Chicago Scaffolding Accident Lawyers

Scaffolds and ladders are part of the daily routine on countless job sites. Bricklayers, painters, window installers, and thousands of other construction workers regularly spend hours on platforms several stories above the street as part of their jobs. Employers are responsible for confirming that their workers have safe working conditions, but unfortunately, too many scaffolding and ladder accidents still happen every year, leaving many workers severely injured.

Falls from heights routinely cause broken bones, spinal injuries, and serious brain injuries. Some of these accidents are fatal. 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. Illinois law gives injured workers real rights after these accidents, and more than one party may owe you compensation.

Fighting for the Injured for Decades

At Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., our team has represented injured workers and their families since 1978. Our practice centers on the nuanced areas of workers’ compensation and personal injury law. That combination fits scaffolding cases well, because these accidents often lead to a workers’ comp claim and a separate lawsuit against another company. We can effectively handle both and advocate for the recovery you need.

Who We Assist

Scaffold and ladder accidents happen in many ways and for many reasons, so we can help when:

• You fell from wet, slippery, unstable, or unprotected scaffolding.
• You were injured when scaffolding or a ladder collapsed or failed.
• You were struck by tools, materials, or debris falling from above.
• You were in an accident that may have been caused by another company or defective equipment.
• You are dealing with serious injuries or lost income after a scaffolding accident.
• You are having trouble getting compensation after the accident.
• Your family lost a loved one in a fatal scaffolding or ladder accident.

If one of these situations sounds like yours, our attorneys can explain which claims may apply and what they could be worth.

Common Components of Scaffolding Injury Claims

Before determining what a scaffolding case is worth, someone has to find out exactly why the accident happened. The cause determines which claims are open to you, and many scaffolding cases involve more than one.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Illinois workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You do not have to prove your employer did anything wrong; you only need to show that you were hurt while doing your job. In exchange, you generally cannot sue your own employer. Benefits generally include payment of your medical bills, wage replacement while you are off work recovering, compensation for permanent injuries, and death benefits for families. If your injury keeps you from returning to your trade, you may also qualify for wage differential benefits, which cover part of the gap between your old pay and what you can earn now.

Claims Against Other Companies

A single construction site may have a general contractor, several subcontractors, a property owner, and an equipment rental company working side by side. When someone other than your employer causes the accident, such as a subcontractor that built the scaffold incorrectly, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit (civil claim) against that party. A third-party lawsuit can pay for pain and suffering and your full lost income, which workers’ comp does not cover.

Defective Scaffolds and Ladders

When faulty equipment causes a collapse or fall, the company that made or sold it may be responsible. You may be able to submit a product liability claim, which can move forward alongside a workers’ comp case.

Why Trust Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. With Your Claim?

Scaffolding cases may involve several insurance companies and more than one claim. You need an advocate who can handle all these components with skill and tact. Here is what you can expect when our team represents you:

• One attorney from start to finish: The lawyer you meet is the lawyer who works on your case, and you can reach them directly when questions come up.
• All claims handled by one firm: Because we practice workers’ comp and personal injury law, we can pursue benefits from your employer’s insurer and damages from other companies without splitting your case between firms.
• Familiarity with the Commission: Workers’ comp disputes are decided by an arbitrator at the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, which follows its own rules. We know how those hearings work and prepare each claim with a hearing in mind.
• A record built over decades: Our attorneys have recovered more than $500 million for our clients over our years of practice.
• No fee unless we win: You pay nothing up front, and you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

We’re here to deal with the insurers and the paperwork so you can put your energy into getting better.

Contact a Chicago Scaffolding Injury Attorney Today

A fall from a scaffold or ladder can take away your income and the work you trained for. You should not have to argue with insurance companies on your own while you heal. Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. represents injured workers and their families in Cook, Will, DuPage, and Lake counties and throughout Illinois. Contact us today to tell us what happened and learn which claims may be open to you.

FAQs About Scaffold and Ladder Injuries