Chicago Scaffolding Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Maximum Compensation in Illinois Scaffolding Accident Cases

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago scaffold accident lawyer team represents injured workers across the city and throughout Illinois who have suffered life-changing injuries on construction sites. We understand how quickly a scaffolding accident can disrupt your ability to work and support your family. 

We are committed to holding construction companies and negligent parties accountable when safety measures are ignored. With a record of securing substantial financial compensation for scaffolding accident victims, we provide the experience, resources, and dedication needed to help you recover and move forward.

Scaffold Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago-Based Law Firm

Our law firm has decades of experience representing injured construction workers and families in scaffold accident cases across Chicago and Illinois. Our attorneys have successfully handled complex workers’ compensation claims, securing substantial financial compensation for clients in the construction industry.

$5,000,000 Wrongful Death Settlement – James, 42, died after falling from poorly maintained scaffolding while doing masonry work on a Lincoln Park apartment building. His family sued the construction company and property owner for safety violations and a lack of proper safety equipment. Our scaffold accident lawyers obtained $5,000,000 for their loss, future income replacement, and emotional distress.

$4,133,333 Settlement – Marcus, a union carpenter, fell over twenty feet from a loose scaffold board on a downtown Chicago high-rise project. He suffered a fractured pelvis and traumatic brain injuries. The construction company failed to inspect the scaffolding or follow safety measures. Our construction accident lawyers secured $4,133,333 for his medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.

$2,150,000 settlement – Robert, a tuckpointer, fell when a scaffold joint collapsed at a West Loop worksite. He sustained a torn rotator cuff, ending his trade career. The case revealed and OSHA noncompliance. Our scaffold accident lawyers recovered $2,150,000 for lost wages, medical bills, and lasting physical limitations.

What Makes Us the Best Chicago Scaffolding Accident Attorneys

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our top-rated Chicago scaffolding accident attorneys have recovered over $490 million for personal injury victims, including multi‑million‑dollar verdicts and settlements. Recognized by Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, we are known as one of the best law firms for construction accident cases in Illinois. 

Our team combines deep knowledge of scaffolding regulations, OSHA standards, and Illinois law with proven trial experience to help injured construction workers and families secure maximum compensation after construction site accidents.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents in Chicago?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that many scaffolding injuries occur because basic safety measures are ignored. Our Chicago scaffold accident lawyers have seen serious accidents caused by missing guardrails, lack of safety harnesses, and other failures in worker safety. 

Improper assembly or skipped inspections leave platforms unstable, while overloading them increases the risk of collapse. Working in high winds or severe weather can also lead to fall injuries. In some cases, defective scaffolding equipment supplied by construction contractors or companies contributes directly to accidents that leave injured workers facing long recoveries.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in Illinois Scaffolding Accidents?

Scaffold accidents involve a wide range of severe injuries that can change a worker’s life instantly. Falls often lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or spinal cord injuries that may result in partial or complete paralysis. Fractures and broken bones are common, as are internal organ injuries from the impact. Falling objects or collapsing structures can cause crush injuries, leaving lasting physical limitations. 

Sadly, some Chicago scaffold accident cases involve wrongful death, leaving families to face emotional distress and financial loss. We fight to help victims recover compensation for these life-altering injuries.

What Damages Can Scaffolding Accident Victims Recover in Illinois?

Scaffolding injury victims in Illinois may be entitled to different types of compensation, depending on how the accident happened and who is legally responsible.

Workers’ compensation benefits include:

• Payment for all medical treatment and rehabilitation, covering hospital bills, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing care.
• Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits pay wages when you cannot work at all during recovery.
• Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits provide partial wage replacement if you can work in a limited capacity.
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits compensate for lasting impairments that reduce your ability to work.
• Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits support workers who can no longer return to any employment.
• Vocational rehabilitation and retraining services help injured construction workers transition to new jobs.
• Death benefits offer financial support to surviving family members after a fatal accident.

When a negligent third-party—such as a property owner, equipment manufacturer, or subcontractor—caused the accident, victims may seek damages through a personal injury claim, including:

• Full lost wages and benefits, covering income not paid through workers’ comp.
• Pain and suffering, compensating for physical and emotional pain and suffering.
• Loss of enjoyment of life, addressing the impact of permanent limitations.
• Punitive damages penalize gross negligence or willful safety violations.
• Wrongful death damages, supporting families after a fatal scaffolding accident.

What Is the Average Scaffolding Accident Payout in Chicago?

According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, scaffolding accident payouts in Chicago range from $32,171 to $75,200,000. The median award is $1,228,594, while the average award is $4,147,611. Most cases are resolved in Cook County, Illinois, with many ending in settlement rather than trial.

The payout in a Chicago scaffold accident case depends on several key factors:

• Severity of the injuries, including whether they involve traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or wrongful death
• The ability of the injured worker to return to their previous trade or any form of employment
• Strength of liability evidence, such as proof that companies failed to follow scaffolding regulations or OSHA safety measures
• Availability of a third-party lawsuit against a negligent owner, scaffolding equipment manufacturer, or subcontractor
• Extent of financial losses, including medical expenses, lost income, and ongoing care needs

Example Scaffolding Injury Cases Filed in Cook County

$11.14 Million Ladder Collapse Verdict – Wheaton, Illinois

John Baugh, 64, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury when a defective Cuprum aluminum ladder collapsed while he cleaned gutters at his Wheaton home. The fall caused permanent quadriparesis, cognitive loss, and the need for 24-hour nursing care. His legal team proved the ladder’s defective design was the proximate cause of the accident, despite no eyewitnesses. The jury awarded $11,142,928.82 for past and future medical care, pain and suffering, and loss of normal life.

$3.75 Million Settlement – Trump Tower Scaffold Board Failure

Carlos Gomez, 27, an apprentice plumber, fell one floor at the Trump Tower construction site when a cracked scaffold-grade board broke beneath him. He sustained spinal, ankle, and shoulder injuries requiring surgery and lumbar fusion, leaving him with lasting mobility issues. OSHA and wood experts testified to safety practice violations. The case settled for $3.75 million shortly before trial, with a $1 million workers’ compensation lien waived.

$1.83 Million Reduced Verdict – Scaffold Fall at Chicago-Area Home Construction Site

Anthony Grillo, a stonemason/bricklayer, fell 12 feet from a scaffold lacking guardrails after it shifted on uneven ground. He suffered a burst L2 fracture, collarbone fracture, rib fractures, and chronic pain, ending his physical construction career. The jury found the construction company 64% liable and Grillo 36% liable, awarding $2,866,400, reduced to $1,834,496 after comparative fault.

Why You Need Our Chicago Scaffold Accident Lawyers

Employers, contractors, and their insurance companies often try to shift the blame to injured workers after a scaffold accident, claiming they ignored safety rules or caused their own injuries. This tactic can drastically reduce or even deny compensation. 

Our Chicago scaffold accident lawyers know how to counter these arguments with solid evidence. We work with construction safety experts to document OSHA violations, unsafe job site practices, and defective scaffolding or support equipment. 

In many cases, we’ve uncovered that faulty materials, improper assembly, or inadequate inspections—not the worker’s conduct—led to the fall. Our team also identifies third parties, such as equipment manufacturers or subcontractors, who share responsibility. 

By building strong liability cases, we’ve helped clients recover substantial settlements and verdicts that cover medical care, lost income, and long-term needs. If you’re facing blame after a scaffold accident, our proven experience can protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

How Common Are Scaffolding Construction Accidents in Illinois?

Scaffolding accidents continue to cause devastating losses in Illinois’ construction industry. OSHA records show that since the beginning of 2024, there have been four scaffold-related falls in Chicago alone—and every one of them was fatal.

Most of these incidents could have been prevented with proper safety equipment, secure guardrails, routine inspections, and compliance with OSHA scaffolding regulations.

Where Do Scaffolding Accidents Occur Most Often in Illinois?

In our experience handling cases across Illinois, many of the most serious scaffolding accidents happen right here in Chicago at major construction and renovation sites. Common locations include:

• Downtown Chicago high-rise construction projects, such as work along the LaSalle Street corridor, the Loop, and major developments near Michigan Avenue and River North.
• Residential and commercial renovations in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Hyde Park, where scaffolds are often set up along busy sidewalks.
• Industrial facilities in areas such as the South Deering, Pullman, and Little Village industrial corridors.
• Bridge and infrastructure projects along the Chicago River bridges (e.g., Wells Street Bridge, Lake Street Bridge) and major IDOT and CDOT projects near the Kennedy Expressway and Dan Ryan Expressway interchanges.

We also represent injured workers in other Illinois cities like Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, and Joliet, but Chicago remains the hub for the highest volume of scaffolding-related injury claims.

What Laws Govern Scaffolding Injury Claims in Chicago?

The Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation benefits to employees injured on the job, including those hurt in scaffolding accidents. Benefits may cover medical expenses, partial wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation without the need to prove employer negligence.

Under Illinois personal injury law, injured construction workers may file lawsuits against third parties whose negligence caused or contributed to a scaffolding accident. These claims can recover damages beyond workers’ comp limits.

When a scaffolding accident is fatal, the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) allows surviving family members to seek compensation for financial losses, loss of companionship, and emotional distress caused by the death. These claims can be filed alongside a workers’ compensation death benefit claim.

Chicago’s Municipal Code (14B-33-3323) sets detailed scaffolding safety regulations, including construction standards, inspection requirements, and safety equipment mandates. Violations can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in both personal injury cases and wrongful death lawsuits.

OSHA Standards & Scaffolding Safety Measures

OSHA’s scaffolding standards (29 CFR 1926.451) set clear requirements for the construction, use, and maintenance of scaffolds on worksites. These rules aim to protect construction workers from falls, falling objects, and structural failures.

Key safety measures include:

• Scaffolds must support at least four times the intended load without failure
• Guardrails, midrails, and toeboards must be installed on open sides and ends
• Workers on scaffolds over ten feet high must use fall protection systems such as safety harnesses or guardrail systems
• Scaffolds must be erected, moved, or dismantled under the supervision of a qualified person
• Platforms must be fully planked or decked to prevent slips or gaps
• Inspections must be conducted before each shift and after any incident that could affect scaffold integrity

Our Chicago scaffold accident lawyers frequently use OSHA violations as key evidence to prove negligence and strengthen a scaffolding accident claim.

How Long Do Victims Have to File a Legal Claim in Illinois?

In most scaffolding personal injury lawsuits, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Missing this deadline generally means losing the right to recover compensation from negligent parties.

Under 820 ILCS 305/6(d), injured workers typically have three years from the date of injury—or two years from the last workers’ compensation payment, whichever is later—to file a workers’ compensation claim. Prompt reporting to your employer is also required to protect your benefits.

Who Is Liable for Scaffolding Accidents in Chicago?

After a Chicago scaffold accident, determining who is responsible is essential for pursuing the right type of legal claim. Employers are generally required to provide workers’ compensation benefits to injured workers, covering medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. 

General contractors may be liable if they fail to implement proper safety measures or ignore the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s scaffolding regulations. Subcontractors responsible for scaffold assembly or safety inspections can face liability if their negligence leads to scaffold accidents. 

Scaffolding manufacturers may be held accountable for defective products that cause severe injuries or death. In certain situations, owners can also be liable if unsafe site conditions contributed to the accident. An experienced attorney can identify the negligent parties to help victims recover compensation through a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuits.

Common Defenses in Chicago Scaffolding Accident Cases

Defendants in scaffolding accident claims often argue that the worker failed to follow safety protocols, such as not wearing a harness. We counter this by showing whether safety equipment was provided, properly maintained, and mandated on-site. 

Another common defense is alleging the worker was improperly trained, yet failing to document or report that deficiency. We use training logs, witness statements, and OSHA records to prove inadequate instruction. 

Defendants also blame weather or unforeseeable hazards, claiming the accident was unavoidable. We review weather data, safety inspection reports, and construction schedules to demonstrate whether work should have been suspended. 

By gathering site photos, maintenance records, and expert testimony, our Chicago scaffold accident lawyers build a strong case against these defenses and focus on securing maximum compensation.

How to Strengthen Your Scaffolding Accident Claim in Chicago

If you were hurt in a Chicago scaffold accident, your actions in the hours and days after can make a big difference in your case. Always seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, to ensure proper treatment and documentation. Report the accident in writing to your employer to create an official record. 

If possible, take photos of the accident scene and the scaffold’s condition before it is altered. Gather contact information and statements from any witnesses. Most importantly, contact our scaffold accident lawyer before speaking with insurance adjusters to protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

How Our Chicago Scaffolding Accident Attorneys Can Help

Our top-rated Chicago scaffolding accident attorneys take a thorough approach to every case. We begin by investigating OSHA and safety compliance, reviewing inspection logs, scaffold assembly records, and any violations that may have contributed to the accident. We gather medical and accident reports to document the extent of scaffolding injuries and link them directly to the incident. 

Our team handles every step of the workers’ compensation claim process, including appeals if benefits are delayed or denied. When evidence points to a negligent third party—such as a contractor, subcontractor, or scaffolding manufacturer—we pursue personal injury lawsuits to seek compensation beyond workers’ comp limits. 

By combining legal experience with a deep understanding of construction industry safety measures, we help workers and their families secure the financial compensation they deserve.

FAQs

How much does a Chicago scaffolding accident attorney cost?

Our Chicago scaffolding accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. We only receive payment if we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor. This allows workers and their families to access quality legal representation without worrying about hourly rates or retainer fees.

Can I sue if my scaffolding accident was caused by defective equipment?

Yes. If defective scaffolding, safety equipment, or related components caused your accident, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor. Our Chicago scaffold accident lawyers will work with engineering experts to prove the defect and hold the negligent party accountable.

Can I file a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party lawsuit at the same time?

Yes. Under Illinois law, injured employees can receive workers’ compensation benefits from their employer and also file a third-party lawsuit against another negligent party, such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer.

What if I was partly at fault for my scaffolding accident?

Under Illinois’ comparative negligence law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), you can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your total recovery will be reduced by that amount. Our Chicago scaffold accident lawyers will work to minimize any fault assigned to you.

Book a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered scaffolding injuries in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, our Chicago scaffold accident lawyers are ready to help. Our law firm represents workers and families statewide, holding negligent parties and construction companies accountable. 

Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney. We are here to protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

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.