Two Construction Workers In Chicago Scaffold Collapse on West Warren Boulevard
Work Compensation - March 1, 2023
Two Construction Workers Injured In East Garfield Park, Chicago Scaffold Collapse Accident At Home on West Warren Boulevard
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (March 1, 2023) – Two construction workers were injured in an East Garfield Park, Chicago scaffold collapse accident at home on West Warren Boulevard.
Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:00 p.m. on Monday. Two men were working at a home under construction when the facade on the building fell.
The facade then hit scaffolding which caused it to collapse. Both construction workers were hit by the scaffolding and seriously injured.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the construction accident in order to help the victims.
Liability For Chicago Scaffold Collapse Accidents
Despite continuous improvements in worksite safety standards, far too many construction workers are killed or seriously injured every year. According to the United States Department of Labor, “Scaffold incidents causing injury or death to workers is often the result of either the planking or support giving way, by the worker slipping, the absence of fall protection, or being struck by a falling object. These incidents can be avoided by compliance with OSHA standards.” There are a number of steps that construction companies can take to prevent construction accidents.
- Scaffolds should be able to hold up to four times their intended maximum load.
- Scaffold steps should utilize nonslip treads.
- Scaffolds should be inspected by a compotent, qualified person.
- Workers should be given appropriate training on how to use scaffolds.
When a worker is injured in Illinois, they will typically have recourse through the state’s worker’s compensation system. Worker’s compensation is based off of a no-fault insurance scheme in Illinois. There is no need for an injured worker to demonstrate negligence in order to receive benefits through worker’s compensation. Depending on the facts of any case, an injured worker may also be able to seek aid through a third-party liability claim.
There may be numerous sources of third-party liability for any construction accident. For example, a general contractor could be liable for a scaffold collapse if a construction site was in a dangerous condition. The company that manufactured or assembled a scaffold could also bear some liability for an accident. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any scaffold collapse.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The scaffold that collapsed should be inspected.
- Work records for the construction site should be reviewed.
Victims of construction accidents often suffer very serious and lasting injuries. It is important that accident victims know that they do have rights. Workers have a right to be able to perform their job duties in a safe environment. They also have legal recourse in the event that they are injured. In far too many circumstances, construction companies favor expediency over the safety of their workers.
Investigating A Chicago Construction Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the workers injured in this East Garfield Park scaffold collapse. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Chicago scaffold collapse accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of worker’s rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
