Chicago Ladder Accident Lawyer

Helping Injured Construction Workers in Chicago Recover the Compensation They Deserve

At Chicago Injury Center, our ladder accident lawyer team is dedicated to helping those injured in ladder falls throughout the city. We represent construction workers, contractors, and individuals hurt in falls on residential, commercial, or job site properties across Chicago.

Whether the accident occurred due to defective equipment, poor maintenance, or missing fall protection, we work to hold negligent parties accountable. Our experience handling ladder injury claims includes cases involving unsafe work environments, faulty ladders, and failure to follow safety standards. If you’ve suffered injuries in a ladder fall, we’re here to help you pursue compensation for your losses.

Ladder Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$7,300,000 – Ladder Collapse During Soffit Repair in Cicero

While repairing the soffit on a two-story home in Cicero, our client, Mario, was using a 30-foot extension ladder that suddenly collapsed due to a hidden defect. He fell over 25 feet and suffered a punctured lung, liver laceration, and multiple fractured ribs. The ladder had been supplied by a contractor overseeing exterior repairs. Our investigation revealed manufacturing flaws and improper labeling. The severity of Mario’s internal injuries, his extended ICU stay, and long-term respiratory issues were key factors in securing the $7.3 million recovery.

$7,200,000 – Warehouse Ladder Fall During Cable Installation in Elk Grove Village

Anthony, a union electrician, was working on a large warehouse development near Elk Grove Village when the ladder he was using shifted unexpectedly on uneven concrete. He fell nearly 20 feet while installing overhead cable and suffered spinal fractures and permanent nerve damage. Site inspections showed the area lacked adequate leveling, and no spotter was assigned. The settlement reflected both the life-altering nature of Anthony’s injuries and the general contractor’s failure to enforce basic fall prevention rules.

$4,900,000 – Faulty Ladder Supplied by Building Owner Leads to Fall in West Loop

During a lighting upgrade at a commercial office in Chicago’s West Loop, Marcus, an electrician, fell from a defective fiberglass ladder provided by the property management company. The ladder’s rung cracked during use, causing a 12-foot fall that resulted in a broken femur, fractured pelvis, and surgery to repair shoulder damage. Medical records, witness accounts, and forensic testing helped establish that the ladder’s condition was known to building staff. The $4.9 million settlement reflected Marcus’s future care needs and lost earning capacity.

$4,400,000 – Ladder Fall During HVAC Repair at North Side Apartment Complex

Our client, Jerome, was repairing rooftop HVAC units at a North Side apartment building when a mispositioned extension ladder tipped away from the wall. Jerome fell approximately 18 feet, landing on concrete and sustaining a fractured skull, traumatic brain injury, and permanent vision impairment. Key evidence included missing tie-off points and a lack of fall prevention planning by the subcontractor. The $4.4 million settlement factored in Jerome’s cognitive injuries and the lifelong care he now requires.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

At Chicago Injury Center, our top-rated ladder accident lawyers have extensive experience representing clients injured in both work-related and third-party ladder falls. We’ve handled claims against construction companies, subcontractors, property owners, and defective ladder manufacturers. Recognized by Super Lawyers and maintaining a perfect 10/10 rating on Avvo, our personal injury law firm has earned a reputation for securing results.

Whether you’re pursuing a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party personal injury lawsuit, our experienced lawyers will fight for the maximum compensation you’re owed. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no risk, just a commitment to protecting your future.

What Causes Ladder Accidents on Construction Sites?

Ladder accidents on construction sites are often the result of poor safety practices, improper equipment, or site hazards.

One common issue is using the wrong type or size of ladder for the job, which can lead to instability and falls. Defective ladders—such as those with broken rungs or faulty locking mechanisms—also pose serious risks, especially when used at heights. Construction sites may violate OSHA fall prevention standards, particularly when ladders are placed on uneven or slippery surfaces or positioned at unsafe angles.

Accidents also occur when workers aren’t trained properly, or when ladders are used near open edges without guardrails. In high-traffic areas, a ladder placed without a spotter or proper supervision increases the chance of someone bumping into it. Whether caused by faulty equipment, employer negligence, or site mismanagement, these incidents often result in serious injuries for workers performing everyday tasks.

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Ladder Accidents?

Ladder accidents often involve high-impact vertical falls that cause life-altering injuries.

One of the most serious outcomes is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or head injury, especially when a worker lands headfirst or strikes nearby equipment. Spinal cord injuries and fractured vertebrae are also common, leading to long-term disability or paralysis.

Victims frequently suffer broken bones, including wrists, ankles, or legs, while trying to brace for impact, as well as pelvic fractures or internal bleeding from blunt-force trauma. Injuries caused by falls from even moderate heights can dislocate the shoulder or rotator cuff, requiring surgery and extended physical therapy.

In the most severe cases, especially from multi-story construction sites, ladder-related injuries can be fatal.

These very serious injuries often leave workers unable to return to their jobs and facing mounting medical expenses, making it essential to pursue maximum compensation with help from an experienced ladder accident lawyer.

What Damages Can Ladder Construction Accident Victims Recover in Illinois?

Victims of ladder accidents on Illinois construction sites may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Victims can recover a range of economic damages tied to the financial cost of their injuries. This includes medical expenses tied to emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation costs. If the injury requires home modifications or specialized equipment, those costs may also be recoverable.

Injured workers may claim compensation for lost wages and any impact the injury has on future earning potential. In cases of wrongful death, families may seek compensation for loss of financial support.

Non-Economic Damages

In addition to financial losses, injured individuals may be compensated for the personal consequences of a ladder fall. Non-economic damages cover physical pain, emotional suffering, mental anguish, permanent disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In fatal ladder fall cases, family members may also pursue wrongful death compensation for their grief and loss of companionship.

What Is the Average Ladder Accident Payout in Chicago?

According to Law.com‘s VerdictSearch, the average payout for ladder accident claims is $2,832,753, with a median settlement of $1,150,000. The value range spans from $156,302 to over $11 million, with Cook County, Illinois, being the most common venue for such cases.

The value of a ladder injury claim depends on several key factors:

• Severity of the injuries (e.g., traumatic brain injury, spinal damage, permanent disability)
• Extent of medical treatment, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Whether the ladder was defective or misused
• Liability issues, such as OSHA violations or third-party negligence
• Availability of substantial evidence, including witness testimony, inspection reports, or job site documentation

Cases involving multiple liable parties, like manufacturers or contractors, or injuries requiring long-term care often result in higher compensation.

Example Cases Filed in Cook County

$8.96M Verdict After Painter Suffers Catastrophic Brain Injury in Warehouse Fall

Nardo Ovando, a 45-year-old painter, fell from a ladder when one leg slipped into an uncovered drain depression on a warehouse floor in Chicago. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and remains in a permanent vegetative state. His wife sued Vita Food Products Inc. for failing to warn about or fix the hazard. The jury found Vita 80% liable, awarding $10.45 million to Ovando and $750,000 to his wife, reduced to $8.96 million due to comparative fault.

$11.14M Verdict in Defective Ladder Lawsuit for Wheaton Homeowner

John Baugh, 64, sustained a severe brain injury when a Cuprum aluminum ladder collapsed while he was cleaning his gutters. His wife sued the manufacturer for defective design and negligence. The case involved complex testimony since there were no witnesses, and Baugh couldn’t testify. A jury found in Baugh’s favor on both strict liability and negligence claims, awarding over $11.1 million in damages, including for past and future medical care and pain and suffering.

$6.65M Verdict in Wrongful Death After 22-Year-Old Falls from Unsafe Ladder in Uptown

Patrycja Wyszkowska died after falling 30 feet from a rotted wooden ladder at an apartment on North Sheridan Road in Chicago. The ladder was missing upper rungs and was not intended for roof access. Her estate sued the owner and management company, arguing the ladder was hazardous and poorly maintained. A jury found the defendants 95% at fault and awarded $7 million, reduced to $6.65 million due to 5% comparative fault.

$3.75M Settlement for Plumber Injured in Trump Tower Fall

Carlos Gomez, 27, fell one floor when a wooden board supporting him snapped while working on the 86th floor of Trump Tower. He suffered spinal injuries, torn rotator cuffs, and ankle damage, requiring multiple surgeries. He sued the general contractor and subcontractor for using defective materials. The parties settled for $3.75 million shortly before trial. A $1 million workers’ comp lien was waived.

$2.75M Settlement for Sheet Metal Worker Injured in Ladder Knockover

Mitchell Noworul, 50, fell from a ladder on a Chicago construction site after unsecured plastic panels fell against it. He underwent shoulder surgery and cervical fusion, resulting in chronic pain and depression. He sued the general contractor, panel supplier, and subcontractor. Just before trial, the parties settled for $2.75 million, with the subcontractor paying $2 million, the GC $500,000, and the supplier $250,000.

$1.15M Settlement for Family of Laborer Electrocuted in Ladder Accident

Jesus Cisneros, 38, died after contacting a power line with a long spatula while standing on a ladder during brick-cleaning work in Schiller Park. His estate sued the power company, alleging it failed to correct the hazard despite repeated site visits. The defense argued the line met older standards and blamed contractors. Cisneros’ wife and children received a $1.15 million settlement from ComEd and his employer’s insurer, which included a waived workers’ comp lien.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney to Determine Liability

Determining liability in a ladder accident isn’t always straightforward. In many cases, multiple parties may be at fault, including an employer, general contractor, project owner, or even the manufacturer. Workers’ compensation may cover some losses, but it often limits recovery unless a third-party claim is possible. OSHA violations, lack of fall prevention measures, or use of faulty equipment must be appropriately documented to support a strong case.

At Chicago Injury Center, our experienced attorneys know how to investigate workplace ladder falls, pursue product liability actions, and fight for injured workers in Cook County court to maximize compensation beyond basic benefits.

How Common Are Ladder Accidents in Chicago?

Since 2020, there have been 160 ladder-related incident reports in the OSHA Chicago region office. Of them, 74 resulted in fatalities, while the majority of the remainder resulted in severe injuries.

Where Do Ladder Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Ladder accidents happen across Chicago in a wide range of settings, from private homes to busy commercial spaces.

In neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Humboldt Park, residential roofing, painting, and window cleaning jobs often lead to falls, especially when proper safety equipment isn’t used. In the Loop, commercial properties frequently see ladder accidents during HVAC servicing, lighting installation, or tenant build-outs. On the South Side, warehouse maintenance workers face hazards during high-reach repairs and inventory tasks.

Renovation projects at retail stores and restaurants along North Avenue also create ladder fall risks, particularly during overnight or fast-turnover work. Even schools, churches, and parking garages see ladder accidents during seasonal maintenance or signage changes. Regardless of location, these incidents often stem from poor planning, defective equipment, or lack of fall prevention measures, all of which may give rise to a personal injury claim.

What Laws Govern Ladder Accident Claims in Chicago?

The Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) holds property owners and occupiers responsible when someone is injured due to unsafe conditions on their premises. If a ladder accident happens on commercial or residential property due to negligence—such as poor maintenance or failure to warn—this statute may allow the injured party to seek compensation.

If a ladder accident injury happens while on the job, the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) provides access to benefits through a no-fault system. Employees may be eligible for medical coverage, average weekly wage replacement, and disability benefits, but typically cannot sue their employer unless a third party is also liable.

OSHA Standard 1910.23 sets specific requirements for ladders used in the workplace. It mandates proper design, inspection, placement, and use of ladders to prevent accidents. Violations—such as lack of fall protection or use of damaged ladders—may be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury case or a workers’ compensation claim.

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

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, injured individuals generally have two years from the date of a ladder accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, claims involving workers’ compensation must be reported much sooner, within 45 days of the incident.

Cases involving faulty ladders or public property may also have shorter deadlines and require formal notice within as little as one year. Failing to act on time can permanently bar your right to recover compensation, so it’s essential to consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Ladder Accidents?

Several parties may be legally responsible for ladder accidents, depending on how the incident occurred. A general contractor or subcontractor may be liable for failing to provide a safe work environment or proper supervision. Owners or lessees can be held accountable if unsafe conditions on-site contributed to the fall.

Equipment rental companies may share responsibility if they supplied damaged or hazardous ladders. Ladder manufacturers or distributors can be liable if a design or manufacturing defect, or lack of proper warnings, caused the accident. Maintenance crews and third-party vendors working on multi-employer job sites may also bear fault for unsafe practices.

Common Defenses in Ladder Accident Cases in Chicago

In ladder accident cases, defendants often argue that the worker misused the ladder or ignored basic safety protocols. They may claim the ladder was safe and only failed because it was altered or misused. Project owners or contractors might assert they had no notice of any dangerous condition, while employers may argue that the incident is strictly a workers’ compensation matter.

Our team counters these defenses by bringing in ladder safety experts, reviewing OSHA compliance, and analyzing inspection and maintenance records. We also evaluate whether third-party liability exists beyond workers’ comp to pursue full compensation for our clients.

How to Build a Strong Ladder Injury Claim in Chicago

To strengthen your ladder injury claim in Chicago, it’s essential to act quickly and document everything. Report the fall immediately to a supervisor and seek medical attention without delay, even if the injury seems minor at first. Note the height from which you fell and the condition of the ladder involved.

If possible, take clear photos of the ladder and the surrounding area or preserve the ladder itself for inspection. Get the names and contact information of any coworkers or witnesses who saw the accident. Ask for copies of any incident reports and check whether OSHA was notified.

These early steps can be key in determining whether someone besides your employer may share liability. Once your medical condition is stable, reach out to an experienced ladder accident lawyer who can evaluate your case and advise you on the best way to recover full compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.

How a Chicago Ladder Accident Attorney Can Help

A Chicago ladder accident attorney can make a significant difference in your recovery by handling every part of the legal process while you focus on healing. Our team investigates job site safety conditions, evaluates whether proper fall prevention was in place, and identifies all parties who may be liable.

We handle both workers’ compensation claims and third-party lawsuits involving property owners, contractors, or defective ladders. We work with OSHA and construction safety experts to support your claim and build strong evidence. Whether through negotiation or litigation in Cook County Circuit Court, we fight to secure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

FAQs

How much does a ladder accident attorney cost in Chicago?

We handle ladder accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything up front. Our fee only comes from a portion of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win, you owe nothing. This allows workers and their families to get experienced legal help without taking on financial risk.

Can I sue my employer for a ladder accident injury at work?

In most cases, your direct employer is protected under Illinois’s workers’ compensation system, which limits your ability to sue them. However, we investigate whether a third party played a role in the fall. If so, you may be able to pursue a separate personal injury claim in addition to workers’ comp.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Under Illinois Comparative Negligence Law 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your share of responsibility. We work to minimize your percentage of fault and strengthen your claim with solid evidence.

Book a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Legal Team

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a ladder fall due to someone else’s negligence at work or on someone else’s property, the Chicago Injury Center is ready to help. Our ladder accident lawyer team is here to guide you through your legal options and pursue every source of compensation available. We offer a free no obligation case evaluation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.