Chicago Aerial Lift Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Maximum Compensation After an Aerial Lift Injury in Chicago

If you or someone you love was hurt in a fall, tip-over, electrocution, or other incident involving a scissor lift, boom lift, or cherry picker, our Chicago aerial lift accident lawyer team is here to help you recover compensation and move forward. Contact us for a free consultation.

What Makes Us the Best Aerial Lift Accident Attorneys in Chicago

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve earned a reputation as a top-rated construction accident law firm in Chicago by consistently delivering results for workers and families after catastrophic accidents. We are recognized by respected legal organizations such as:

• American Association for Justice (AAJ)
• AVVO
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Super Lawyers

In one case, our client Marcus, a Chicago electrician, was working from an aerial lift on a West Loop job site when the equipment struck an unmarked live power line. He suffered severe electrical burns, requiring multiple surgeries and long-term rehab.

We discovered the site lacked proper safety protocols and clearance markings. By holding the general contractor and property owner accountable, we secured $10.5 million to cover Marcus’s medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Types of Aerial Lifts

Our attorneys handle cases involving the following lift tyoes.

Boom Lifts

Boom lifts are the most versatile models on a construction site. They come in two main types: articulating and telescopic.

Articulating boom lifts have arms that can bend, making them perfect for reaching over obstacles and into tight spots. On the other hand, telescopic boom lifts can extend straight out, offering a longer reach but less flexibility.

Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are all about stability and height. These platform lifts move straight up and down, like an accordion, and are commonly used indoors and outdoors. But as safe as they seem, scissor lift accidents can still happen, especially if the lift is overloaded or not operated correctly.

Personnel Lifts

Personnel lifts, often called vertical lifts, are smaller and more portable than boom and scissor models. They’re typically used for maintenance and light construction tasks that don’t need the heavy-duty capabilities of larger lifts.

What Causes Aerial Lift Accidents?

Understanding the common causes of these accidents is critical to improving aerial lift safety on construction sites. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Falls from elevation: One of the leading causes of aerial lift accidents on construction sites is falls from elevation. Whether it’s a scissor lift, boom lift, or a bucket truck, any slip or loss of balance can lead to a dangerous fall.
• Tip-overs: These are another major concern, especially when construction workers use aerial lifts on uneven terrain. A boom or scissor lift can easily tip over if it’s not positioned correctly or if it’s overloaded, often leading to spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
• Electrocutions: Contact with an overhead power line is a serious risk for anyone working with aerial lifts. Electrocutions are common when a lift operator is unaware of nearby power lines or fails to maintain a safe distance. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Caught-in/between accidents: Workers can also be caught between the lift and another object, such as a wall or another piece of equipment. These accidents can cause broken bones and crushing injuries or even fatalities.
• Mechanical failures: Aerial lifts are very complex machines, and any mechanical failure can lead to an accident. So, it’s important to regularly inspect and fix these machines so they’re always in good working order.
• Falling objects: Objects falling from aerial lifts threaten not only the workers in the lift but also those on the ground. Even a small tool falling from a height can cause serious injury.

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Aerial Lift Accidents?

An aerial lift accident can cause many serious injuries and affect the lift operator and others on the construction site. Here are some of the most common injuries that might occur in these incidents:

• Broken bones and fractures: It’s common to experience a broken bone or fracture in boom or scissor lift accidents. The impact from a fall or being struck by a lift can easily result in fractures.
• Spinal cord injuries: A lift accident can cause severe spinal cord injuries, which may lead to long-term disability or even paralysis. These injuries often need serious medical treatments and rehabilitation.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): A fall or a blow to the head can result in traumatic brain injuries, which can have life-changing consequences.
• Internal injuries: When a worker gets crushed or falls, they may experience internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries are often life-threatening and need quick medical attention.

What Damages Can Aerial Lift Accident Victims Recover?

Victims of aerial lift accidents may be eligible to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Our firm regularly pursues damages such as:

• Medical expenses, including hospitalization and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and diminished future earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of normal life or mobility
• Long-term care or home modifications

What Is the Average Aerial Lift Accident Payout?

The average aerial lift accident payout is approximately $3.4 million, with a median of $1.6 million. Settlement values can range from $100,000 to over $19 million. Key factors that influence settlement amounts include:

• Whether the accident happened on active construction sites
• The extent of lost income and medical expenses
• Evidence of negligence or failure to provide proper training
• Involvement of multiple liable parties (e.g., contractors or equipment providers)

Example Aerial Lift Accident Cases

Jason, a 42-year-old construction supervisor, was using an aerial lift to trim trees when the lift suddenly tipped, throwing him to the ground. He suffered open fractures to both legs, repeated infections, and eventually required a below-knee amputation. Despite extensive surgery and rehabilitation, he became wheelchair-dependent and unable to return to work. The jury awarded over $9.7 million.

While working on a casino construction site, Timothy, a crane operator in his 40s, was crushed by a set of steel beams after an aerial lift struck a support structure, triggering a collapse. His right leg had to be amputated above the knee after 16 surgeries. The parties settled the case for $13 million.

Hugo, a 36-year-old painter, was using an aerial lift alone overnight on a large infrastructure job when he became pinned between the lift and a structure. He was later found unresponsive and died at the scene. The estate brought claims for unsafe work conditions and lack of supervision. A structured settlement totaling $5.05 million was reached.

Why You Need a Chicago Aerial Lift Accident Attorney

Aerial lift accidents often involve multiple layers of liability, from the general contractor and subcontractors to the property owner and equipment manufacturer. 

Navigating these cases without legal guidance can be overwhelming, especially when you’re facing medical treatment, missed work, and insurance companies looking to minimize payouts.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges construction workers face after a serious lift-related incident. Whether the accident occurred due to improper job site supervision, lack of training, or mechanical failure, we dig into every detail to hold the right parties accountable.

Our team is deeply familiar with the Cook County court system and Illinois construction safety laws. We work with experts in occupational safety, lift operations, and engineering to build strong, evidence-based claims. 

From gathering OSHA records to reconstructing what went wrong, we handle the legal side so you can focus on recovery. The sooner you involve our firm, the stronger your case will be, and the more likely you are to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

How Common Are Aerial Lift Accidents in Chicago?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), between January 2024 and February 2025, there were seven aerial lift accidents in the Chicago region, all of them fatal.

Where Do Aerial Lift Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

• The Loop and West Loop – High-rise maintenance and commercial renovation work often involves boom lifts and scissor lifts, especially for exterior façade repairs or signage installs.
• South Side (Pullman, Bronzeville) – Infrastructure upgrades and utility projects here frequently involve elevated work on traffic lights, power lines, and telecom towers.
• Near North and River North – With constant luxury development, these areas see frequent lift use on narrow, crowded job sites, increasing risk.
• O’Hare Industrial Corridor – Warehousing, airport maintenance, and logistics work often require aerial platforms, where safety lapses can lead to falls or ejections.
• Roadwork on I-90/I-94, Dan Ryan Expressway, and Lake Shore Drive – IDOT and private contractors regularly use bucket trucks and man lifts for lighting, signage, and bridge work.

What Laws Govern Aerial Lift Accident Claims in Chicago?

Aerial lift accident claims in Chicago are governed by a combination of city safety codes, Illinois state laws, and federal regulations.

Under Illinois law, injured workers may file for benefits under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/), but third-party suits are often necessary to recover full damages beyond medical bills and lost wages.

In Calloway v. Bovis Lend Lease, Inc., 2013 IL App (1st) 112746, the court reinforced that general contractors can be held liable for job site injuries if they retain control over safety or fail to enforce regulations, even when the injured worker is employed by a subcontractor.

OSHA regulates aerial lift use under 29 CFR 1926.453. Employers must ensure proper training, fall protection, and safe operating procedures on job sites. Violations of these rules frequently play a central role in aerial lift claims.

In addition to OSHA, aerial lift manufacturers and job site operators are expected to comply with ANSI MH29.1, which outlines safety standards for the design, maintenance, and operation of industrial scissor lifts. 

Chicago has specific safety ordinances that may apply to job site conditions, including Title 13, governing construction, scaffolding, and elevated work platforms. Violations of local safety codes can establish a pattern of negligence when pursuing a claim.

In Calloway v. Bovis Lend Lease, Inc., 2013 IL App (1st) 112746, the court reinforced that general contractors can be held liable for job site injuries if they retain control over safety or fail to enforce regulations, even when the injured worker is employed by a subcontractor.

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

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, in most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois. If the incident results in a wrongful death, the deceased’s family typically has two years from the date of death to file a claim under 740 ILCS 180/2.

For workers’ compensation claims, the injured worker must:

• Notify their employer within 45 days of the accident
• File a formal claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission within 3 years of the injury, or within 2 years of the last benefit payment, whichever is later

Who Is Legally Liable for Aerial Lift Accidents in Chicago?

Liability for accidents involving aerial lifts often extends beyond just the employer. Depending on the circumstances of your case, one or more of the following parties may be responsible:

• General contractors – for failing to maintain a safe job site
• Subcontractors – if their crew caused the hazard or operated the lift unsafely
• Property owners – for allowing unsafe conditions
• Equipment manufacturers or rental companies – if the aerial lift was defective or poorly maintained
• Utility companies – in electrocution cases involving unmarked or live lines

Common Defenses in Cases Involving Aerial Lift Accidents

Defendants in cases involving aerial lifts often use a few key defenses to avoid liability:

• Blaming the worker for misusing the equipment or ignoring safety procedures
• Claiming the lift was maintained properly and any failure was unforeseeable
• Arguing that another contractor or third party was responsible
• Stating the worker was covered only under workers’ compensation and cannot sue

Our legal team counters these defenses with clear evidence, such as safety violations, witness testimony, inspection records, and expert analysis. We focus on showing exactly how the accident occurred and why our client is entitled to compensation.

How to Strengthen Your Case in Chicago

To protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful claim:

• Report the incident immediately to your employer or site supervisor
• Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene — take photos of the lift, work area, and any visible hazards
• Get witness names and contact info
• Don’t sign anything from an insurance company without legal advice
• Call a personal injury lawyer experienced in lift-related construction accidents

How a Chicago Aerial Lift Accident Attorney Can Help

We will guide you through the legal process of recovering fair compensation. We will:

• Investigate the accident and determine who’s legally responsible
• Preserve evidence, including safety records and equipment logs
• Coordinate with medical experts to value your injuries and future care
• Handle all communication with insurers and opposing attorneys
• File a personal injury lawsuit if needed and represent you in court
• Work to recover full damages, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering

Take Legal Action Today

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we represent injured construction workers and their families with dedication, experience, and results. We offer a free consultation, and you’ll never pay a fee unless we win your case. Contact us to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Chicago today.

Specific Cases We Handle

• Bucket Truck Accident Lawyer
• Concrete Burn Injury Lawsuit
• Construction Site Fall Lawyer
• Crane Accident Lawyer
• Defective Product Wrongful Death Lawyer

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.