If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a roofing accident in Chicago, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help. Whether you’re a roofer, subcontractor, or passerby injured due to someone else’s negligence, our trusted roof fall accident lawyer team will fight to hold the negligent parties accountable and pursue the maximum compensation available under Illinois law.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has decades of experience representing construction workers, roofers, and laborers injured in high-risk job sites throughout Chicago and Illinois.
$14.2 Million – Four warehouse employees, including 34-year-old Michael, were inside a Chicago distribution center when the roof suddenly collapsed. The structure gave way due to years of neglected maintenance by the owner. All four workers sustained serious injuries, including spinal cord damage and multiple fractures. Extensive discovery revealed the facility had a history of structural concerns. The recovery reflected the long-term medical bills, lost wages, and impact on each worker’s quality of life.
$11.75 Million – Carlos, a 41-year-old carpenter, was working on a commercial roof in downtown Chicago when he fell over 30 feet due to unsecured fall protection. Despite OSHA guidelines, the general contractor failed to enforce safety protocols. Carlos suffered fatal injuries. The wrongful death settlement supported his wife and three children and reflected the contractor’s role in failing to prioritize site safety.
$1.54 Million – During a roof replacement on a residential building in Oak Park, 29-year-old Steven fell through a skylight that had not been properly covered or marked. He sustained internal injuries, a broken pelvis, and required multiple surgeries and physical therapy. The settlement accounted for his ongoing medical needs and loss of future earning capacity.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have a proven track record as one of the top-rated roof fall accident lawyer teams in Chicago, recovering over $490 million for injured clients. Recognized by Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, we are consistently ranked among the best personal injury firms in Illinois. Our top roof fall injury lawyers combine aggressive legal strategy with personalized client care to pursue maximum compensation.
Roof fall accidents in Chicago often stem from preventable hazards on job sites. From structural failures to poor safety practices, understanding what leads to these incidents helps injury victims determine liability and pursue fair compensation with help from a top-rated roof fall accident lawyer.
Overloaded structures, poor design, or lack of maintenance often cause roof collapses. In Chicago, older industrial buildings—such as those on the South Side or in warehouse districts like Pilsen—may be more vulnerable to collapse if owners fail to perform timely inspections or repairs. Snow accumulation during the winter months is also a known hazard for collapse-related accidents in the city.
Faulty ladders, broken harnesses, or failing scaffolding can all lead to serious falls. Construction workers on projects with major developers like Lendlease or Pepper Construction in downtown Chicago may rely on equipment provided by third-party vendors. If that gear is defective or poorly maintained, liability may fall on the manufacturer or the contractor responsible for safety oversight.
When roofing contractors ignore OSHA fall protection standards, workers are placed at serious risk. Chicago-area violations—especially in fast-paced projects in areas like Fulton Market—often involve missing guardrails, unsecured ladders, or improper training. These shortcuts can result in severe injury or death during routine roofing work.
Wet surfaces, loose debris, or uneven decking can cause slips or trips on Chicago rooftops. Fall accidents happen often during maintenance jobs on high-rise buildings along Michigan Avenue or the Loop. Owners and contractors must ensure walking surfaces are safe and free of hazards to prevent these preventable injuries.
Roof fall accidents can lead to a wide range of serious injuries, many of which require extensive treatment and long-term care. Common injuries include:
Liability for a roof fall accident in Chicago often depends on who had control over the worksite and whether safety protocols were followed. Potential defendants may include the construction company, subcontractors, roofing contractors, site supervisors, equipment manufacturers, or other third parties present on-site.
If protection was missing, scaffolding failed, or unsafe instructions were given, those responsible may be held accountable. A top-rated roofing accident lawyer can help determine liability by investigating site conditions, reviewing contracts, and collecting witness statements and maintenance records to support a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim.
Property owners can be held legally responsible for roofing accidents when their negligence creates or contributes to unsafe conditions. In Chicago, this includes both residential and commercial owners who fail to warn contractors about structural issues, unstable surfaces, or other known hazards. Under premises liability law, owners must take reasonable steps to prevent fall accidents.
If a roof collapse or a slippery surface was caused by poor maintenance or ignored repairs, the owner may be liable. Owners who retain control over job site conditions or enforce unsafe deadlines may share responsibility with roofing contractors or construction companies for fall-related injuries.
Under OSHA Regulation 1926.501, construction industry employers must provide fall protection for workers exposed to fall hazards, including roof work. Failure to follow these federal safety requirements can serve as evidence to prove negligence in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit involving a roofing accident.
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) covers medical expenses, lost income, and disability benefits without proving fault. This law applies to most roof fall accidents involving construction workers and contractors employed in Illinois, though it limits compensation compared to civil lawsuits.
The Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) holds property owners and occupiers responsible for injuries caused by unsafe conditions, including roof hazards. If a roof fall occurs due to poor maintenance, failure to warn, or other negligence, injured workers or visitors may pursue a claim under this law.
Chicago’s Building Code includes structural safety standards for roofs on commercial and residential properties. Violations of these city-level safety rules—such as failure to maintain structural integrity—can support legal claims after a roof fall or collapse on a construction site or occupied building.
Section 13-160 outlines local construction safety obligations, including proper scaffolding, protection systems, and safe access for workers. If a roof fall occurs during construction, failure to follow these regulations may help prove the legal liability of a general contractor or property owner.
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. According to state guidance, if you’re found less than 50% at fault for a roof fall accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Victims of roof fall accidents may be eligible for compensation through either workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit, depending on who is at fault. Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and disability, but does not allow recovery for damages related to workers’ mental well-being.
If a negligent third party caused the accident, a personal injury or wrongful death claim may allow the injured worker or their family to pursue additional damages, like full lost income, emotional distress, and funeral costs. Each case depends on the relationship between the injured worker and the liable party.
Roof fall accident victims often miss weeks or months of work. Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, surviving families can recover lost income the deceased would have earned. In non-fatal cases, workers’ compensation provides partial wage replacement, usually two-thirds of the average weekly wage.
In contrast, a personal injury claim can recover full lost wages and loss of future earning capacity if the injuries prevent a return to the same job. Proof of earnings, medical restrictions, and expert testimony may be used to determine the total value of these losses over a worker’s expected career span.
According to Law.com, the average payout for a roof fall accident in Illinois is approximately $2,198,303, with a median award of $1,010,000. These figures include both settlements and jury verdicts. However, the amount a person might receive can vary widely depending on several factors, such as:
Unsafe Ladder at Chicago Apartment Leads to Fatal Roof Fall
On August 21, 2011, 22-year-old Patrycja Wyszkowska died after falling from a deteriorated wooden ladder at a Chicago apartment complex. The estate alleged that property managers failed to repair or warn about the rotting ladder. The defense argued the hazard was open and obvious and that Wyszkowska was trespassing.
The jury found the property owners 95% at fault and awarded $7 million in wrongful death damages, reduced to $6.65 million due to 5% her own negligence. The award included $3.5 million each for grief, sorrow, and loss of companionship.
First-Day Window Washer Suffers Devastating Injuries in Roof Fall
On June 24, 2002, 20-year-old Jeffrey Mueller fell 30 feet from the roof of Centegra Specialty Hospital in Woodstock, Illinois, during his first day as a window washer. The roof lacked anchor points for safety harnesses, and Mueller sustained life-changing injuries, including spinal fractures, wrist fractures, and a leg amputation.
The hospital was sued for failing to provide a safe work environment. The case settled for $2.5 million, with the employer keeping future workers’ comp obligations open. Mueller’s future medical needs were projected to exceed $1 million.
Construction Worker Falls Through Roof Hole, Suffers Multiple Injuries
Henry Chung, 53, a construction worker injured on August 14, 2009, when he fell through an unmarked roof opening at a Chicago construction site. Directed by the general contractor to assist with a tarp, Chung unknowingly backed into the hole, falling 20 feet. He suffered bilateral elbow fractures, a brain bleed, and vertebral compression fractures.
Chung sued the general contractor and roofing subcontractor for failing to maintain a safe jobsite. The case settled for $1.01 million; $900,000 from the general contractor and $100,000 from the subcontractor, with an early $10,000 settlement from the architect.
After a roof fall accident, taking the proper steps can make or break your case. First, prioritize safety and seek immediate medical attention to document your injuries. Report the fall to your employer or site supervisor in writing. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including safety equipment, weather conditions, or any slippery surfaces.
Get contact information from witnesses. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without speaking to a lawyer. An experienced attorney can help preserve evidence, request maintenance logs, and build a strong claim to pursue compensation from all responsible parties.
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of your roof fall accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, as outlined in 735 ILCS 5/13-202. If the accident results in death, the time limit to file a wrongful death claim is also two years from the date of death under 740 ILCS 180/2.
However, if workers’ compensation applies, different deadlines under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act may apply. Missing the filing deadline can permanently bar your right to seek compensation.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our top-rated personal injury lawyers handle every stage of your case, starting with a thorough investigation of how the accident occurred to identify potential hazards and prove liability. We gather evidence, including proper maintenance records, witness statements, and OSHA reports, to build a strong claim.
Our legal team handles communication with insurance companies, calculates your losses (including medical expenses and lost wages), and works to secure a fair settlement or verdict. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, we’ll help you file a personal injury lawsuit. For fatal incidents, we also provide legal counsel for surviving family members.
Roof fall accidents remain a serious and recurring issue in Chicago, as shown by OSHA reports from both the North and South Area Offices. Between 2020 and 2024, at least eight roof-related fall incidents were recorded, five of which resulted in fatalities.
These accidents involved ladder falls, roof collapses, and workers falling through roof openings, many occurring in construction trades like roofing, siding, and HVAC installation.
Can I sue the homeowner for a roof fall accident?
Yes, if a homeowner failed to provide a safe work environment or ignored known hazards, you may file a personal injury claim. Homeowners can be held liable under Illinois premises liability laws if their negligence contributed to the roof fall accident and the resulting injuries.
How can roofing accidents be prevented?
Roofing accidents can be prevented by following safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, using fall protection equipment, ensuring proper training, and maintaining clean, hazard-free work areas. Employers and property owners must implement proper safety measures to reduce the risk of serious injuries from falls during roofing work.
How much does a roofing accident lawyer cost?
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. The fee comes from a percentage of your recovery, so there’s no financial risk in hiring our legal team.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a roofing accident, don’t wait to get legal help. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our experienced personal injury lawyers in Chicago are ready to evaluate the circumstances surrounding your case and help you understand your options.
Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation with a trusted injury attorney near you.
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.