Construction work in Chicago is among the most dangerous jobs in Illinois. If you’ve been injured on a construction site, you deserve experienced legal representation that fights for your full compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides.
At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., we’ve secured millions in settlements and verdicts for injured construction workers throughout Chicago and Illinois. Our lead attorney Matthew Willen has over two decades of experience handling complex construction accident cases and is recognized as one of Illinois’ Top 100 Super Lawyers.
Contact us at (312) 957-4166 for a free case review. You pay nothing until we secure your compensation.
Why Choose Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. for Your Construction Accident Case?
The Chicago construction accident attorneys at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers bring proven experience and results to every case. Attorney Matthew Willen holds membership in the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, an exclusive organization limited to the top one percent of attorneys nationwide. His track record of construction accident results includes:
- $750,000 construction accident settlement for a man hurt at work when he fell from a scaffold at a construction site
- $400,000 settlement for a worker injured after falling at an improperly guarded construction site
- $400,000 construction accident settlement for a construction worker who fell from a ladder and suffered a shoulder injury
- And more
Matthew Willen’s expertise stems from understanding both sides of personal injury law. He previously worked for a large insurance company, giving him insider knowledge of how insurers try to minimize payouts to injured workers.
Construction Accident Statistics: The Sobering Reality
Construction remains one of America’s deadliest industries. The latest data reveals alarming trends:
- 1 in 5 workplace fatalities occur on construction sites, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Falls account for 36% of construction deaths nationwide, reports the CDC.
- Illinois recorded 145 fatal work injuries in construction during 2023, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
- Construction injuries cost $11.5 billion annually, with significant economic impact on workers and families, says a national study.
- Fall protection violations remain OSHA’s most frequently cited construction safety standard, according to OSHA.
In Chicago specifically, construction accidents represent a significant portion of workplace injuries. Cook County leads Illinois in total workplace fatalities, making experienced legal representation crucial for injured workers.
Common Types of Construction Accidents in Chicago
OSHA’s “Fatal Four” Construction Hazards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration identifies four leading causes of construction fatalities:
Falls (37% of construction deaths)
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs
- Falls through unprotected floor openings
- Slip and fall accidents on uneven surfaces
- Falls into excavations or holes.
Struck-by Objects (8% of construction deaths)
- Falling tools or construction materials
- Swinging crane loads
- Flying debris from power tools
- Vehicles backing into workers.
Electrocution (8% of construction deaths)
- Contact with overhead power lines
- Faulty electrical equipment or wiring
- Electrified water or wet conditions
- Lightning strikes during outdoor work.
Caught-in/Between (5% of construction deaths)
- Workers trapped in excavations or trenches
- Caught between vehicles and walls
- Pinned by heavy machinery or equipment
- Crushed by collapsing structures.
Additional Chicago Construction Risks
Chicago’s unique climate creates additional hazards:
- Ice and snow causing slip hazards
- High winds affecting crane operations
- Extreme cold reducing dexterity and judgment
- Heavy rain creating electrical hazards.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Construction Accident?
While workers’ compensation typically prevents you from suing your direct employer, multiple other parties may be responsible:
Property Owners and Developers
- Building owners who created or allowed unsafe conditions
- Developers who pressured contractors to cut safety corners
- Property managers who failed to address known hazards.
Third-Party Contractors and Subcontractors
- General contractors who failed to maintain safe conditions
- Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC subcontractors whose negligence caused accidents
- Scaffolding or equipment rental companies.
Equipment and Tool Manufacturers
- Defective construction equipment or machinery
- Tools lacking proper safety guards
- Faulty personal protective equipment.
Vehicle Operators
- Truck drivers delivering materials
- Crane operators
- Other motorists in construction zones.
Maximum Compensation for Construction Accident Victims
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Two-thirds of average weekly wages during recovery
- Permanent disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation if needed.
Third-Party Lawsuit Damages
Beyond workers’ compensation, you may recover:
- Pain and suffering – Often the largest component of settlements
- Full lost wages – Present and future earning capacity
- Loss of life enjoyment – Compensation for activities you can no longer perform
- Permanent disability – Long-term care and accommodation costs
- Emotional distress – Psychological impact of traumatic injuries.
Our Proven Process for Construction Accident Cases
Immediate Investigation
We act fast to preserve crucial evidence:
- Photograph accident scenes before cleanup
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Obtain OSHA inspection reports
- Secure video surveillance footage.
Expert Analysis
Our network includes:
- Construction safety experts
- Medical professionals
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Vocational rehabilitation experts
- Life care planners calculating long-term costs.
Aggressive Negotiation
Insurance companies know our reputation. We’ve secured settlements up to four times higher than initial offers by:
- Building compelling evidence packages
- Demonstrating full extent of damages
- Leveraging our trial-ready preparation.
Trial-Ready Representation
When fair settlement isn’t offered, we take cases to court. Matthew Willens’s trial experience includes verdicts recognized by The National Law Journal as among the Top 100 in the country.
Time Limits for Construction Accident Claims
Workers’ compensation: Report your injury within 45 days to your employer. You have up to three years to file a formal claim.
Third-party lawsuits: Generally two years from the date of injury under Illinois law.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly on construction sites. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I bear some responsibility for the accident?
You may still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Illinois follows comparative negligence rules. As long as you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, though your compensation may be reduced proportionally.
What if I’m not legally authorized to work in the US?
Your immigration status doesn’t affect your right to workers’ compensation or third-party lawsuits for construction injuries. We represent all injured workers regardless of documentation status.
Can family members recover compensation if a construction accident is fatal?
Yes. Surviving spouses, children, and dependents may recover through:
- Workers’ compensation death benefits
- Wrongful death lawsuits against third parties
- Loss of companionship and financial support damages.
How much is my construction accident case worth?
The value of each case depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, disability, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts. Our successful results range from six-figure settlements to multi-million dollar recoveries.
Contact Chicago’s Top-Rated Construction Accident Lawyers
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. has earned recognition as top-rated law firm with proven experience in obtaining high dollar compensation for construction accident victims and their families.
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. Construction Accident Settlements & Verdicts
- $750,000 construction accident settlement for a man hurt at work when he fell from a scaffold at a construction site
- $430,000 construction accident settlement for another injured man who fell at a construction site
- $400,000 construction accident settlement for a construction worker who fell from a ladder and suffered a shoulder injury
- $400,000 construction accident settlement for a man who fell into an improperly guarded hole at a construction site and suffered lower back injuries
- $378,495 construction accident verdict for a man who suffered a cut calf muscle as a result of a construction accident (pre-trial offer was only $17,500)
- $325,000 construction accident settlement for a woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury after coming into contact with an improperly guarded electrical outlet on a work site
- $300,000 construction accident settlement for the family of a man who fell through a skylight of a mall
- $200,000 construction accident settlement for a construction worker hurt at work after stepping into a hole that had been covered with carpeting
- $190,000 construction accident settlement for a construction worker who suffered neck and back injuries when a staircase he was on collapsed.
Additional Major Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. Results
- $1,039,568 settlement for asbestos exposure case
- $$880,377.36 settlement in another asbestos case.
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., founder attorney Matthew Willen’s credentials include:
- Illinois Super Lawyer (Top 1% of attorneys)
- Leading Lawyer designation for Personal Injury Law
- AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell (the highest possible rating)
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel member
- Adjunct Professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Free Consultation – No Fee Unless We Win
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim. Get the experienced representation you deserve.
Call (312) 957-4166 or contact us online for your free case evaluation.
We serve construction accident victims throughout Chicago, Cook County, and all of Illinois.
