Dexter Patterson, Second Worker Injured In Chicago Balcony Collapse Accident
Unsafe Premises - Work Compensation - April 29, 2023
Dexter Patterson, Second Worker Injured In Chicago Balcony Collapse Accident At Two Story Building By Grand Boulevard and South Vincennes Avenue
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (April 29, 2023) – Dexter Patterson and another worker were injured in a Chicago balcony collapse accident at building by Grand Boulevard and South Vincennes Avenue.
Cook County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Dexter Patterson was repairing a porch with his coworker when it collapsed.
Huge concrete stones fell down and hit both workers. Dexter Patterson was injured by the falling rubble and taken to the hospital.
His coworker was buried by the rubble and rescued before being taken to the hospital in critical condition. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Chicago Porch Collapse Accidents
Being struck by a falling object is one of the most common causes of workplace injury in the United States. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 42,000 incidents every year where a worker is struck by a falling object. That amounts to a worker injured by a falling object every 10 minutes. There are a number of steps that companies should take in order to protect their workers from falling objects.
- Workers should use tool lanyards to prevent tools from falling.
- Objects should never be hung over guardrails.
- A compotent person should inspect worksites before work is started.
- Workers should wear hard hats in areas where there is a risk of falling objects.
A building owner could face liability if someone is injured on their property. Pursuant to Illinois Civil Code (740 ILCS 130/), property owners have “a duty to warn of or otherwise take reasonable steps to protect such entrants from conditions on the premises that are known to the entrant, are open and obvious, or can reasonably be expected to be discovered by the entrant; a duty to warn of latent defects or dangers or defects or dangers unknown to the owner or occupier of the premises.” Most accidents involving falling debris are completely preventable. Victims of workplace accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
The company that created a porch or portion of a building could also face liability for an accident. It is common for buildings to cut corners in terms of safety in order to save a bit of money. Any person that is injured in an accident with falling debris may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that come with a serious injury. It is crucial that all evidence is properly preserved after any accident.
Investigating A Chicago Porch Collapse Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to Dexter Patterson and his coworker. It is our sincere hope that both will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured by falling debris in Chicago? Our team of workplace safety advocates are here for you. We care deeply that workers are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
