Chicago Roof Fall Accident Lawyer

Maximum Compensation for Workers Injured in Roofing Accidents

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, our mission is to help workers secure the maximum compensation they deserve after a roof fall accident. From job sites in the Loop to residential projects in neighborhoods like Englewood and Avondale, we’ve seen how a single misstep on a roof can lead to devastating injuries and financial hardship. Our team is ready to step in, protect your rights, and fight for fair compensation.

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Roof Accident Lawyers

Luis, a roofing contractor working on a replacement project in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, fell from the structure when scaffolding shifted unexpectedly. He sustained multiple fall injuries, including fractures requiring surgery. We proved that improper setup and lack of adequate safety equipment directly contributed to his fall, leading to a $1,539,000 settlement.

The family of Marcus, a construction worker, came to us after he fell through an unprotected skylight opening while repairing a commercial roof in the South Loop. We showed that the site lacked required fall protection and that multiple safety regulations were ignored. The case resolved for $4,565,000 in a wrongful death claim, helping secure his family’s future.

Daniel was repairing the roof of an agricultural building when he fell more than 20 feet. Investigation revealed that the construction company failed to provide proper fall protection and other safety equipment. Daniel suffered severe injuries that required extensive medical care and physical therapy. We secured an $8,400,000 settlement to cover his long-term needs.

Why Hire Our Roof Fall Injury Lawyers

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we’ve spent decades representing construction workers, tradespeople, and their families after serious injuries and fatalities on job sites. Our construction injury law firm in Chicago has been recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, honors that reflect our proven results and dedication to clients. 

What Causes Roof Fall Accidents?

Roof work in Chicago exposes workers to multiple hazards, and when safety protocols aren’t followed, the consequences can be devastating. Some of the most common causes we see include the following.

Roof Collapse

Older buildings in neighborhoods like Pilsen and Uptown may have weakened roof structures due to age, poor maintenance, or heavy snow loads. A sudden roof collapse can send workers plummeting, often with little warning.

Defective Equipment

From worn-out harnesses to faulty ladders, defective safety equipment puts roofers at risk. We’ve handled cases where improperly maintained scaffolding on Chicago construction sites failed, causing workers to fall multiple stories.

Unsafe Work Practices

When roofing contractors cut corners to save time or money — skipping guardrails, failing to tie off harnesses, or ignoring fall protection standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration — they put crews in danger. In one case, we proved a West Side construction contractor failed to enforce basic safety rules, leading to a preventable fall.

Slips and Trips

Chicago weather is a constant factor. Rain, ice, and debris from nearby work can create slick or unstable footing. We’ve seen workers in areas like Bridgeport and Albany Park slip on wet roofing material or trip over unsecured tools, leading to falls from significant heights.

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Roof Fall Accidents?

Falls from a roof often involve significant heights, which means the injuries can be life‑altering. In our Chicago cases, we’ve seen:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries 
• Broken bones 
• Internal injuries 
• Severe lacerations 
• Joint dislocations
• Fatal injuries 

These injuries frequently lead to extended time off work, costly medical bills, and lasting changes to a worker’s quality of life.

Who Is Legally Liable for Roofing Accidents in Chicago, IL?

Determining who can be held responsible after a roof fall accident depends on how and where it happened. In our experience, multiple parties may share liability:

Property Owners 

If unsafe conditions on a building contributed to the fall, such as a roof collapse, unprotected skylights, or failure to warn workers of hazards, the owner can be held liable.

Roofing Contractors

When crews fail to follow OSHA regulations or skip essential fall protection measures, they may be responsible for injuries to their own workers or others on the site.

Construction Companies

General contractors overseeing larger projects have a duty to ensure that all subcontractors follow proper safety procedures and that the worksite is safe for everyone.

Equipment Manufacturers

If defective ladders, harnesses, or scaffolding played a role in the accident, the manufacturer or distributor may be liable under product liability laws.

Third-Party Maintenance Firms

Companies hired to perform inspections or repairs on roofs may bear responsibility if their negligence leaves hazardous conditions unaddressed.

What Laws Govern Roof Fall Accident Claims in Illinois?

Roofing work is one of the most dangerous jobs in construction, and both federal and state laws set strict safety standards to protect workers.

Under OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926.501, employers must provide safety equipment for employees working at heights of six feet or more. This includes guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. Roofing contractors and construction companies must also train workers to recognize and avoid fall hazards.

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) provides benefits for employees injured on the job, covering medical expenses, wage replacement, and disability benefits. This system is no-fault, meaning you can receive benefits without proving negligence, but it also generally limits your ability to sue your employer directly.

If a roof fall results in death, the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) allows surviving family members to pursue damages from negligent parties, including funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found less than 51% at fault for your own fall injury, you can still recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Chicago law has multiple provisions aimed at preventing roof fall accidents. Under Municipal Code §7‑28‑480, the Commissioner of Buildings must inspect roofs and related structures at least twice a year when there is reason to believe safety regulations are being violated. Property owners must grant access for these inspections.

The city also enforces strict rules for roofing work through Municipal Code §14B‑33‑3322, which requires safeguarding roofing operations, proper operation of asphalt and tar kettles, and compliance with the Chicago Fire Prevention Code.

Failing to meet these safety standards can help prove negligence in a roof fall accident claim.

What Damages Can Victims of Roof Fall Accidents Recover?

After a roof fall accident in Chicago, you may have two possible paths to financial recovery:

1. Workers’ compensation, which covers certain losses regardless of fault but limits your ability to sue your employer.
2. Third‑party claims, where you can pursue additional damages if another party — such as a property owner, equipment manufacturer, or subcontractor — was responsible.Lost Wages

Lost Wages and Future Earnings

Workers’ comp provides partial wage replacement while you’re unable to work. In a third‑party case, you can also claim the full value of lost wages, loss of overtime, and diminished future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to the same type of work.

Medical Expenses

Both systems cover reasonable and necessary medical expenses, including hospital care, surgery, medications, and rehabilitation. A third‑party lawsuit can also address uncovered costs, such as out‑of‑network treatment or long‑term medical needs.

Pain and Suffering

Workers’ compensation does not pay for pain and suffering, but a personal injury lawsuit can. This covers the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the fall.

Wrongful Death Damages

If a roof fall is fatal, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. These damages can be pursued against any negligent parties outside the employer relationship.

What Is the Average Payout for a Roof Fall Accident in Illinois?

Roof fall accident settlements and verdicts in Illinois have an average value of $2,198,303 and a median of $1,010,000. Awards range from as low as about $31,500 for minor claims to $7 million for the most catastrophic cases.

Where your case falls in this range depends on several factors:

• Severity of injuries 
• Evidence of negligence 
• Lost earning capacity 
• Medical bills
• Comparative fault 

Example Roofing Accident Cases Filed in Cook County

Patrycja Wyszkowska fell 30 feet from an unsafe exterior ladder leading to the roof of a Chicago apartment building. The ladder was missing rungs and in poor condition. She died instantly from blunt head trauma. The jury found the property owner 95% at fault and awarded her estate $7 million, later reduced to $6.65 million due to her own negligence.

Jeffrey Mueller, a window washer, fell 30 feet from a hospital roof in Woodstock after a misstep. He suffered multiple fractures, a spinal injury, and ultimately an amputation below the knee. The case settled during trial for $2.5 million,with funds allocated for his future medical expenses.

Henry Chung fell through an open hole on a commercial building roof in Chicago while helping secure a tarp. He sustained bilateral elbow fractures, compression fractures of the vertebrae, and a head injury. The case settled before trial for $1,010,000, split between the general contractor and roofing subcontractor.

How to Strengthen Your Roof Fall Injury Case in Chicago

Building a strong case after a roof fall accident starts with acting quickly and gathering the right evidence. In our experience, the following steps make a major difference:

• Prioritize safety.
• Report the incident and request a copy of the report.
• Take clear photos or video of the scene.
• Collect witness information.
• Preserve equipment and gear used at the time of the accident, especially if it failed.
• Seek medical treatment right away and keep detailed records.
• Contact a roofing accident lawyer as soon as possible.

How Long Do I Have to Seek Compensation for a Roof Fall in Illinois?

In most cases, Illinois law gives you two years from the date of a roof fall accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). If the accident resulted in death, the same two‑year deadline applies to filing a wrongful death claim, starting from the date of death.

If your case involves a workers’ compensation claim, you must generally notify your employer within 45 days of the accident and file your claim within three years of the injury, or within two years of your last workers’ compensation payment, whichever is later.

Claims against government entities, such as public housing authorities or city contractors, may have even shorter notice requirements under Illinois law. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely, which is why it’s important to contact a roof fall accident lawyer as soon as possible.

How Our Chicago Roof Fall Injury Attorneys Can Help

From the moment you hire us, we move fast to protect your rights. Our team conducts a thorough investigation of the site, interviews witnesses, and consults safety experts to document violations. We handle all communication with insurance companies, calculate your full damages, and build a case aimed at securing maximum compensation. Whether negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial, our focus is on determining liability and holding all responsible parties accountable.

How Common Are Roof Fall Accidents in Chicago?

Per construction accident statistics, roof falls remain one of the deadliest hazards in the Chicago construction industry. OSHA records from January 2024 to January 2025 list 18 serious roof fall incidents in the Chicago region, all of which resulted in fatalities.

FAQs

Can I sue the homeowner for a roof fall accident?

Yes, in some cases. If unsafe roof conditions or failure to provide proper safety measures caused your injuries, the homeowner can be held responsible under premises liability laws. This is more common when you’re an independent contractor or working for a subcontractor rather than as a direct employee.

How can roofing accidents be prevented?

Prevention starts with proper planning and compliance with OSHA standards. This means using guardrails, safety harnesses, and anchor points, inspecting ladders and scaffolds, and keeping work surfaces clear of debris and moisture. 

How much does a roof fall accident lawyer cost?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, and we only collect a fee if we secure compensation for you.

Discuss the Legal Implications of Your Case with a Chicago Roofing Accident Lawyer Near You!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a roof fall accident in Chicago, navigating workers’ compensation, personal injury claims, and strict filing deadlines can be challenging. At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we have a proven track record in investigating the circumstances surrounding each case, proving liability, and recovering fair settlements.

Our experienced attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no cost to you unless we win. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation with an experienced work accident lawyer in Chicago.