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Chicago Factory Accident Lawyer
Compensation for Injured Factory Workers in Chicago
At Chicago Injury Center, we represent injured factory and warehouse workers throughout the Chicago area. If you’re looking for an experienced Chicago factory accident lawyer, our team is here to help you recover compensation for the severe injuries you’ve sustained.
Factory Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago
$5,100,000 – While working at a West Side factory, Luis lost three fingers due to equipment lacking proper safety guards. We filed a product liability claim alongside his workers’ compensation case, showing the machine had a history of malfunctions.
$3,333,333 – Marcus, a warehouse employee, suffered chemical burns after being told to clean machinery with mislabeled hazardous materials. The property owner failed to follow basic emergency procedures. The resulting injuries caused long-term pain and suffering and lost wages.
$11,000,000 – James lost his hand using a faulty punch press in a South Side factory. Internal records proved the manufacturer had ignored safety complaints. We provided evidence to hold them accountable and helped James recover full and fair compensation.
Why Choose Chicago Injury Center
At Chicago Injury Center, we’ve built our reputation by standing up for injured workers and delivering results that truly make a difference. With over 5,000 clients helped and more than $450 million recovered in settlements and verdicts, we know what it takes to win tough injury law cases—including complex factory and warehouse accident claims.
Our team includes experienced attorneys recognized by:
What Causes Factory Accidents in Chicago?
Defective Equipment & Faulty Machinery
We’ve handled many cases involving defective or poorly maintained heavy machinery in South Side industrial zones and along the Pulaski Corridor. Warehouse workers are often hurt when machinery fails during operation, especially presses, forklifts, and conveyors.
Lack of Safety Guards or Training
At plants near Cicero or in the Stockyards Industrial Park, we’ve seen workers suffer life-changing injuries due to missing safety features or from being rushed onto job sites without being properly trained. That lack of preparation is a recipe for disaster.
Exposure to Hazardous Materials
In warehouses on Goose Island and facilities near Calumet, hazardous materials like industrial solvents, ammonia, and cleaning agents are often mishandled. We’ve represented factory workers burned or sickened because employers failed to enforce safety regulations or post proper warnings.
Falling Objects & Emergency Failures
We’ve seen falling objects, blocked exits, and failed emergency procedures at Chicago-area distribution centers, especially during peak shipping seasons. These oversights can lead to many serious injuries.
What Are Common Injuries Sustained by Factory Workers?
Crush Injuries and Broken Bones
Broken bones are among the most common injuries we see, often from falling debris, forklift mishaps, or accidents while operating heavy machinery. These accidents are especially frequent in large fulfillment centers near O’Hare and in the Pullman industrial corridor.
Amputations and Permanent Disability
A single missed safeguard can result in life-altering trauma. We’ve represented warehouse workers and factory employees who lost fingers, hands, or limbs due to faulty equipment and missing safety features. Many live with a disability and need lifelong support.
Burns and Chemical Injuries
Chemical processing facilities on Goose Island and along the Calumet River put workers at risk of exposure to hazardous materials. We’ve seen serious burn injuries caused by mislabeled industrial solvents and failed containment protocols.
Traumatic Brain & Spinal Injuries
Falls, struck-by incidents, and equipment failures often cause traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord trauma, especially in multi-level warehouses without proper fall protection. These are catastrophic and require immediate intervention and long-term care.
What Damages Can Injured Factory and Warehouse Workers Recover in Illinois?
Injured factory and warehouse workers in the Chicago area may be entitled to a range of damages. Our team helps clients recover compensation through workers’ comp or personal injury cases.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills often include surgery, medication, physical therapy, and future care. We fight to ensure every treatment related to your injuries sustained is covered, without adding to your financial risk.
Lost Wages
We help injured workers recover both lost income and future earning potential. Whether you’re out for weeks or permanently unable to return, we’ll help you pursue compensation for the income you’ve lost.
Non-Economic Damages
We also seek damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of normal life. These non-economic damages are often significant in serious injury cases involving long-term limitations or trauma.
What Is the Average Payout for a Factory or Warehouse Accident in Chicago?
Data reveals the average settlement for factory and warehouse accident claims in the Chicago area is $3,190,122, while the median sits closer to $900,000. Key factors that affect value include:
- The severity of injuries sustained
- Whether the claim involves workers’ compensation, a third-party lawsuit, or both
- Whether multiple parties are liable
- The long-term impact on your ability to work
Example Cases in Cook County
$30,000,000 – Thomas Jackson worked as a factory worker for decades, frequently exposed to dangerous substances, including asbestos, at multiple Illinois facilities. After developing peritoneal mesothelioma, his estate filed a lawsuit against several manufacturers. A jury awarded $30 million in damages, holding Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations liable for his death.
$197,688 – Miguel Vasquez, a machinist at a plastic plant in Bensenville, suffered a severe crush injury when his finger was caught in a faulty punch press. After failed attempts to restore function, doctors amputated the finger. The case involved medical expenses, permanent disability, and pain and suffering. It settled pre-trial for nearly $200,000.
Why You Need a Factory and Warehouse Accident Lawyer
Factory and warehouse accident claims aren’t straightforward. Between navigating the workers’ compensation system, identifying third-party liability, and proving safety violations, these cases demand skilled legal representation.
At Chicago Injury Center, our accident lawyers know how employers and insurers try to avoid paying what injured workers deserve. We’ve seen large employers—from meat processing plants near Back of the Yards to Amazon distribution hubs near Pullman—minimize injuries and shift blame onto workers. Without an experienced lawyer, you risk missing key deadlines, undervaluing your case, or being denied benefits outright.
We handle every part of the legal process, from filing with the IWCC to litigating in Cook County Circuit Court. No matter the cause of your injury, we’ll protect your rights and build a case that gets results.
What Are the Illinois Manufacturing Accident Statistics?
In 2023, Illinois reported 145 fatal occupational injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of those, at least 9 occurred in manufacturing, including chemical, food, metal, and construction materials industries, sectors that dominate the Chicago area job market.
What Injury Laws Govern Liability in Factory Accident Claims in Illinois?
If you were injured on the job in a factory or warehouse accident in the Chicago area, multiple Illinois laws may apply.
Under 820 ILCS 305/, injured workers are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of fault. This covers medical attention, lost wages, and disability. Claims must be filed within 3 years of the work injury, or 2 years of the last payment of benefits.
The Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/) allows injured workers to seek damages from third parties (like manufacturers or contractors) in addition to their employer, if others contributed to the accident.
Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/), a property owner may be liable for unsafe work conditions, such as blocked exits, missing safety features, or failed emergency protocols. Injuries from defective equipment may fall under Illinois product liability laws (735 ILCS 5/2-21), allowing for a lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor.
Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence standard. If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation, but your damages will be reduced based on your share of fault. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you have 2 years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
Finally, the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) allows families to take legal action if a worker dies due to negligence or failure to maintain a safe working environment. The statute of limitations for wrongful death is also 2 years from the date of death.
How to Strengthen Your Case Following a Factory or Warehouse Accident
Taking the right steps after a factory or warehouse accident can make the difference between a denied claim and full and fair compensation. Here’s what we tell injured workers to do right away:
Report the Accident Immediately
Tell your supervisor as soon as the injury occurs, ideally in writing. Employers may try to delay or avoid documentation, which can hurt your claim.
Get Prompt Medical Attention
See a doctor right away, even if the injuries seem minor. Insurers will scrutinize any delay. Hospitals like Stroger and UIC can document your condition from day one.
Preserve Evidence
Take photos of the accident scene, equipment used, or missing safety features. If you were exposed to hazardous substances, ask for copies of safety data sheets and incident reports.
Consult an Experienced Attorney
Before speaking to an insurance rep or signing anything, talk to an experienced lawyer. Our team can protect your rights and ensure your case is built on solid ground to seek compensation.
How Our Factory and Warehouse Injury Lawyers Can Help
At Chicago Injury Center, we guide injured workers through every step of the legal process. From the moment you call, our accident lawyers step in to protect your rights and level the playing field against employers and insurance companies.
We begin by investigating the accident, gathering safety reports, work logs, and witness statements. If faulty equipment, a negligent owner, or hazardous substances played a role, we’ll pursue all liable parties, not just your employer.
Book a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a factory or warehouse accident, Chicago Injury Center is here to help. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. We have the experience, resources, and determination to hold employers, manufacturers, and property owners accountable. Contact us for a free consultation!