Skylight Fall Accident Lawyer in Chicago

Helping Illinois Workers Injured in Skylight Falls Recover Maximum Compensation

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we know how devastating a skylight fall can be—both for the injured worker and for their loved ones. Our trusted skylight fall accident lawyer team has seen how quickly a routine day on a Chicago job site can turn into a life-altering emergency when proper skylight safety measures aren’t in place. 

Our Chicago-based law firm is dedicated to helping Illinois workers recover the maximum compensation they deserve after these dangerous accidents, whether that means workers’ compensation, personal injury claims, or wrongful death lawsuits. 

From warehouses in Cicero to high-rise constructions downtown, we fight for our clients with the same grit and determination they bring to their jobs every day. Contact us for a free consultation today!

Why Choose IL Work Injury Lawyer

When you’re facing the aftermath of a serious skylight fall, you need a top-rated construction accident lawyer who understands Illinois law, OSHA safety regulations, and the realities of working on Chicago’s construction sites. For 25 years, our Chicago-based law firm has fought for injury victims and their families, securing more than $490 million in verdicts and settlements.

Our attorneys have been recognized by prestigious organizations, including:

• Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Super Lawyers
• American Association for Justice (AAJ)
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
• AVVO

We’ve helped over 5,000 clients recover life-changing results, from personal injury claims to wrongful death lawsuits, and we approach each matter determined to get our clients the compensation they deserve.

Skylight Fall Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago-Based Law Firm

Over the years, we’ve handled some of the largest skylight accident settlements in Illinois, giving our clients the resources they need to rebuild their lives. 

$11,000,000 Settlement – Roofer’s Wrongful Death

Miguel, a 34-year-old roofer, was working on a commercial warehouse in Chicago when he fell through an opening that was intended for a skylight but left completely unprotected. The impact onto the concrete floor was fatal. 

Our investigation revealed multiple OSHA violations, including the absence of safety guards and personal fall arrest systems. This substantial settlement helped his family cover medical bills, funeral costs, and long-term financial security.

$4,565,000 Settlement – Unprotected Skylight Fall

James, an experienced tradesman, was repairing a roof when he stepped onto what he thought was a solid surface. It was actually a fragile skylight panel with no guardrails or warning signs. He fell over 20 feet, resulting in fatal injuries. 

Our attorneys uncovered evidence of a construction company failing to follow federal occupational safety and health standards. We filed both a workers’ compensation claim and a wrongful death claim against the owner and contractor, resulting in a multimillion-dollar recovery for his loved ones.

Types of Skylights Used in Illinois Construction

Skylights come in many forms in construction, and each presents unique risks when not properly installed or protected. Understanding the different types can help explain why skylight fall accidents happen and how they can be prevented.

• Fixed Skylights – These have a sturdy perimeter frame and a non-operable glass or plastic panel. While they provide natural light, they don’t open for ventilation. When a skylight installer fails to secure or mark them, workers can mistake them for solid roof surfaces, a dangerous assumption that has led to severe skylight fall injuries.
• Ventilated Skylights (Roof Windows) – Operable skylights that open and close using hinges. They improve airflow and lighting, but if not fitted with safety guards, they can break under a worker’s weight or allow an accidental fall.
• Tubular Skylights – Also known as sun tunnels or solar tubes, these use a dome to capture sunlight and direct it into smaller spaces. Often made from acrylic or polycarbonate, older or weather-worn models can become fragile, contributing to skylight injuries on job sites.
• Retractable Skylights – Built with track systems so they can slide open, these provide both natural light and a full view of the sky. Without proper fall prevention equipment, the large openings they create can quickly become a fall hazard for roofers and maintenance crews.
• Custom Skylights – Designed for unique roof shapes or architectural requirements, these vary widely in size and material. If not built and installed to meet occupational safety and health standards, they can be more prone to defects and structural weaknesses.
• Domed Skylights – Common on industrial and commercial buildings in Cook County, these are often made of acrylic and shaped to shed water and snow. Over time, aging materials or poor installation can cause cracking, turning them into hidden fall dangers.

The reality is that skylight injuries happen across all of these types, especially when contractors skip essential OSHA-required safeguards like guardrails, netting, or fall arrest systems. Our team knows how to identify the specific hazards linked to each skylight type to strengthen your case and hold property owners accountable. 

How Do Skylight Fall Accidents Happen on Illinois Job Sites?

In our work as Chicago personal injury lawyers, we’ve investigated countless accident scenes. In Illinois construction, the same hazards come up again and again:

• Unprotected or uncovered skylights – We often see roof openings left exposed during roofing or maintenance work. Without safety guards or covers, these openings are essentially traps waiting for a distracted worker to step into.
• Fragile or deteriorated panels – Older skylights, especially those with acrylic or plastic domes, can become brittle over time. One misstep, and they shatter under the weight of a roofer, leading to catastrophic skylight fall injuries.
• Missing guardrails or fall protection systems – OSHA requires adequate fall protection safeguards on roofs with skylights, yet we still see cases where no guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems are in place.
• Improperly installed skylights – A skylight installer who cuts corners can leave the frame loose or the glazing insecure, increasing the risk of collapse.
• Weather-related hazards – Ice, rain, or high winds on Chicago rooftops can make walking surfaces slick and treacherous. Even a properly installed skylight can be deadly when the surrounding roof is unsafe.
• Failure to follow OSHA fall protection regulations – Noncompliance with occupational safety standards is one of the biggest drivers of these cases, and OSHA citations often become key evidence in our skylight accident claims.

When we handle these claims, our team works with occupational safety and health experts to pinpoint the exact cause and prove that the fall could have been prevented.

What Are Common Skylight Fall Injuries?

Skylight fall accidents often lead to severe injuries to construction workers, such as:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – From concussions to permanent brain damage, head trauma is one of the most common and life-changing results of a skylight fall.
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis – A fall through a skylight onto a concrete floor can cause irreversible spinal damage, often requiring lifelong medical care.
• Multiple Fractures and Crush Injuries – These can happen when a worker’s body strikes framing, scaffolding, or machinery on the way down.
• Internal Organ Damage – The force of impact can rupture organs or cause internal bleeding, which may not be immediately obvious but can be deadly.
• Severe Lacerations – Broken glass or twisted metal frames can inflict deep cuts, leading to blood loss, nerve damage, and scarring.
• Fatal Injuries – In the worst cases, a skylight death occurs, leaving grieving families to cope with unimaginable loss.

When injury victims come to us, our goal is to secure the fair compensation they need for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and the emotional toll of these accidents.

What Damages Can Skylight Injury Victims Recover in Illinois?

Illinois law allows multiple avenues for recovery after an accident involving a skylight.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If you’re an injured employee in Illinois, the Workers’ Compensation Act provides coverage for medical treatment, partial wage replacement, and disability benefits. While workers’ comp doesn’t require proving fault, it also doesn’t cover all damages, which is why we often explore additional claims.

Personal Injury Claims

When property owners or third parties (such as contractors or installers) are negligent, we can file skylight accident claims seeking full damages, including pain and suffering. These cases often involve premises liability and defective skylight claims.

Wrongful Death Cases

If a skylight death occurs, surviving family members may bring a claim under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act. This can include compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the emotional void left by a loved one’s passing.

What Is the Average Skylight Fall Accident Payout?

According to VerdictSearch data, payouts for skylight accident cases vary from as little as $12,975 to more than $23 million. The median award is about $900,000, while the average comes in around $3.35 million.

From our experience as personal injury lawyers, these numbers reflect how case-specific details directly impact compensation. Key factors include:

• Severity of the injuries – A fall resulting in minor fractures may settle closer to the lower end of the range, while severe skylight injuries like traumatic brain damage, spinal cord paralysis, or a skylight death can drive verdicts and settlements far higher.
• Permanency of the condition – Long-term disabilities, chronic pain, or disfigurement significantly increase case value because they affect a worker’s earning potential and quality of life.
• OSHA violations and safety failures – When investigations reveal blatant disregard for fall protection rules — such as missing safety guards or failure to provide fall arrest systems — juries and insurers are often more willing to award higher amounts.
• Multiple liable parties – Pursuing claims against not just an employer (through workers’ compensation) but also owners, contractors, and skylight installers can expand the available sources of recovery.

Ultimately, every case is unique. We’ve recovered both above-average and record-setting results by digging into site safety logs, OSHA inspection records, and expert testimony to prove that the accident was preventable and that our clients deserve compensation.

Example Skylight Accident Cases

While every case is different, jury verdicts from other skylight accident lawsuits help illustrate how injury severity, liability, and safety violations influence payouts.

Roofer’s Paralysis – $23,368,209 Verdict

A 35-year-old roofer fell through a skylight and dropped 45 feet onto a cement factory floor. He suffered a spinal cord injury at C5–C6, resulting in paralysis from the chest down, as well as skull fractures, fractures in both arms, and the amputation of his right leg. The jury found the defendant roofing company fully liable. The award included more than $11 million for future home health care and over $6.5 million for future pain and suffering.

Ironworker Brain Injury – $15,553,895 Verdict

An ironworker fell 30 feet through an unprotected skylight opening at a construction site. He sustained a skull fracture, traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, and significant cognitive impairments. The jury apportioned liability between the steel erection company and the negligent property owner, finding that both failed to comply with safety requirements. The award covered future residential care, rehabilitation services, and long-term pain and suffering.

Fall During Skylight Installation – $4,592,365 Verdict

A 64-year-old man fell through a roof opening while assisting with skylight installation. The fall fractured his T-11 vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down with loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function. The jury found partial comparative negligence on his part, reducing the award. Damages included compensation for future medical care, home modifications, and loss of quality of life.

Why You Need an Illinois Skylight Fall Accident Lawyer

Skylight fall accidents are rarely straightforward. In many cases, the worker has a valid workers’ compensation claim against their employer, but there may also be negligence claims against owners, general contractors, subcontractors, or even skylight manufacturers. These cases often require pursuing both paths at once, which demands experience in handling overlapping claims.

Our team understands how to investigate fall protection violations, aging or defective skylights, and failures to follow OSHA safety regulations. We know how to obtain and analyze site safety logs, witness statements, and inspection reports from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to prove that the skylight accident was preventable.

Many skylight fall injuries happen because of missing or inadequate safety guards, improperly installed skylights, or aging skylight materials that cannot support the weight of a person. In the most tragic cases, we can guide families through the process of filing a fatal skylight accident claim while protecting their rights at every stage.

With decades of experience representing injured construction workers in Illinois, we know how to hold owners and contractors accountable. Our goal is to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the life-changing impact of these incidents.

How Common Are Skylight Fall Accidents in Illinois?

While skylight falls may seem like rare events, the data shows they are a recurring and serious problem in Illinois. OSHA records for the Chicago region list seven reported skylight fall incidents between 2020 and 2024. Six of those involved fatalities, and the other resulted in serious injuries like a fractured shoulder. These tragedies happened across industries, from commercial roofing to manufacturing plant maintenance.

Nationally, OSHA has documented 75 worker deaths from skylight falls between 2017 and 2021, along with 130 severe injuries between 2015 and 2021. The most common skylight injuries include fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal organ trauma. 

Experts believe these figures undercount the true number of skylight accidents, since many incidents are recorded simply as “rooftop falls” without specifying a skylight.

Where Do Skylight Injuries Happen Most Often in Illinois?

From our experience investigating skylight accident claims and reviewing OSHA data, certain job sites see these incidents more frequently than others. In Illinois, many skylight injuries occur at:

• Commercial warehouse roofs in Chicago – Large flat roofs with multiple skylights are common in industrial corridors along the South and West Sides. Without proper safety guards, these sites can be hazardous for maintenance crews and roofing contractors.
• Industrial plant maintenance in Cicero and Bedford Park – Many manufacturing facilities still have aging or defective skylights that can’t support a worker’s weight, leading to sudden collapses.
• School and municipal building repairs in Cook County – Public buildings often have older skylight systems, and when repairs are rushed or budgets are tight, fall protection measures can be overlooked.
• Residential roofing in suburban developments – Even a single skylight on a pitched roof can be a hidden danger if it’s not clearly marked or covered during work.

What Laws Govern Skylight Accident Claims in Illinois?

When we take on a skylight accident case, we rely on a combination of Illinois statutes and federal safety regulations to protect our clients’ rights. These laws determine how liability is assigned, what damages can be recovered, and how long you have to take legal action.

• Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) – Provides benefits for medical expenses, partial wage replacement, and disability for injured employees, regardless of fault.
• Illinois Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/) – Allows fault to be shared among multiple negligent parties, which is important in cases involving both employers and third parties.
• Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) – Holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions for lawful visitors, including construction workers performing work on the property.
• Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) – Enables families to recover damages when a skylight death occurs because of another party’s negligence.
• Illinois Comparative Negligence Law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) – Reduces compensation by the injured party’s percentage of fault, but still allows recovery if they are less than 51% responsible.

By combining state law and federal OSHA regulations, we build strong claims against owners, contractors, and skylight manufacturers whose negligence puts workers at risk.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards and Recommendations 

Federal safety rules also play a major role. OSHA requires employers to protect workers from falls through skylights under 29 CFR 1926.501. Per this standard, employers must ensure that workers are protected when working near skylights more than 6 feet above a lower level. Specifically:

• Workers must be protected from falling through holes, including skylights, using fall arrest systems, safety guards, or guardrail systems erected around the opening.
• Openings must be covered to prevent tripping into or stepping through a skylight.
• Skylights must also be secured against the risk of objects falling through them and injuring people below.

The Importance of Personal Fall Arrest Systems in Preventing Skylight Accidents

A personal fall arrest system is designed to stop a fall in progress and limit the force on the worker’s body. When used correctly, it can mean the difference between a close call and a catastrophic injury. Unfortunately, we see many cases where workers are given faulty equipment, aren’t trained to use it, or are pressured to work without it to save time.

In our experience, the absence of personal fall protection equipment is one of the clearest signs of negligence in skylight accident claims. It often pairs with other safety failures like missing fixed railings or failing to secure skylights correctly. Identifying these lapses early helps us hold owners, contractors, and other responsible parties accountable for putting workers in harm’s way. 

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

Timing is critical after a skylight fall accident. In Illinois, the statute of limitations and filing deadlines depend on the type of claim:

• Personal injury lawsuits – Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against a negligent party, such as an owner, contractor, or skylight manufacturer.
• Workers’ compensation claims – Under 820 ILCS 305/6(d), most workers have three years from the date of injury, or two years from the last payment of benefits (whichever is later), to file a workers’ compensation claim.
• Wrongful death cases – Families bringing a wrongful death lawsuit typically have two years from the date of death to file under 740 ILCS 180/2.

Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to recover damages entirely. That’s why we encourage injured construction workers and families to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after an incident, so we can preserve evidence and meet every filing requirement.

Who Is Liable for Skylight Fall Construction Site Accidents in Illinois?

Liability for a skylight fall often extends beyond the injured worker’s employer. Depending on the circumstances, several parties may share responsibility, including:

• Employer – Covers the injury through workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of fault.
• Property owner – Can face a premises liability claim if unsafe conditions on the roof contributed to the fall.
• General contractor – May be liable for failing to provide adequate fall protection or for allowing unsafe skylight conditions to persist on a job site.
• Skylight manufacturer – If defective skylights or covers contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could face a product liability claim.

Because these accidents frequently involve multiple negligent parties, it’s common for us to pursue claims in parallel; workers’ compensation for immediate benefits, and skylight accident claims against third parties for the full measure of damages, including pain and suffering. 

Common Defenses in Illinois Skylight Fall Construction Accident Cases

Defendants in skylight accident lawsuits often try to avoid responsibility by shifting blame onto the worker or minimizing the hazards involved. Some of the most common defenses we see include:

• Claiming the worker was outside the designated work area when the fall occurred
• Arguing that personal protective equipment was provided but not worn
• Alleging the worker ignored safety instructions or warnings
• Suggesting the skylight was clearly marked and the hazard should have been obvious

We approach these defenses head-on by gathering and preserving site safety logs, witness statements, and OSHA findings. Our team also works with safety experts to demonstrate how a reasonable construction company or owner would have prevented the incident.

How to Strengthen Your Skylight Fall Case

The moments and days after a skylight fall accident are critical for protecting your rights. We recommend taking these steps as soon as it’s safe to do so:

1. Seek immediate medical attention – Even if you think your injuries are minor, falls can cause internal damage or other severe injuries that aren’t immediately obvious.
2. Report the incident to your employer – This creates an official record and starts the workers’ compensation process.
3. Document the scene – If possible, take photos of the skylight, the roof, and surrounding areas, including any missing guardrails or defective skylights.
4. Identify missing or defective safety equipment – Note whether fall arrest systems, skylight safety guards, or fixed railings were in place.
5. Preserve witness statements – Get names and contact information for anyone who saw the fall or the unsafe condition beforehand.

How IL Work Injury Lawyer Can Help

When someone calls us after a skylight fall accident, our first priority is protecting their rights and preserving the evidence needed to build a strong case. We start by investigating the scene, gathering OSHA reports, site safety logs, and witness statements to determine exactly how the fall happened and who is responsible.

Our team is experienced in handling both workers’ compensation claims and third-party skylight accident claims at the same time. This allows us to pursue maximum recovery, not just for medical costs and lost income, but also for pain, suffering, and, in tragic cases, funeral and burial expenses.

We also work with occupational safety and health experts to identify violations of fall protection standards and with engineering professionals to evaluate skylight defects or missing skylight safety guards. By combining these technical resources with our trial experience, we’ve been able to achieve significant results for injured construction workers and their families throughout Illinois.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a skylight accident, we’re ready to guide you through the legal process from start to finish and fight for fair compensation.

FAQs

Can skylights be used to dispose of construction debris?

No. OSHA prohibits using skylights as disposal openings for debris. Doing so creates a serious fall hazard and increases the risk of severe skylight injuries.

Can I sue my employer for a skylight fall?

In most cases, your exclusive remedy against your employer is through workers’ compensation. However, if another party, such as an owner, general contractor, or skylight manufacturer, was also at fault, we can pursue a separate personal injury claim against them.

How do I know I have a case?

We evaluate skylight accident claims by looking at four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. First, we determine whether someone had a legal duty to keep the work area safe. Next, we look for a breach of that duty, such as failing to install skylight safety guards or provide fall arrest systems. We then connect that breach to your skylight fall injuries and document the damages you’ve suffered, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

What evidence do I need to support my claim?

We recommend preserving photos of the skylight and roof area, noting whether there were guardrails or covers in place. OSHA citations, accident reports, site safety logs, and witness statements are often critical. Medical records that link your skylight injuries directly to the fall are also essential.

How much does a skylight fall accident lawyer cost in Illinois?

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you, and your consultation is always free.

Who can file a wrongful death claim?

In Illinois, these claims can be filed by a personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This is typically a surviving spouse, adult child, or parent, but the court can appoint another family member or representative if necessary. 

Consult Our Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a skylight fall accident, or if your family has suffered a loss from a skylight death, we’re here to help. 

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we’ve spent decades fighting for injured construction workers and families across Chicago and throughout Illinois. We understand the laws, the OSHA regulations, and the tactics defendants use to avoid paying fair compensation, and we know how to overcome them.

Your case evaluation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win for you. Call a Chicago work injury attorney today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice. We proudly represent clients statewide, from downtown construction sites to industrial plants in Cook County and beyond.