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Springfield Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction work is one of the most physically demanding and dangerous jobs in the country. If you work on a job site in the Chicago area, you already know that every shift carries real risk. From the scaffolding going up near Millennium Park to the highway expansion projects along I-90, construction crews across the city face hazards every single day. When an accident happens, the consequences can be life-changing. Medical bills pile up fast. You may be unable to work for weeks or months. Your family feels the financial pressure. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we understand what you are going through, and we are here to help. As an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer team, we fight for injured construction workers and their families throughout Illinois.
Table of Contents
- The Reality of Construction Accidents in Chicago
- Illinois Law and Your Rights as an Injured Construction Worker
- Common Types of Construction Accidents We Handle
- Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims: What Is the Difference?
- Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in Chicago
- Why Choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for Your Construction Accident Case
- FAQs About Springfield Construction Accident Lawyers in Chicago, IL
The Reality of Construction Accidents in Chicago
Chicago is one of the most active construction markets in the Midwest. From the South Loop to the North Side, new developments, infrastructure upgrades, and renovation projects are happening constantly. The Dan Ryan Expressway, Lake Shore Drive, and the transit corridors near O’Hare International Airport all see ongoing construction activity. With that level of work comes serious risk.
There were 5,070 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2024. Construction accounts for a significant share of those deaths. In 2022, the construction industry accounted for nearly one in every five workplace fatalities, and falls, slips, and trips remain the leading cause of fatalities, accounting for 38.4% of all construction deaths. Those numbers represent real people, real families, and real suffering.
OSHA identifies what it calls the “Focus Four” hazards in construction: falls, struck-by accidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), from 2011 to 2021, struck-by injuries accounted for approximately 17% of fatal injuries in construction. Electrocutions account for 8% of construction fatalities. These are not freak events. They happen on job sites across Chicago every year.
If you were hurt on a construction site anywhere near Chicago, whether near Wrigleyville, in the West Loop, or out in the suburbs, you have legal rights. The question is whether you know how to use them. That is exactly where Briskman Briskman & Greenberg comes in. We help injured workers understand their options and pursue every dollar they are owed.
Illinois Law and Your Rights as an Injured Construction Worker
Illinois has strong legal protections for workers hurt on the job. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) is the foundation of those rights. Under this law, the Act applies automatically to all employers and employees engaged in extra-hazardous enterprises, including the erection, maintaining, removing, remodeling, altering or demolishing of any structure, as well as construction, excavating or electrical work. That means most construction workers in Illinois are covered by workers’ compensation from day one on the job.
Under 820 ILCS 305/2, an employer who elects to provide and pay compensation for accidental injuries arising out of and in the course of employment generally shields itself from direct civil liability. But that does not leave you without options. Workers’ compensation benefits can cover your medical expenses, a portion of your lost wages, and compensation for permanent disabilities. You do not need to prove that your employer was negligent to receive these benefits. The injury simply needs to arise out of and in the course of your employment.
There is also an important exception in 820 ILCS 305/1.2. If your claim is barred by a repose period, you may still have the right to bring a civil action against your employer. The law states that employees, their heirs, and others with standing retain “the nonwaivable right to bring such an action” in those circumstances. This is a critical protection that many injured workers do not know about.
A knowledgeable workers compensation attorney can walk you through exactly which benefits apply to your situation and whether you have additional claims beyond workers’ compensation. Do not assume that workers’ comp is your only option.
Common Types of Construction Accidents We Handle
Construction sites are full of hazards. Accidents happen in many ways, and the injuries they cause can range from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries to death. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we handle a wide range of construction accident cases throughout the Chicago area, including accidents near major landmarks like the Riverwalk, Navy Pier, and the busy construction corridors along the Chicago Transit Authority rail lines.
Here are some of the most common types of construction accidents we see:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops. These are the leading cause of construction deaths. A fall from even a moderate height can cause spinal injuries, broken bones, or fatal trauma.
- Struck-by accidents. Workers are hit by falling tools, swinging equipment, or moving vehicles on job sites every day. Struck-by injuries accounted for approximately 17% of fatal injuries in construction from 2011 to 2021.
- Electrocutions. Exposed wiring and live electrical lines are constant dangers. Electrocutions account for 8% of construction fatalities.
- Caught-in/between accidents. These occur when a worker’s body or a body part is compressed or crushed by equipment, machinery, or collapsing materials.
- Trench and excavation collapses. These are especially deadly because they happen fast and can bury a worker completely.
- Equipment and machinery accidents. Cranes, forklifts, concrete mixers, and other heavy machinery can cause catastrophic injuries when they malfunction or are operated carelessly.
No matter how your accident happened, you deserve answers and you deserve compensation. A workers compensation lawyer at our firm can review your case and help you understand what claims you can bring.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims: What Is the Difference?
One of the most important things to understand after a construction accident is that you may have more than one legal avenue available to you. Workers’ compensation is usually the first step. It provides benefits regardless of fault. But it does not cover everything. For example, workers’ comp does not compensate you for pain and suffering. It also does not fully replace your lost income in most cases.
That is where a third-party personal injury claim comes in. On a typical construction site, there are multiple parties: the general contractor, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, and more. If someone other than your direct employer caused or contributed to your accident, you may be able to sue that party directly. This is called a third-party claim, and it can result in much larger compensation than workers’ comp alone.
For example, imagine you are working on a high-rise project near the Willis Tower. A subcontractor’s crew leaves a floor opening unguarded. You fall and suffer a serious back injury. You can file a workers’ comp claim with your employer. You may also be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the subcontractor who created the dangerous condition. Both claims can run at the same time.
Illinois law under 820 ILCS 305 also makes clear that where a subcontractor is uninsured, the employee of that subcontractor may recover compensation under the Act from the general contractor or from the individual or entity that engaged the services of the general contractor, and the subcontractor is then liable for indemnification. This matters because it means injured workers are not left without recourse just because their direct employer did not carry proper insurance.
Talk to a workers compensation lawyer at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg to find out what claims apply to your specific situation. We look at every angle so you do not leave money on the table.
Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in Chicago
What you do in the hours and days after a construction accident can have a major impact on your case. Many injured workers make mistakes early on, not because they are careless, but because they are in pain and do not know what the law requires. Here is what you need to do to protect yourself.
Report the accident immediately. Under Illinois law, you must give notice of your accident to your employer as soon as possible. Notice of the accident must be given to the employer as soon as practical, but not later than forty-five days after the accident. Missing this deadline can hurt your claim. Do not wait.
Seek medical attention right away. Your health comes first. Get treated by a doctor as soon as possible. Your medical records will also serve as key evidence in your case. Do not downplay your symptoms, and follow your doctor’s treatment plan carefully.
Document the scene. If you can, take photos of where the accident happened. Photograph the hazard that caused your injury. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. This evidence can be critical later.
Do not give recorded statements without legal advice. Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly. They may seem helpful, but their goal is to limit the payout on your claim. Do not speak to them without first consulting an attorney.
Contact a construction accident attorney. Time limits apply to your claims. A claim must be filed within three years of the date of accident where no compensation has been paid, or within two years after the date of the last payment of compensation where any has been paid, whichever is later. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim.
The workers compensation attorney team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can guide you through each of these steps. We know the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission process, the Cook County court system, and what it takes to build a strong case. Reach out to us as soon as possible after your accident.
Why Choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for Your Construction Accident Case
After a serious construction accident, choosing the right legal team matters. You need attorneys who know Illinois personal injury law and workers’ compensation law inside and out. You need people who will communicate with you honestly and fight hard for your best outcome. That is what Briskman Briskman & Greenberg does every day for injured workers across Chicago and throughout Illinois.
We handle cases involving accidents at job sites across the city, from the neighborhoods of Pilsen and Bronzeville to the industrial corridors near Cicero Avenue and the development zones along the Chicago Riverwalk. We know the local courts, including the Daley Center in the Loop where many civil cases are filed, and we know the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission process that handles workers’ comp disputes.
There are workers compensation attorneys who handle these cases, but not all of them dig deep into the facts to find every possible source of compensation for their clients. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we look at the full picture. We examine whether general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners share responsibility for what happened to you. We work to maximize your recovery through every legal avenue available.
We also handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. There is no financial risk in calling us. If you or a loved one was hurt on a construction site anywhere in the Chicago area, contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg today. We are ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward recovery.
FAQs About Springfield Construction Accident Lawyers in Chicago, IL
Can I file both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit after a construction accident in Illinois?
Yes, in many cases you can pursue both at the same time. Workers’ compensation covers your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages, regardless of fault. A personal injury lawsuit against a third party, such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer, can recover additional damages including pain and suffering. An attorney can help you identify all the parties who may be responsible for your injuries.
What if my employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance?
Illinois law still protects you. Under 820 ILCS 305, if your direct employer is uninsured, you may be able to recover compensation from the general contractor who hired your employer. You may also have the right to bring a civil lawsuit directly against your uninsured employer. Do not assume that a lack of insurance means you have no options.
How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois?
Generally, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, if no compensation has been paid. If any compensation has been paid, you have two years from the date of the last payment, whichever deadline is later. You must also notify your employer of the accident within 45 days. Missing either deadline can seriously harm your case, so contact an attorney quickly.
What types of compensation can I recover after a construction accident?
Through a workers’ compensation claim, you may recover medical expenses, temporary total disability benefits, permanent partial or total disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation. Through a third-party personal injury lawsuit, you may also recover compensation for pain and suffering, full lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and other damages not covered by workers’ comp. The total amount depends on the severity of your injuries and the specific facts of your case.
What should I do if a general contractor or property owner is pressuring me not to report my construction accident?
Do not let anyone pressure you into staying silent. You have a legal right to report your injury and file a claim. Retaliation against workers for filing workers’ compensation claims is illegal in Illinois. If anyone threatens you or tries to discourage you from reporting your accident, document it and tell your attorney immediately. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you protect your rights and hold responsible parties accountable.
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