Get a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Review by T.V.

"I highly recommend BB&G ... I would give 10 stars if I could!"

Review by G.V.

"I am so very pleased with the representation from BB&G!"

Review by M.S.

"The attorneys at BBG were exceptional. The outcome was better than we hoped."

Review by R.G.

"From the moment I contacted this firm I was treated like family."

Review by A.H.

"We couldn't be happier with the outcome or the excellent service."

Review by V.A.

"We felt very secure and confident with their representation."

Review by J.P.

"Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is a legal force to be reckoned with."

Review by T.Z.

"I'm happy with how they handled my case and recommend giving them a call!"

Review by K.N.

"Very easy process with the help of these amazing people. Very happy outcome!"

FREE CONSULTATION

GET A FREE CONSULTATION

Our Lawyers

Chicago Carpenter Injury Lawyers

Carpenters in Chicago build the city’s skyline, renovate its historic neighborhoods, and frame the structures that define communities from Wicker Park to the South Loop. It is demanding, physical work, and it carries real risks. When a carpenter gets hurt on the job, the injury can be severe enough to sideline them for weeks, months, or permanently. If you or someone you love was injured while working as a carpenter in Chicago, understanding your legal rights under Illinois law is the first step toward getting the help you need. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is a Chicago personal injury lawyer firm that has spent decades fighting for injured workers across the city and the state.

Why Carpenters Face Serious Injury Risks on Chicago Job Sites
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Rights for Injured Carpenters
When a Third Party Is Responsible for a Carpenter’s Injury
Common Injuries Carpenters Suffer in Chicago and What Compensation Covers
What Injured Carpenters in Chicago Should Do After a Job Site Injury
Why Chicago Carpenters Trust Briskman Briskman & Greenberg
FAQs About Chicago Carpenter Injury Lawyers

Why Carpenters Face Serious Injury Risks on Chicago Job Sites

Carpentry is one of the most physically demanding trades in construction. Carpenters work at height on scaffolding and ladders, operate power saws and nail guns, carry heavy lumber, and work in tight spaces on active construction sites. Every one of those tasks carries injury potential, and Chicago job sites add additional variables, from harsh winter conditions to dense urban environments where multiple trades work side by side.

Federal OSHA data identifies fall protection as the most frequently cited safety violation in construction, year after year, under 29 CFR 1926.501. Carpenters are often the workers closest to unprotected edges, open floor decks, and elevated platforms. A fall from even a modest height can cause broken bones, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries.

Fatal work injuries in Illinois totaled 145 in 2023, with falls, slips, and trips accounting for 17 percent of those deaths, matching the national rate. For carpenters, falls are just one threat. Struck-by incidents happen when lumber, tools, or equipment falls from above. Caught-in accidents occur when a carpenter’s hand or arm contacts a saw blade or gets pinched by moving machinery. Overexertion injuries develop from repeated heavy lifting and awkward postures, often leading to herniated discs, rotator cuff tears, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Chicago’s major construction corridors, including projects along the Riverwalk, in the West Loop, and near McCormick Place, see constant carpenter activity. When safety protocols break down on those sites, workers pay the price. Knowing what legal protections exist is essential before anything else.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Rights for Injured Carpenters

The work injury system in Illinois is governed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305). This law requires most Illinois employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and it gives injured employees the right to benefits without having to prove their employer was at fault.

Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, coverage extends to every person in the service of another under any contract of hire, including persons whose employment is principally localized within Illinois, regardless of where the accident occurred or where the contract was made, and including noncitizens and minors. That means most carpenters working on Chicago job sites are covered, whether they are union members, nonunion employees, or temporary workers placed through a staffing agency.

To obtain compensation under the Act, an employee bears the burden of showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that he or she sustained accidental injuries arising out of and in the course of employment. For carpenters, this typically means demonstrating that the injury happened while performing job duties. Falls from scaffolding, power tool lacerations, and back injuries from lifting lumber all qualify as injuries arising out of and in the course of employment.

Under Section 8 of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/8), injured workers are entitled to medical care, temporary total disability benefits equal to two-thirds of their average weekly wage, and permanent partial or total disability benefits if the injury leaves lasting effects. A claim must generally be filed within three years of the date of the accident where no compensation has been paid, or within two years after the last payment of compensation, whichever is later, under 820 ILCS 305/6(d). Missing that deadline can bar your claim entirely, so acting quickly matters.

Notice of the accident must be given to the employer as soon as practical, but not later than forty-five days after the accident, under 820 ILCS 305/6(c). Report your injury to your employer in writing and keep a copy for your records.

When a Third Party Is Responsible for a Carpenter’s Injury

Workers’ compensation covers most on-the-job injuries, but it is not the only legal avenue available to an injured carpenter. When someone other than your direct employer contributed to your injury, you may have a third-party personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ compensation claim. These are two separate legal actions, and pursuing both is allowed under Illinois law.

Third-party claims are common in carpentry injury cases because construction sites involve multiple parties. A general contractor, a subcontractor in another trade, an equipment manufacturer, or a property owner can all be responsible for conditions that caused your injury. For example, if a carpenter is hurt because a subcontractor failed to properly secure scaffolding, or because a defective circular saw malfunctioned, a third-party claim against those parties may be appropriate.

Illinois courts apply common law negligence principles to construction injury cases. Since 1995, when the Illinois Structural Work Act (740 ILCS 150) was repealed, Illinois courts have applied common law negligence principles in construction-related injury cases, and since the Scaffold Act’s repeal, courts have applied the principles set forth in Section 414 of the Restatement of Torts when determining the existence of a duty and liability among various contractors on a job.

Illinois also has the Construction Contract Indemnification for Negligence Act (740 ILCS 35). Under 740 ILCS 35/1, every covenant, promise, or agreement to indemnify or hold harmless another person from that person’s own negligence, in contracts for construction, alteration, repair, or maintenance of a building or structure, is void as against public policy and wholly unenforceable. This matters for injured carpenters because it prevents general contractors from using contract language to escape full accountability for their own negligence.

A workers’ compensation lawyer who understands both the workers’ comp system and third-party civil claims can help you identify every source of potential recovery after a serious carpenter injury.

Common Injuries Carpenters Suffer in Chicago and What Compensation Covers

Carpenter injuries range from acute traumatic events to conditions that develop over months of repetitive strain. Both types are compensable under Illinois law, and both deserve serious legal attention.

Falls from heights cause some of the most severe injuries. A carpenter falling from a roof deck near the West Loop or off scaffolding at a Streeterville high-rise can suffer spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, shattered limbs, or internal organ damage. These injuries often require surgery, long rehabilitation, and may result in permanent disability.

Power tool injuries are also common. Circular saws, miter saws, nail guns, and routers can cause deep lacerations, amputations, and crush injuries to hands, fingers, and wrists. Hand and wrist injuries can end a carpenter’s career if nerves, tendons, or bones are severely damaged.

Repetitive motion injuries develop more slowly but are equally serious. Carpenters who spend years hammering, sawing, and carrying heavy materials often develop carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, and herniated discs. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, the definition of accident includes repetitive trauma. This means these gradual injuries are covered, not just sudden accidents.

Workers’ compensation benefits can include full coverage of medical treatment, two-thirds of lost wages during recovery, vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to carpentry, and permanent disability payments based on the body part affected and the degree of impairment. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand what your specific injury is worth under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act’s schedule of injuries and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission’s guidelines.

If a third-party claim is also available, additional compensation may include full lost wages (not just two-thirds), pain and suffering, and loss of normal life, damages that workers’ compensation alone does not provide.

What Injured Carpenters in Chicago Should Do After a Job Site Injury

The steps you take immediately after a carpenter injury can directly affect your legal rights. Mistakes made in the first hours and days can create problems that follow a claim for years.

Report the injury to your employer right away, and do it in writing. Do not assume a verbal report is enough. Under 820 ILCS 305/6(c), you have forty-five days, but waiting creates risk. The sooner you report, the stronger your claim.

Get medical care immediately. Even if the injury seems minor, some conditions, like herniated discs or internal injuries, worsen over days. Seek treatment from a qualified physician and tell them exactly how the injury happened. Your medical records are evidence, and they need to accurately reflect the work-related cause of your injury.

Document everything at the scene if you are physically able. Take photos of the hazard that caused your injury, the equipment involved, and the location. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Note the names of any supervisors or contractors who were present.

Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without first speaking to a lawyer. Insurance adjusters represent the insurer’s interests, not yours. Statements made early in a claim can be used to minimize or deny your benefits.

Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg as soon as possible. Our team handles carpenter injury claims across Chicago and the surrounding area, including cases involving falls, power tool accidents, repetitive motion injuries, and third-party negligence. A workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm can review your situation, explain your rights under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, and help you pursue every form of compensation available. Consultations are free. Call us at (312) 222-0010.

Why Chicago Carpenters Trust Briskman Briskman & Greenberg

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has represented injured workers throughout the Chicago area for decades. Our firm handles workers’ compensation claims and personal injury cases for carpenters and other construction tradespeople injured on job sites across Cook County, DuPage County, and beyond.

We understand the physical demands of carpentry and the serious consequences a job site injury can have on a worker’s livelihood and family. A carpenter who cannot swing a hammer or operate a saw cannot earn a living in the trade they have spent years building. We take that seriously.

Our attorneys are familiar with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission process, including hearings held in Chicago at the Commission’s offices near the Daley Center. We also handle third-party civil claims in the Circuit Court of Cook County and other Illinois courts when negligent contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers share responsibility for a carpenter’s injury.

We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, which means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. We want every injured carpenter in Chicago to have access to strong legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. A workers’ compensation lawyer from our team will guide you through the process from your first call to the resolution of your case.

If you were injured working as a carpenter in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, do not wait. Call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg at (312) 222-0010 for a free consultation. We are ready to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

This content has been prepared by Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, 321 N. Clark Street, Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60654. This page is informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.

FAQs About Chicago Carpenter Injury Lawyers

Can I file a workers’ compensation claim if I am a union carpenter in Chicago?

Yes. Union membership does not affect your right to file a workers’ compensation claim under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305). The Act covers virtually all employees working in Illinois, including union carpenters, nonunion carpenters, and temporary workers. Your union may also have resources to help you, but your workers’ compensation rights exist independently of your union membership.

What if my employer says my injury was my own fault?

Illinois workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You do not need to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. As long as your injury arose out of and in the course of your employment, you are generally entitled to medical care and wage replacement benefits. An employer’s claim that you were at fault does not automatically disqualify your workers’ compensation claim, though it may be relevant in a separate third-party personal injury case.

Can I sue a general contractor if I was employed by a subcontractor?

Possibly, yes. Illinois law allows injured workers to pursue third-party claims against parties other than their direct employer. If a general contractor’s negligence contributed to your injury, you may have a civil claim against that contractor in addition to your workers’ compensation claim against your employer. Illinois courts apply common law negligence principles to these situations, and the outcome depends on the specific facts of your case, including the degree of control the general contractor had over the work site.

How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois?

Under 820 ILCS 305/6(d), you generally 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, or two years from the date of the last compensation payment, whichever is later. For repetitive trauma injuries, the clock typically starts when you knew or should have known the injury was work-related. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim, so contacting a lawyer quickly is important.

What if my carpenter injury also involves a defective tool or piece of equipment?

If a defective tool, saw, nail gun, or other piece of equipment caused or contributed to your injury, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor of that equipment. This is a third-party claim separate from your workers’ compensation case. Product liability claims in Illinois can allow you to recover damages beyond what workers’ compensation provides, including compensation for pain and suffering and the full amount of your lost wages. An attorney can evaluate whether the equipment involved in your injury had a design defect, manufacturing defect, or inadequate safety warnings.

More Resources About Industries & Occupations

The overall experience I had with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg was the kind that everyone should receive from any firm.

The staff stayed in contact with me via phone and email, they were very knowledgeable, they made sure I understood what was going on at all times, they answered all of my questions, were transparent, and definitely exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them.

- Brandon Spivey

The level of care, attentiveness, empathy and concern relating to my case when dealing with Briskman Briskman and Greenberg surpassed my expectations.

They were extremely knowledgeable and fair in all matters related. They exemplified excellent customer service and care. They kept me inform and updated every step of the way and any questions I had they answered. I highly recommend using them as I would again.

- Joshua Payton

I was put to ease with the professionalism at Briskman and Briskman.

Paul Greenberg especially put my mind to rest and within a years time I have settled my case and I am very satisfied with the outcome. My injury was devastating but working with this law firm has put a lot of stressful nights to rest.

- Nakia Childs

I needed a personal injury lawyer and Gavin and his team went above and beyond.

They made the process simple and helped me in every step of the way. What I really appreciate is that they are straightforward and are quick to respond to my questions and any issues from a text or phone call. They as well continuously checked up on me. I'm happy with how they handled my case and would recommend giving them a call!

- Ted Zakrzewski

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers (BBG) is a legal team you want on your side.

They handled my case in a professional, sensitive and very competent manner. The staff exhibits expertise in the legal realm and provided excellent customer support and care. Thanks BBG for your help with navigating a very sensitive and challenging case for my family.

- Robin Albritton

If you were in an accident and need an excellent lawyer, talk to Paul!!

Very nice and professional lawyer that extremely cares about their clients. Fingers crossed I'm never in an accident ever again but if so, I' would definitely, 10/10 use Paul again!

- Danny S.

I am so very pleased with the representation from BB&G!

Robert Briskman handled my injury case very well. Funny and understanding personality and he took the time to explain everything in detail of the entire case. It was wonderful working with him. I would recommend BB&G to anyone and for myself again in the future.

- Geneva Vanderbilt

From the moment I contacted this law firm I was treated like family.

Gavin Pearlman was honest and upfront with me throughout the process. No surprises and never kept me hanging. I strongly recommend These attorneys for your needs.

- Ron Gaber

I cannot say enough good things about the attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers.

They were extremely responsive, professional, and compassionate throughout the entire process.Their negotiations skills were exceptional, and they were able to secure a settlement that far exceeded my expectations.I am grateful to have had such a dedicated team