Ivan Perez Killed in Downers Grove Storm Sewer Accident
Unsafe Premises - August 1, 2026
Ivan Perez, 33, of Pasadena, Texas, Died During Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation Project in Downtown Downers Grove
DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (July 31, 2026) – A 33-year-old man identified as Ivan Perez has tragically died in a Downers Grove accident while working on a sewer pipe.
DuPage County officials are saying that the accident took place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday. Two employees for Vortex Lining Systems were working on a sewer pipe rehabilitation project when Ivan Perez became trapped in the pipe.
Another employee that was with him alerted a police officer of what just happened. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the incident.
Rescue workers were able to save one person, who was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in fair condition. Tragically, Ivan Perez was located deceased in the storm sewer along Washington Street.
A full investigation into the circumstances leading up to the incident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for DuPage County Sewer Accidents
Employers have a legal obligation to provide workers with a reasonably safe work environment. They must follow all health and safety regulations set forth by OSHA. This is especially important for workers that must operate in sewer pipes and other confined spaces. Pursuant to 1926.1204(e)(1)(iii), employers must “Provide an early-warning system that continuously monitors for non-isolated engulfment hazards. The system must alert authorized entrants and attendants in sufficient time for the authorized entrants to safely exit the space.” Certain other safety precautions should be taken when any worker is in the sewer pipe.
- Work Suspension: Employers should suspend all work operations for sewer pipes during periods of heavy rain or thunderstorms that could potentially create hazardous water conditions.
- Monitoring: Employers should continuously monitor rainfall and other conditions that could lead to a flash flood.
- Escape Routes: Employers should provide multiple escape routes when possible when work is being performed in a confined space.
- Emergency Plans: Employers should develop and rehearse emergency preparedness systems related to extricating workers from confined spaces.
When a worker is injured or killed in Illinois, they or their surviving family members typically have recourse to the workers’ compensation system. This system operates under a no-fault insurance scheme and does not take into consideration who was ultimately responsible for any accident. In most cases, employers cannot be held directly liable for workplace accidents. There are, however, limited exceptions when an injury was the result of intentional conduct.
Third-Party Liability for Workplace Accidents
Far too many workers are seriously injured or killed every year in accidents involving confined spaces. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “In July 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that – from 2011 to 2018 – 1,030 workers died in confined space incidents, 61 of them in sewers, manholes and storm drains.” When a worker is injured or killed, there could be numerous sources of third-party liability. Third-party liability may occur if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident.
- General Contractor: A general contractor could be held liable if they failed to follow applicable safety regulations related to performing work in a confined space.
- Project Owner: Another potential source of liability is a project owner. If they knew about flooding characteristics related to a location but failed to disclose them.
- Public Works Utility: A public utility could also be legally responsible for an accident if they controlled stormwater pumps and allowed an unexpected surge of water in an area where work was being performed.
- Equipment Supplier: An equipment manufacturer could be liable for an accident if critical warning devices were not functioning properly and failed to alert workers of an impending danger.
Performing work in any sewer or other confined space can be incredibly dangerous. Keeping workers safe requires a dedicated effort by multiple different employers and contractors. Unfortunately, far too many employers are more concerned with getting work performed as quickly as possible. Safety regulations can be swept aside in these types of environments. Victims of workplace accidents are protected by a number of rights. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil action.
Investigating Illinois Workplace Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates offer our deepest condolences to the family of Ivan Perez. This was a tragic accident that should’ve never taken place. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to reach out to OSHA. It is important that the cause of this incident is properly understood so that other tragedies could be prevented. There are a number of important questions that have yet to be answered. Who was responsible for safety at this site? What safety precautions were taken to address any water hazard?
Do you need more information about a workplace accident in Illinois? Are you concerned that safety regulations were not being followed? Our team of workplace safety advocates is here for you. We are committed to helping victims get the support and information that they need to make informed choices. Whether you just have legal questions or need any other type of support, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
