Chicago Scaffolding Injuries Attorneys
Experienced Scaffolding Injuries Attorney On Your Side
Each day, millions of construction workers go to work in the United States, where they routinely work on ladders and scaffolding. In Chicago alone, there are hundreds of construction sites that employ thousands of workers who climb to dangerous heights as part of their job. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers have safe working conditions, but unfortunately, too many scaffolding and ladder accidents happen every year, leaving construction workers severely injured and even killed.
When one of these dangerous accidents occurs, it is crucial that the victims or the surviving family members speak with an experienced attorney to ensure that their rights are protected and they get the compensation they deserve.
The attorneys at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. understand the complexities of injuries that happen on the job and what it takes to get victims of these accidents the full compensation that they deserve.
Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents
Injuries that happen on scaffolds and ladders can result in everything from minor injuries like cuts and bruises to more serious injuries like back or brain injuries or paralysis. In the most extreme cases, a scaffolding or ladder accident can result in wrongful death. Some of the reasons for these accidents include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Slippery and wet surfaces due to carelessness or poor weather conditions.
- Scaffolding platforms or ladders that are poorly designed or assembled, resulting in a collapse.
- Objects that fall from above and strike workers on the scaffolding or ladder.
- Electrocution due to the scaffolding or ladder coming into contact with a source of power.
Compensation for Ladder and Scaffolding Accidents
Before an employee or the surviving family members of an employee can pursue compensation, an investigation must be performed to determine the exact cause of the accident. If the employer is found at fault, benefits must first be pursued through a workers’ compensation claim. However, if another party, such as a subcontractor, is at fault for the accident, you may be entitled to file a civil claim against that party. If the accident was the result of a defective product, you would then be entitled to file a product liability case.
Contact a Scaffolding Accident Attorney Today
Dangerous ladder and scaffolding accidents are much more common on construction sites than many of us realize. The attorneys at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. will put our extensive experience to work to aggressively pursue the compensation that our injured client or their surviving family members deserve. We have a proven track record of success and have handled cases ranging from minor injuries to the most catastrophic.
We work with clients in Cook County, Will County, DuPage County, Lake County, and many other areas across Illinois. We will review your situation for free and you will have no obligation after we give you an understanding of what your legal options are. We do not charge a fee unless we win. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
FAQs About Scaffolding Injuries in Illinois
We work with structural engineers and construction safety experts to analyze the scaffold’s design and assembly. We examine assembly records, inspect the components for defects, and compare the structure against OSHA regulations to determine whether safety standards were violated.
If a defective component like a broken lock, a weak plank, or a faulty weld caused the scaffold to fail, you may be able to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor of that part.
This is a classic example of a third-party claim. You may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the negligent subcontractor for their role in causing your injuries, allowing you to recover compensation for your injuries.
The same principles apply. If you were injured due to a defective ladder or were forced to work in unsafe circumstances, you may have a right to a third-party claim against a negligent party or workers’ compensation benefits.
Critical evidence can disappear quickly: the scaffold may be dismantled, components may be lost, and witnesses’ memories can fade. Contacting us right away allows our team to get to the scene, document the evidence, and issue legal notices as needed to preserve all related elements for a strong case.