Chicago is one of the most active construction markets in the country. The 78 development on the Near South Side, the Red and Purple line modernization, and the Lincoln Yards project on the North Branch, these projects mean thousands of workers are on Cook County job sites every day. That volume of work also means more accidents when contractors cut corners or ignore safety requirements.
If you were hurt on a Chicago construction site, you may have more legal options than you realize. Workers’ compensation covers some losses, but not everything — and in many cases, a third-party claim against a general contractor, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer can recover significantly more.
A Chicago construction injury lawyer at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can evaluate both paths. Call (800) 985-1819 for a free consultation.
Why injured construction workers choose Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
Multiple companies operate on the same site. Sorting out who was actually responsible, and to what degree, takes experience with how these projects are structured.
You pay nothing unless we recover for you
We work on a contingency fee basis. No upfront legal fees, no attorney’s fees at all unless we recover compensation for you. The consultation is free.
We handle workers’ comp and third-party claims
We identify every available path to compensation and pursue whichever combination gives you the best outcome — workers’ compensation benefits, third-party lawsuits, or both.
Over a century of representing Illinois workers
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has represented injured workers across Illinois for more than 100 years, with cases tried before Cook County juries and negotiated against some of the country’s largest insurers.
We prepare every case for litigation
We investigate and build your case as if it’s going to trial, because sometimes it does, and that preparation changes how the other side negotiates.
Case results
Past case results don’t guarantee future outcomes, but they reflect the type of cases we’ve handled and what we’ve been able to recover for clients in similar situations.
- $32 million — wrongful death of a laborer in a construction accident
- $25 million — recovery for an ironworker
- $19 million — jury verdict for a truck driver injured in a construction accident
- $11 million — jury verdict for a plumber after a 30-foot fall from a catwalk
- $9.987 million — jury verdict for a Local 134 IBEW electrician after a crane accident
What clients say
| “My husband (local 75 laborer) had a bad accident at work and needed pins in his shoulder. After his accident, he couldn’t work, so they let him go from the job. We made the mistake of not hiring Horwitz first. The attorney we hired didn’t do too well, and thankfully, we ended up going to Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, and it was the best thing we could have done. The crew at Horwitz has done a tremendous job for my husband. Don’t be scared to hire an attorney, especially at Horwitz, because they work for YOU and benefit the injured.” — Elizabeth |
| “I really appreciate all of the efforts they made in my case, and I’m very happy with my settlement. I will be certain to share my experience with the other members of Carpenters Local Union #1. I got to walk my daughter down the aisle earlier this month. Thank you, H & H.” — John S. |
| “Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates was amazing to work with. They made the whole process after my work injury so much less stressful and always kept me informed. Super professional, caring, and got me the results I needed. Highly recommend!” — Sal S. |
Types of Chicago construction accident cases we handle
- Scaffold and elevated platform falls: Falls on high-rise projects in the Loop or along the lakefront often involve assembly failures, missing guardrails, or safety violations.
- Crane and rigging accidents: When rigging fails or crane operators are negligent, workers and bystanders face serious injury.
- Struck-by accidents: Falling tools, swinging equipment, and dropped materials are among the most common causes of serious injury on Chicago job sites.
- Trench and excavation collapses: Unprotected trenches can collapse without warning during the utility and infrastructure work common throughout the city.
- Electrical injuries: Exposed wiring and live electrical systems on active sites create a serious risk of shock and electrocution.
- Nail gun and power tool injuries: Common on residential and commercial framing projects across Chicago’s neighborhoods.
- Machinery and equipment accidents: Forklifts, loaders, and concrete mixers can cause crush injuries and amputations when improperly operated.
- Demolition accidents: Structural instability, hazardous materials, and falling debris create unique risks.
- Excavation accidents: Cave-ins during excavation work often involve multiple contractors and complex liability questions.
Common construction accident injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries: Caused by falls or struck-by incidents; can affect memory, cognition, and the ability to return to work
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Often from falls from height or being struck by heavy equipment
- Broken and fractured bones: Range from recoverable fractures to complex breaks requiring multiple surgeries
- Crush injuries and amputations: Caused by heavy machinery or collapsing materials; often result in permanent disability
- Severe burn injuries: From electrical contact, chemical exposure, or fire; can require extended treatment
- Internal organ damage: May not be immediately apparent after high-impact accidents; early evaluation at a Cook County trauma center like Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center is critical
- Wrongful death: When an accident proves fatal, surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death claim under Illinois law
Who is liable in a Chicago construction accident?
Construction accidents frequently involve several companies, each with its own insurer and legal team. Identifying every liable party is one of the most important parts of the case.
General contractors are responsible for safe job site conditions overall. When they fail to enforce safety procedures, they can share liability for resulting injuries.
Subcontractors can be liable when their crew creates a dangerous condition that injures someone else on the site.
Property owners and developers may bear responsibility when they’re aware of unsafe conditions and fail to address them.
Equipment manufacturers can be held liable through a product liability claim when defective machinery or safety equipment causes an injury.
Government entities may be partially responsible when accidents occur in public construction zones due to unsafe design or inadequate traffic control.
Workers’ compensation vs. personal injury claims in Illinois
Most injured construction workers are entitled to Illinois workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses, partial wage replacement, and disability, without requiring proof of fault. What workers’ comp doesn’t cover: pain and suffering, full lost wages, or emotional distress. It also prevents you from suing your employer directly in most cases.
A third-party personal injury claim is available when someone other than your employer contributed to the accident. It can recover the full range of damages workers’ comp excludes. You can pursue both claims at the same time; our attorneys handle both and coordinate them to protect your total recovery.
How safety violations impact your case in Illinois
When a contractor violates OSHA safety standards, that violation becomes evidence. Fall protection violations are the single most frequently cited standard in construction. In Illinois, construction injuries accounted for 17% of all workplace fatalities in 2023.
OSHA records are public, subpoenable, and a contractor’s citation history (particularly repeat violations) can help establish a pattern of negligence. If those violations contributed to your accident, they become part of how we build your case.
Talk to a Chicago construction injury lawyer today
If you were hurt on a Chicago construction site, Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is ready to evaluate your case. There are no attorney’s fees unless we recover for you, and the consultation is free.
Call (800) 985-1819 or contact us online to speak with a Chicago construction injury attorney at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates.
Frequently asked questions about Chicago construction accidents
How soon should I report a construction accident in Illinois?
Report the injury to your employer right away. Illinois workers’ compensation law requires notice within 45 days of the accident. For a third-party personal injury lawsuit, you generally have two years to file. Evidence disappears fast on job sites, so the sooner you speak with an attorney, the better.
How much is a Chicago construction accident case worth?
It depends on the severity of your injuries, who was at fault, and available insurance coverage. Speak with an attorney for a realistic assessment by calling (800) 985-1819 for a free evaluation.
What if faulty equipment caused my injury?
You may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor, separate from your workers’ comp and any third-party lawsuit. Our attorneys pursue these claims as part of construction accident cases when the facts support it.
Can multiple companies be liable for the same accident?
Yes, and it’s common. General contractors, subcontractors, equipment suppliers, and property owners can each bear some responsibility. Multiple liable parties can mean multiple insurance policies available to compensate you.
Can I file a lawsuit if I’m already receiving workers’ compensation?
Yes. Workers’ comp doesn’t prevent you from suing a third party, like another contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, who contributed to the accident. Pursuing both at the same time is common, and a construction site injury lawyer in Chicago handles both.
