muscles
• Elbow injuries
• Nerve damage
• Chronic pain
• Broken bones

What Are the Most Common Causes of Lifting Injuries in Construction Work?

Common causes of lifting-related injuries among construction workers include:

• Improper lifting technique, like lifting heavy objects with one shoulder, can lead to shoulder injuries
• Failure to lift heavy objects by mechanical means, such as hoists
• Overloaded and unbalanced materials
• Repeated lifting of heavy objects, like heavy machinery or power tools
• Failure to rotate tasks to prevent injuries
• Overscheduling and understaffing
• Fatigue and overexertion
• Poor worksite ergonomics, like a lack of lifting belts to prevent back injuries

What Damages Can Injured Construction Workers Recover in Illinois?

The type of compensation you may receive depends on what kind of claim you pursue. Construction workers’ compensation will cover medical care and lost wages, as well as physical therapy and vocational rehabilitation. 

A third-party construction injury lawsuit will also cover medical treatment and lost income. However, it can also cover non-financial losses, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability, and loss of normal life. 

What Is the Average Settlement for Construction Site Lifting Injuries in Illinois?

These cases are diverse, as heavy lifting accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. As such, there is no average settlement. Your compensation depends on the injury type, permanency, liability evidence, and lost income. 

As an example, Daniel Fleck, a union sprinkler fitter, suffered from back injuries after lifting a 110-pound box at Ogilvie Transportation Center. A Cook County jury awarded him $2,375,394.00. 

Why You Need an Illinois Construction Site Lifting Injury Lawyer

Employers and insurance companies often refute these claims as being due to pre-existing conditions or arguing that they are not work-related. Our attorneys can use medical evidence, expert testimony, and incident reports to show how your injuries are directly related to your job duties.

Many construction workers will pursue workers’ compensation in addition to other legal options, like suing a general contractor or equipment manufacturer. Not only does this require careful coordination, but we must demonstrate liability for third-party claims through evidence like independent site inspections and witness statements. 

How Common Are Lifting Injuries on Illinois Construction Sites?

The dangerous nature of construction work, as well as the use of heavy machinery, makes heavy lifting accidents more common amongst construction workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the incidence rate for heavy lifting injuries amongst construction workers was 48.3 injuries per 100,000 full-time workers in 2020. 

Where Do Lifting Injuries Occur Most Often on Illinois Construction Sites?

Common sites for back, shoulder, and other injuries related to lifting include:

• High-rise developments in Chicago, including River North and the Mag Mile
• Road and bridge projects along the Chicago or Calumet rivers
• Industrial plant construction sites in Tinley Park, West Chicago, or Cicero
• Residential housing developments in Naperville, Aurora, and Schaumburg
• Road construction work along I-90/94, I-294, and I-55

What Laws Govern Lifting Injury Claims in Illinois Construction?

If you are injured in the course of your employment, you can file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer (820 ILCS 305). This is a no-fault system, meaning you only must prove you were injured while working. Per the Supreme Court Case McAllister v. Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, it must be clear that the injury was not a neutral risk that you may have encountered in everyday life but was directly related to employment.

Another option is the Illinois Personal Injury Act, which allows victims to pursue financial compensation for injuries caused by another person’s negligence (735 ILCS 5/). For example, if a contractor told you to disregard the NIOSH lifting equation despite knowing the risk, they may be liable. 

You can also file a third-party claim under the Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/2). This law requires property owners or managers to remedy any potential hazards they have been made aware of or could have reasonably foreseen. 

What Is the Time Limit to Take Legal Action in Illinois?

You typically have two years to file a personal injury claim (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Workers usually have three years from the date of injury or two years after their last payment from the company, whichever is later (820 ILCS 305/6(d)). 

Who Is Legally Liable for Construction Site Lifting Injuries in Illinois?

Potentially liable parties include:

• Employer, under workers’ comp
• General contractor for unsafe lifting practices
• Third-party lifting equipment suppliers
• Subcontractors involved in material handling

How to Strengthen Your Lifting Injury Case in Illinois

You must take prompt action after an accident. Follow these steps as soon as possible.

• Report the injury immediately, then seek medical treatment.
• Secure medical records linking the accident to your employment.
• Preserve faulty lifting equipment.
• Do not speak to insurers before contacting our attorneys.

How Our Illinois Construction Lifting Injury Attorneys Can Help

Lifting-related accidents can be challenging, but our award-winning attorneys have a peerless track record for these cases. We provide comprehensive legal services that allow you to focus on recovery, not paperwork. Our services include the following tasks:

• Worksite investigation and evidence collection
• OSHA citation and safety records review
• Consultation with ergonomics and safety experts
• Damages evaluation, including calculating lifetime financial losses
• Document preparation and case management for both workers’ comp and personal injury claims
• Settlement negotiation and trial representation

Our nationally recognized work injury lawyers on a contingency fee basis. We deduct our legal fees from your settlement, so you pay nothing out of pocket. 

Book a Free Consultation

IL Work Injury Lawyers assists injured workers throughout Illinois, including Chicago and Cook County. Everyone can afford high-quality legal representation thanks to our contingency fee, allowing you access to a Super Lawyers-rated firm with no financial risk. Contact us today to schedule a free legal consultation with the best workplace injury lawyers in Illinois.