Chicago Construction Accidents Attorneys

In the Windy City and all over the country, the construction industry is incredibly dangerous. Tall buildings mean even taller cranes and other implements. On the ground, sometimes inexperienced workers operate extremely heavy machinery. Both in the air and on the ground, many workers have limited English proficiency, so they may not understand vague safety rules. Even worse, an alarming number of companies put profits before people.

If you were hurt at work, the workers’ compensation law provides important benefits that your family needs, but these benefits are not simply there for the taking. You need an aggressive attorney like the ones at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. to help you obtain these benefits. The once-straightforward workers’ compensation process has become a maze. Without proper guidance, most people get lost. We do not want that to happen to you.

Who We Represent

Construction accidents can happen in many different ways, and we have represented workers across a wide range of circumstances. Our clients often include:

• Workers who fell from a roof, scaffold, ladder, or elevated area: You were working at height when a scaffold, guardrail, tie-off system, or other fall protection failed or was never provided.
• Workers struck by falling materials, tools, vehicles, or heavy equipment: Something fell from above, swung into you, or a crane, loader, or truck struck you while you were on site.
• Workers crushed, pinned, or trapped between equipment or materials: You became caught between machinery, vehicles, trench walls, or building materials before you could get clear.
• Workers hurt after a known hazard was ignored: A dangerous condition had already been flagged, but work continued anyway, and you paid the price.

No matter how your injury happened, you have the right to pursue benefits under Illinois law, and we are ready to help you understand your options.

The “Fatal Four” Construction Accidents

Nationally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration polices construction worksites and ensures their safety. OSHA has fewer than 3,000 inspectors who are responsible for 130 million workers at about 10 million worksites. These overworked inspectors can only do so much. So, construction accidents are common. OSHA estimates that eliminating workplace deaths related to the “fatal four” would cut workplace fatalities by more than half. The fatal four are:

• Falls,
• Electrocutions,
• Struck by object, and
• Caught between two objects.

In 2024, an average of 14 workers died every day in American workplaces.

Compensation Available

A serious workplace injury means loss of income and substantial medical bills. So workers’ compensation covers both losses.

Most victims sustain temporary disabilities. They are unable to return to work until they are 100% better. This means they must receive proper medical attention and complete their physical therapy regimens. While they are unable to work, most victims receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage. So, their families have the income they need to pay bills.

Workers’ compensation medical bill reimbursement works a bit differently. In some cases, the insurance company pays these expenses directly, and victims are not responsible for any unpaid charges. In other cases, an attorney arranges for the victim to receive treatment at no upfront cost. Either way, job injury victims often never see any medical bills.

Illinois has a broad workers’ compensation law. For example, most victims can choose their own doctors. Job injury victims in many other states do not have that right.

Am I Entitled to Additional Compensation?

Possibly. The Chicago construction industry is extremely competitive. A few dollars could make the difference between making money and losing money on a particular project. So, some companies cut corners. Worker safety is often one of the first things on the chopping block.

If there is evidence that the company was reckless and knowingly put workers at risk, the victims may be able to sue outside the system and obtain additional compensation. In addition to money for the aforementioned economic losses, these individuals might also receive compensation for their non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering.

Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim After a Construction Accident

Illinois workers’ compensation law is designed to protect injured employees, but the process itself can feel like a maze if you do not know what to expect. Here is a general overview of what typically needs to happen after a construction accident:

• Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, specifically within 45 days.
• Seek medical attention and follow through with all recommended treatment.
• File a workers’ compensation claim, which generally must happen within three years of the accident.
• Keep records of your medical visits, missed work, and any communication with your employer or insurer.
• Consult an attorney if your employer discourages you from filing or if your claim is delayed or denied.

In some cases, a third-party lawsuit may also be available if a company other than your employer contributed to your injury through negligence. A personal injury claim can open the door to additional compensation beyond standard workers’ comp benefits, including damages for pain and suffering. 

Why Choose Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd.?

We built our practice on personal attention and proven results. When you work with our firm, you get the attorneys you meet, not a rotating cast of unfamiliar faces. Here is what sets us apart:

• We have recovered over $500 million for injured clients and hold lifetime membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
• We handle cases on a contingency basis, so you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
• We provide responsive support, keeping you informed at every stage of your claim.
• Our team brings decades of combined experience specifically in Illinois workers’ compensation and construction accident law.

Work with Dedicated Attorneys

Recovering from a construction accident takes time, and you shouldn’t have to fight for the benefits you’re owed while also trying to heal. Whether you fell from a height, were struck by equipment, or got hurt because a known hazard went unaddressed, our team is ready to review your case and explain your options in plain language.

Contact Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, walk you through your legal rights, and help you take the next step toward the compensation you deserve.

FAQs About Construction Accidents in Illinois