Chicago Construction Accident Lawyers for Seriously Injured Workers

Construction sites keep Chicago and communities across Illinois growing, but they can also be some of the most dangerous places to earn a living. If you were hurt on a jobsite, our Chicago construction accident lawyers help injured workers and their families pursue the full range of benefits and compensation available—through workers’ compensation, potential third-party injury claims, or both.

Illinois Construction Accidents – Why These Cases Are Complex

A construction injury can change everything in a moment. One fall, collapse, or equipment malfunction can lead to broken bones, head and spinal injuries, crush injuries, burns, or permanent limitations that make it hard or impossible to return to the same kind of work. While workers’ compensation is supposed to provide medical care and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault, the reality is that claims are often delayed, underpaid, or denied.


At the same time, many construction accidents also involve negligence by companies other than your direct employer—such as general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers. In those situations, you may have a personal injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation. When you work with a Chicago construction accident lawyer who understands both systems, you get a team focused on coordinating your benefits, identifying every responsible party, and building a claim that reflects the full impact of your injury.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Chicago and Across Illinois

Construction workers on scaffolding, wearing safety gear, working on a sunny day.
Person falling off a ladder.
Falls From Heights and Scaffolding Incidents

Falls from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, and elevated platforms are some of the most serious and common construction accidents. Missing guardrails, faulty harnesses, unsecured ladders, and poorly assembled scaffolding all increase the risk of a life-changing fall. We look closely at who controlled the worksite, what fall protection was provided, whether safety rules were followed, and whether any contractor or property owner cut corners to save time or money.

Hard hat with bricks falling down.
Falling Objects and Struck-By Hazards

Workers can be struck by falling tools, materials, or debris dropped from higher levels, or hit by swinging loads, moving vehicles, or heavy equipment. In congested jobsites, failing to secure loads, use spotters, or enforce exclusion zones can turn routine tasks into serious struck-by incidents. We examine site plans, equipment logs, and safety policies to understand how a preventable hazard was allowed to endanger workers.

Icon of a building collapsing, likely due to an earthquake or other disaster.
Scaffold, Trench, and Structural Collapses

Improperly shored trenches, rushed shoring, or inadequate inspections can lead to soil collapses that bury workers with little warning. Likewise, temporary structures, formwork, or partially completed buildings can fail if loads are miscalculated or materials are defective. These events often involve multiple companies and complex engineering questions. We work with appropriate experts to determine what went wrong and who should be held responsible.

Warning symbol: a black triangle with a lightning bolt, indicating electrical hazard.
Electrical Injuries and Burns

Live wires, temporary power setups, overhead lines, and improperly locked-out equipment create serious shock and burn risks. A single mistake in planning or communication—such as failing to de-energize a line, mislabeling circuits, or skipping lockout/tagout procedures—can lead to severe injury or death. We review site electrical plans, work orders, and safety training materials to identify whether shortcuts or miscommunications contributed to the injury.

An excavator icon with black outlines, ready for construction work.
Equipment, Machinery, and Vehicle Accidents

Forklifts, cranes, excavators, aerial lifts, and other heavy machinery are essential to construction work, but they can be extremely dangerous when operators are rushed, poorly trained, or working with defective equipment. Workers may be crushed, pinned, or run over; clothing or body parts can be caught in moving parts that lack proper guards. We investigate operator training, supervision, maintenance histories, and manufacturer guidance to determine whether negligence, defective design, or both played a role.

Hand holding a warning sign icon.
Hazardous Conditions, Housekeeping, and Site Management Failures

Simple safety measures—clear walkways, adequate lighting, guardrails, signage—often make the difference between a safe shift and a serious injury. Slippery surfaces, cluttered walkways, unprotected holes, poor communication, and lack of personal protective equipment are all signs of a site where safety has taken a back seat to speed. We review contracts, safety manuals, and site inspection reports to see who was responsible for maintaining safe conditions and where systems broke down.

What to Expect From Our Construction Accident Team

From your first contact with us, you can expect a Chicago construction accident lawyer from our firm to listen to your story, review what has happened with your medical care and work status so far, and give you a straightforward assessment of your options. Most construction cases require us to coordinate at least two tracks at once: your workers’ compensation claim and any potential third-party personal injury claims.


While you focus on treatment and your family, we get to work on tasks that often include:


  • Gathering incident and accident reports from your employer and any general contractor
  • Securing photos, videos, and witness statements from the jobsite
  • Reviewing your medical records to understand your injuries, treatment, and long-term outlook
  • Analyzing contracts and site documents to determine which companies had safety responsibilities
  • Evaluating whether defective equipment, tools, or materials may have contributed to the incident
  • Coordinating your workers’ compensation claim, including handling denials, delays, or disputes
  • Calculating your wage loss, future earning capacity issues, and long-term financial needs


We handle calls and letters from insurance companies and defense lawyers so you are not pressured to give statements, sign forms, or accept quick settlements you do not fully understand. Throughout your case, we explain each step in plain English, help you weigh important decisions like settlement versus litigation, and keep you informed so you always know where things stand.

Standing Up to Employers, Contractors, and Insurance Companies

Construction accident claims often involve multiple insurers and companies pointing fingers at each other—or at you. Employers may downplay the seriousness of your injury or pressure you to return to work before you are ready. Workers’ compensation carriers may deny treatment, dispute your work restrictions, or offer lump-sum settlements that do not account for future needs. Third-party liability insurers may argue that you “should have been more careful” or that someone else was to blame.


At Alberts & Eiler, P.C., we are prepared to push back. Our attorneys bring more than 30 years of combined experience working both for and against insurance companies and have completed over 100 jury trials as a team. We understand how claims are valued on the defense side and which facts move the needle in serious injury cases.


Because we deliberately maintain a smaller caseload, we are able to dig into the details of your job, your role on the site, the safety culture (or lack of one), and how your injuries have changed your life. That level of preparation helps us counter efforts to shift blame onto you, expose patterns of unsafe practices, and present a clear picture of why you and your family deserve full and fair compensation. If insurers or contractors refuse to treat you fairly, our trial experience makes it clear that we are ready to take your case to a courtroom in Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois where justice is needed.

Common Questions About Construction Accidents in Chicago and Across Illinois

  • What should I do after a construction accident on the jobsite?

    First, get the medical care you need. Report the injury to a supervisor as soon as you can and make sure an incident report is created. If possible, note the names of any co-workers or others who saw what happened, and if it’s safe, take photos of the area, the equipment involved, and any visible hazards. Avoid arguing about fault on the site or signing broad statements that might be used against you later. As soon as you are able, talk with a Chicago construction accident lawyer about both your workers’ compensation rights and any potential third-party claims.

  • If I get workers’ compensation, can I still bring a lawsuit?

    In many cases, yes. Workers’ compensation generally limits your ability to sue your direct employer, but it does not prevent you from bringing claims against other negligent parties, such as general contractors, subcontractors from different companies, property owners, or manufacturers of defective equipment. These third-party claims can provide compensation for categories of damages that workers’ compensation does not fully cover, such as pain and suffering or full wage loss. We carefully review your situation to identify all potential claims.

  • What types of compensation are available after a construction accident?

    Workers’ compensation may provide medical treatment, a portion of lost wages, and certain benefits if you have a permanent impairment or cannot return to your prior work. A separate personal injury claim against negligent third parties can seek additional damages, including full lost earnings, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, and, in some cases, future medical expenses not fully addressed by workers’ comp. Our goal is to coordinate both systems so you pursue every dollar the law allows, without accidentally harming one claim while pursuing another.

  • What if my employer or the insurance company says the accident was my fault?

    On many jobsites, it is common for companies to blame the injured worker—claiming you “didn’t follow instructions” or “should have known better.” The reality is that construction work is inherently dangerous, and employers and contractors have a duty to provide proper training, equipment, supervision, and safe conditions. Even if you are accused of contributing to the accident, you may still have rights to benefits and compensation. A careful investigation into safety practices, staffing, and site conditions is crucial before accepting any conclusion that you were to blame.

  • When should I contact a lawyer, and how long do I have to bring a claim?

    It is wise to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a construction accident. Early involvement allows us to preserve important evidence, speak with witnesses while memories are fresh, and help you avoid mistakes in workers’ compensation forms or recorded statements. There are legal deadlines—both for workers’ compensation proceedings and for personal injury lawsuits—and missing them can limit or eliminate your rights. Talking with an attorney promptly helps ensure your claims are filed on time and on solid footing.

  • How do legal fees work in construction accident cases?

    In most construction injury matters, we handle both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims on a contingency-fee basis. That means you do not pay attorney’s fees unless we obtain compensation for you through a settlement or verdict. At the beginning of the case, we explain the fee structure, how costs like expert fees are handled, and how any recovery is divided between different claims so you can make an informed decision about moving forward.

Ready to Talk With a Chicago Construction Accident Lawyer?

If a construction accident in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois has changed your life, you do not have to navigate workers’ compensation, third-party claims, and overlapping insurance companies on your own. Our firm combines deep insurance-industry insight with trial-tested advocacy and a hands-on, small-firm approach. We offer free, confidential consultations, and you do not pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.