Chicago Construction Site Slip and Fall Cases

Seek Compensation for Slip and Fall Accidents on Illinois Construction Sites

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we represent construction workers who have been injured in construction site slip and fall cases. These accidents often happen because of hazardous conditions that could have been avoided with adequate safety measures. 

Whether you were hurt on a large commercial project or a small residential build, we know how to handle the legal process and fight for fair compensation in both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits.

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

• $11,000,000 – Carlos, a 34-year-old roofer, fell through an unmarked skylight opening. We brought a wrongful death claim for his family, showing the absence of warning signs and safety measures.
• $7,200,000 – Eric, an electrician, suffered serious injuries after falling from a ladder while installing cable in a warehouse. Our investigation established multiple responsible parties for inadequate safety procedures.
• $5,000,000 – James, a laborer, died after a scaffolding collapse while performing masonry work. We obtained justice for his family through a wrongful death settlement.
• $4,400,000 – Sofia fell from a ladder during a commercial renovation, sustaining life-changing orthopedic injuries.
• $4,133,333 – Liam fell from scaffolding, fracturing his pelvis and suffering a traumatic brain injury.
• $2,900,000 – Robert, a carpenter, fell on debris left on a jobsite. We recovered from the general contractor after proving they failed to maintain adequate safety measures.
• $2,600,000 – Mark, a construction worker, severely injured his knee after tripping on uneven surfaces at an active construction site. Surgery and months of rehabilitation were required before he could return to work.
• $1,539,000 – Henry, a roofing contractor, fell while replacing a roof. We held the project manager and subcontractor accountable for unsafe working conditions.

Why We Are the Best Attorneys for Your Construction Site Slip and Fall in Chicago

We are recognized among the top-rated Chicago construction injury lawyers for our results in slip and fall cases, including construction site accidents. Our team has earned honors from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and maintains excellent client ratings on Avvo.

We know how to gather evidence, work with safety experts, and challenge the insurance companies that try to minimize your claim. From identifying all responsible parties involved to pursuing compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and long-term care, we fight to help you recover maximum compensation.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Construction Site Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall incidents on Chicago construction sites can be caused by a range of preventable hazards, such as:

• Wet or slippery surfaces from spills, rain, or snow
• Uneven surfaces created by unfinished flooring or debris
• Cluttered walkways and improperly stored tools
• Poor lighting in work zones
• Defective ladders or scaffolding
• Missing or inadequate warning signs
• Weather conditions making work areas unsafe
• Failure to follow OSHA fall protection safety regulations

What Are the Most Common Slip and Fall Injuries Sustained on Construction Sites?

Workers who suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident on a construction site often face long recoveries and lasting physical damage due to injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones and fractures
• Severe sprains or ligament tears
• Hip and pelvis injuries
• Lacerations and deep cuts
• Shoulder or knee injuries
• Internal bleeding or organ damage

What Damages Can Injured Construction Workers Recover in Chicago?

In a construction site slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to recover damages through workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit. Potential recoveries include:

• Payment of medical expenses and medical bills
• Compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering damages
• Coverage for rehabilitation and therapy
• Payment for permanent disability or disfigurement
• Reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs related to the accident

What Is the Average Payout for Slip and Fall Construction Site Accidents in Cook County?

Based on recent Cook County verdict and settlement data, slip and fall construction site accident payouts range from $50,000 to $3,500,000, with a median award of $1,110,641 and an average award of $1,508,135.

Key factors affecting payout amounts include:

• Severity of injuries
• Extent of medical expenses
• Lost wages and impact on earning capacity
• Liability clarity
• Comparative fault
• Long-term disability or disfigurement
• Strength of evidence

Example Construction Site Slip and Fall Cases in Cook County

$3,500,000 Settlement

Kevin, a 54-year-old construction worker, slipped on ice while moving plywood on the 61st floor of a Chicago high-rise project. The fall aggravated a pre-existing lumbar injury, leading to multiple surgeries and chronic pain. Settlement also included a waiver of over $1 million in workers’ comp liens.

$3,288,805 Verdict

Brian, employed on a casino project, fell while descending from large metal plates due to unsafe site conditions. He sustained serious back injuries resulting in disability and lost earning capacity. Jury reduced his award for comparative fault, but still secured him over $2 million net recovery.

$1,750,000 Mediation Settlement

Dan, an ironworker, slipped on wet paint while working at the CTA’s Irving Park Station in Chicago, injuring his lower back. Despite returning to work briefly, he later required spinal fusion surgery and could not return to his trade. Settlement also waived a $600,000 employer lien.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

Construction site slip and fall cases in Chicago can be far more complex than a typical personal injury claim. Multiple responsible parties may be involved — from the property owner to subcontractors — and each will have their own insurance companies and lawyers working to limit your recovery.

We understand the challenges of proving fault in a busy construction environment, where accident scenes change quickly and witness statements can be difficult to obtain. Our team knows the local court system, including the Circuit Court of Cook County, and we’re familiar with how judges and juries respond to these types of personal injury cases.

How Common Are Slip and Fall Accidents on Chicago Construction Sites?

According to OSHA incident data, since 2020 there have been eight serious slip and fall accidents on construction sites in Chicago, with fatal construction accidents making up half of those cases. The remaining non-fatal injuries still caused significant harm, often requiring lengthy treatment and time away from work.

Where Do Construction Site Slips and Fall Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere construction work is underway. We frequently see these cases occur:

• On downtown high-rise projects along Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue
• In roadway construction zones on I-90/94 and Lake Shore Drive
• In large-scale developments in the West Loop and Fulton Market
• On residential job sites in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Hyde Park
• During city infrastructure work at CTA rail stations and platforms

What Laws Govern Construction Site Slip and Fall Claims in Illinois?

Several laws and safety regulations apply to slip and fall cases on construction sites, including:

The Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) – Governs claims for non-employees injured by unsafe property conditions.

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) – Provides benefits for employees injured in construction site accidents.

OSHA Fall Protection Standards

OSHA fall protection standards are regulated under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M. 

1926.501 requires fall protection for most situations where workers are 6 feet or more above a lower level. This can include guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. The rules cover unprotected edges, leading edges, holes, ramps, walkways, excavations, dangerous equipment, roofing, residential construction, wall openings, and more.

1926.502 sets the design, construction, and usage requirements for fall protection systems. It specifies how guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems must be built, tested, and maintained, along with rules for connectors, lifelines, and anchorage points. 

It also includes standards for warning lines, controlled access zones, covers for holes, and written fall protection plans, requiring inspections, qualified oversight, and documentation when alternative safety measures are used.

How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Site Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Illinois?

Personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death claims need to be filed 2 years from the date of the accident under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Workers’ compensation claims need to be filed 3 years from the date of injury, or 2 years from the last payment of benefits

Who Is Legally Liable for Construction Site Slip and Fall Accidents in Chicago?

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the fall accident, liable parties may include:

• The property owner or developer
• The general contractor
• Subcontractors responsible for site safety
• Equipment manufacturers if a defect caused the fall
• Maintenance companies or cleaning crews

Common Defenses in Chicago Construction Site Slip and Fall Cases

Defendants in slip and fall accident cases often try to limit liability using common arguments, such as:

• Comparative negligence – Claiming you were partly to blame.
• Open and obvious hazard – Arguing the risk should have been avoided.
• Lack of notice – Claiming they had no chance to fix the hazard.
• Assumption of risk – Stating you accepted the risk by working there.

We counter these claims by showing that safety regulations were ignored, hazards weren’t properly marked, and the circumstances surrounding the accident made it unavoidable.

How to Strengthen Your Construction Site Slip and Case in Chicago

Here are important steps you can take to help us build a strong slip and fall case:

• Report the slip and fall accident to your employer or site supervisor right away
• Take photos or videos of the accident scene before anything changes
• Collect witness statements from coworkers or bystanders
• Seek medical attention immediately and keep all medical records
• Avoid making statements to insurance companies without legal advice

How an Experienced Lawyer Can Help You Recover a Fair Settlement

As experienced personal injury attorneys, we will investigate the construction site, establish liability, and negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies. Our goal is always to help you receive fair compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and all other damages. If needed, we will take your personal injury lawsuit to trial to recover maximum compensation.

Book a Free Consultation!

If you’ve been injured in a Chicago construction site slip and fall accident, our law firm is ready to help. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe no legal fees unless we win your case. Call our Chicago work accident lawyers today or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue compensation.