Chicago Falling Debris Injury Lawyer

Helping Illinois Construction Workers Injured by Falling Objects Recover Compensation

At Chicago Injury Center, our falling debris injury lawyer team fights for victims hurt by falling objects at job sites, busy streets, and public spaces across the city. Whether your case involves a construction site accident in the Loop, a warehouse mishap in Cicero, or unsafe scaffolding in Pilsen, we know how to hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Why Hire Chicago Injury Center

As one of Chicago’s top-rated injury law firms, we’ve recovered millions for clients hurt by falling objects and other hazards. Our attorneys are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the American Association for Justice, and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, with a 10/10 AVVO rating.

For example, we secured $2.9 million for Mark, a carpenter injured in a construction site accident when debris left by another crew caused a severe fall, leading to surgery and months of rehab. In another case, we recovered $710,868 for Lisa, an office worker who slipped on construction debris in a downtown high-rise lobby.

Both outcomes were the result of thorough investigation, skilled negotiation, and relentless advocacy for our clients’ rights.

What Types of Debris Commonly Cause Injuries in the Construction Industry?

• Hand tools and power tools
• Fasteners and hardware (nails, bolts, screws, brackets)
• Lumber and plywood
• Metal beams and rebar
• Masonry materials (bricks, cinder blocks, stone slabs)
• Roofing materials (shingles, tar paper, waterproofing membrane)
• Concrete chunks
• Glass panels and windows
• Insulation and ductwork
• Scaffolding components (planks, guardrails, couplers)
• Overhead equipment parts (rigging, hooks, crane accessories)
• Construction waste and scrap

What Causes Falling Debris Construction Accidents?

• Failure to secure tools and materials at heights
• Lack of toe boards, debris nets, or guardrails
• Unsafe crane or hoist operations
• Poor weather-related hazard planning
• Violations of Chicago Building Code and OSHA falling object standards
• Inadequate training for workers at elevation

What Are Common Injuries Caused by Falling Objects on Construction Sites?

Falling objects on construction sites can lead to serious injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Multiple broken bones
• Wrongful death

What Damages Can Injured Workers Recover in Chicago?

Under the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305), employees hurt on the job may receive coverage for current and future medical bills, temporary or permanent disability benefits, and death benefits for surviving family members.

The Illinois Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/) allows fault to be shared among multiple negligent parties, which is critical in construction accidents involving third parties. These claims can include damages for pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of normal life, reduced earning capacity, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

What Is the Average Falling Debris Accident Payout?

Recent data shows that falling debris accident payouts range from as little as $2,500 to as much as $2,350,000, with an average of $1,118,827 and a median of $1,365,000.

Settlement or verdict amounts vary widely depending on factors like the height from which the falling objects fell, the severity of the injuries, how the injuries impact your ability to work, any OSHA safety violations, and whether defective equipment played a role.

How Common Are Falling Object Construction Site Accidents?

In 2022 alone, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 52,000 injuries and 238 fatalities from falling objects or equipment, representing nearly half of all “struck-by” deaths in the workplace. OSHA data shows that dropped objects are the third leading cause of construction injuries, responsible for about 9.4% of fatal accidents in the industry.

Many of these incidents could be prevented with proper safety standards, such as those outlined in the ANSI/ISEA 121-2018 “Dropped Objects Standard,” which requires secure anchor points, tool tethers, and proper containers to keep tools and materials from falling.

OSHA Falling Object Protection

• 29 CFR §1926.501 – Requires employers to provide protection from falling objects when workers are exposed to hazards above or below.
• 29 CFR §1926.759 – Addresses securing tools, materials, and equipment to prevent them from falling during steel erection activities.
• 29 CFR §1910.28 – Outlines requirements for guardrails, toeboards, and other barriers to prevent falling objects.
• 29 CFR §1910.29 – Specifies design and installation standards for falling object protection systems, such as canopies and debris nets.

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois?

In Illinois, the time limits for filing a legal claim after a falling debris accident depend on the type of case.

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. The same applies to fatal accident injury claims.

Workers usually have 3 years from the injury date, or 2 years from the last payment of benefits (whichever is later), to file for workers’ compensation benefits.

Who Can Be Liable for a Falling Debris Accident in Chicago?

• Employers
• General contractors
• Subcontractors
• Construction companies
• Crane or hoist operators
• Property owners
• Equipment manufacturers

How to Strengthen Your Falling Object Injury Case

• Seek immediate medical care
• File a written accident report
• Take photos of the scene and the debris source
• Obtain witness information
• Preserve evidence such as defective rigging or damaged tools

How a Chicago Falling Object Injury Lawyer Can Help You Obtain Compensation

At Chicago Injury Center, our falling object injury attorneys handle every stage of your case, from filing and appealing workers’ compensation claims to uncovering third-party negligence and defective equipment issues. We partner with safety experts and engineers to build strong evidence and negotiate aggressively for maximum settlements for injuries sustained on construction sites.

Consult Our Legal Team Today

We offer free consultations, statewide representation from our Chicago office, and contingency fee arrangements, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today to get experienced legal guidance and the dedicated advocacy you need after a falling object accident.