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Northern Illinois Construction Accident Lawyers

Northern Illinois
Construction Accident Lawyers

Experienced legal representation for injured pedestrians in Rockford, McHenry County, Algonquin, and other Illinois communities. Rob and Keith Shindler are personally involved in every case.

Why Choose Shindler & Shindler 

Construction sites are inherently dangerous workplaces. The sheer volume of heavy equipment, hazardous materials, large vehicles, and numerous personnel moving simultaneously creates an environment where accidents occur with alarming frequency. A single mistake or oversight can result in catastrophic injuries or even death for dedicated workers.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the United States construction industry employs over 11 million people. Sadly, every year, thousands of these essential workers are injured while on the job.

If you are a construction worker in the greater Chicago area—from the Loop to Pilsen to Naperville—who has been injured while at work, the dedicated Chicago construction accident attorneys at Shindler & Shindler can provide the experienced legal representation you need. We understand the complex nature of these cases and are prepared to fight for your rights and the maximum compensation you deserve.

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Types of Construction Site Accidents

While safety protocols are in place, construction accidents still happen due to negligence, defective equipment, or lack of proper training. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies the “Fatal Four” as the leading causes of construction worker deaths, but these are also the top causes of severe injuries:

Falls

  • From scaffolding, roofs, ladders, or unprotected edges. These are the single leading cause of death on construction sites.

Struck By Object

  • Injuries caused by falling tools, debris, materials, or swinging equipment like cranes.

Electrocutions

  • Resulting from contact with exposed wiring, power lines, or improperly grounded tools.

Caught-In/Between

  • Injuries sustained when a worker is crushed, squeezed, or caught in moving machinery or between heavy objects, such as being caught in between a trench wall and a backhoe.

Statistically, approximately one out of every ten construction workers suffers a work-related injury annually. These incidents can cause severe bodily harm and be fatal to workers simply trying to earn a living. Injured construction workers in Cook County and surrounding areas have legal rights and may be entitled to file a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim for their losses. Furthermore, the families left behind after a fatal construction accident may be able to file a wrongful death claim to obtain financial compensation for their immense loss.

If you or a loved one sustained injuries on a construction site, or if you tragically lost a loved one, the seasoned Chicago construction site accident lawyers at Shindler & Shindler can assist you with filing your claim and aggressively fighting to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve. 

Common and Devastating Construction Site Injuries

Construction workers face a multitude of perils daily. The injuries resulting from construction accidents are often life-altering and require extensive, long-term medical care. Injuries commonly reported from construction site accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and other head injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Broken bones and multiple fractures (e.g., fractured ribs, broken pelvis)
  • Amputations or loss of limb
  • Crushing injuries leading to internal damage
  • Severe burns from electrocution or explosions
  • Sprains, strains, and tears to ligaments and tendons
  • Deep puncture wounds and severe lacerations
  • Internal and external organ damage
  • Hearing loss or vision impairment

These catastrophic injuries frequently necessitate complex and expensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term therapy. While a worker is recovering, they are often unable to work, resulting in significant lost wages and financial strain. The damages that an injured construction worker suffers can be meticulously itemized and included in a comprehensive Chicago construction accident claim. 

Examples of recoverable damages in an injured construction worker’s claim are:

  • Current and future Medical expenses (hospital bills, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy)
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Need for vocational retraining for a new job if permanently disabled
  • Loss of consortium
  • Final expenses in wrongful death cases

Determining Construction Accident Liability in Illinois

Identifying the liable parties after a construction site accident in Illinois is critical and often complex. Unlike a standard workers’ compensation claim, which does not require proving fault, a personal injury lawsuit (a “third-party claim”) allows an injured worker to sue an entity other than their employer for negligence. This is essential for recovering non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

In some situations, the liable party may be straightforward (e.g., a clearly defective piece of equipment), but in many complex construction cases, multiple entities may share fault. Potential liable parties may include:

  • General contractor or construction manager for failing to maintain a safe environment or enforce safety regulations.
  • Subcontractors whose negligence directly caused the injury (e.g., a roofing sub leaving a dangerous opening).
  • Equipment manufacturers or suppliers if the injury was caused by a defective crane, faulty scaffolding, or malfunctioning power tool (Product Liability).
  • Building/structure/property owners who failed to correct known hazards or hire competent contractors.
  • Architects or engineers whose faulty designs led to a collapse or other accident.

Our legal team thoroughly investigates every accident, reviewing OSHA reports, site documentation, and witness testimony to accurately determine all liable parties and pursue all available avenues for compensation. 

Speak with a Top-Rated Chicago Construction Accident Attorney Today

Construction accidents are often devastating for honest, hard-working individuals and their families. Our Chicago construction accident injury lawyers at Shindler & Shindler are here to provide the compassionate support and aggressive legal advocacy you need. We are experts in determining liability, calculating damages, and filing the appropriate claims to ensure you receive the compensation necessary to cover your expenses and rebuild your life.

We serve clients across the Chicagoland area, including DuPage County, Will County, Lake County, and Kane County.

Consultations are always free and confidential. Please call Shindler & Shindler at 847-93-FIGHT today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward justice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Construction Accidents

Q: What is the difference between a Workers’ Compensation claim and a Third-Party Personal Injury claim?

 

A: Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault insurance system that pays for medical treatment and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. However, you cannot sue your direct employer for negligence under this system. A Third-Party Personal Injury Claim is a lawsuit filed against a negligent party other than your employer (like a general contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer). This type of claim allows you to seek compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which Workers’ Comp does not cover. Our Chicago construction accident lawyers pursue both claims simultaneously when possible to maximize your recovery.

 

Q: How long do I have to file a construction accident lawsuit in Illinois?

 

A: In Illinois, the Statute of Limitations for most personal injury cases, including construction accidents, is generally two years from the date of the injury. For a wrongful death claim, the limit is also typically two years from the date of death. It is crucial to contact an attorney immediately, as evidence can disappear quickly.

 

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

 

A: Illinois uses a modified comparative fault standard. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault is determined to be less than 50%. If you are found to be 20% at fault, your total compensation award would be reduced by 20%. Our job is to minimize your alleged fault and maximize the liability of the responsible third parties.

 

Q: Do I have to go to court?

 

A: Most personal injury claims, including complex construction accident cases, are settled outside of court through negotiations. However, our Chicago trial attorneys prepare every case as if it is going to trial. This rigorous preparation demonstrates to the insurance companies that we are serious and ready to fight, often leading to better settlement offers for our clients.

Call Today

Whether you were a pedestrian severely harmed by a reckless driver in Chicago or Algonquin, or if you are dealing with the complex aftermath of a fatal accident, the skilled personal injury lawyers at Shindler & Shindler are here to help.

Call Shindler & Shindler today at 847-WE-FIGHT to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case. We serve clients across the Chicagoland area, including Cook County, McHenry County, and surrounding communities.

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