Chicago Scaffolding Accident Lawyers
Scaffolding accidents can take you off the job for weeks, months, or permanently. One fall or collapse can leave you dealing with serious medical issues, lost income, and a lot of unanswered questions about what comes next.
If you were hurt in a scaffolding accident in Chicago, you do not have to figure it out on your own. Workers’ compensation may cover part of your losses, but in many cases there are other companies responsible. That is where additional compensation can come from.
At Ankin Law, we represent injured construction workers across Chicago who were hurt in falls, scaffold collapses, and other elevated job site accidents. We have handled cases involving unsafe setups, missing fall protection, falling materials, and defective equipment. We know how quickly these cases turn into disputes with employers and insurance companies.
Insurance companies move fast to limit what they pay. The sooner you have someone protecting your side, the better.
“We see what these accidents do to people. The injuries, the missed paychecks, the pressure from insurance companies. Our job is to step in, handle the legal fight, and make sure our clients are not left dealing with the financial fallout on their own.”
Our attorneys are available 24/7, offer free consultations, and can even meet with you if you are unable to travel after your accident. Call 312-600-0000 today to speak with an experienced Chicago scaffolding accident lawyer.
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Why Hire Our Scaffolding Accident Attorneys?
Hiring a scaffolding accident attorney helps protect your right to full compensation and prevents insurance companies or contractors from taking advantage of your situation.
Scaffolding accident cases are rarely straightforward. Multiple contractors may be involved, safety rules are often ignored, and insurance companies look for any reason to deny or reduce claims.
That is where having the right legal team matters.
At Ankin Law, we have spent decades representing injured workers in Chicago. We understand how these accidents happen, how responsibility gets shifted between companies, and how to build cases that hold the right parties accountable.
When you work with us, here is what that means for you:
We Know Where to Look for Liability
Scaffolding accidents are often caused by more than one mistake, including improper assembly, missing guardrails, defective equipment, or unsafe job site practices. We investigate the full picture to identify every responsible party, not just the most obvious one.
We Handle the Insurance Companies
After an accident, insurance companies start building their defense immediately. They may question how the accident happened or try to minimize your injuries. We deal with them directly so you do not have to, and we push back when they try to underpay or deny valid claims.
We Build Cases That Hold Up Against Scrutiny
These cases often require more than a basic report. We work with medical providers, investigators, and industry professionals when needed to document what happened and how your injuries affect your ability to work.
We Are Prepared to Take It Further
Some cases settle. Others do not. If a fair resolution is not offered, we are prepared to take the case further and fight for the compensation you are entitled to under Illinois workers’ compensation and personal injury laws.
You Focus on Recovery. We’ll Get You Through This
We handle the legal process, the paperwork, and the pressure from insurers and other parties, so our clients can focus on getting better and returning to their lives.
Results matter after a serious injury. Our attorneys have helped injured workers across Illinois recover substantial compensation after serious accidents, including construction and scaffolding injury cases.
Why Injured Chicagoans Trust Ankin Law
Injured people in Chicago trust Ankin Law because we have decades of experience representing the members of our community in accident cases.
Our attorneys are your neighbors. Our children attend the same schools and activities, we eat at the same restaurants, and we shop at the same places you do. Through donations and volunteer opportunities, we stay committed to the communities we serve. Through our legal knowledge, skill, and dedication to our clients, we make a difference in the lives of injured victims just like you.
From the moment you make contact with our law firm, you’ll notice the Ankin Law difference. We understand the financial pressure, physical pain, and uncertainty that often follow a serious scaffolding accident, and we know how important it is for injured workers to get answers quickly.
When you hire our firm, we start by reviewing how the scaffolding accident happened, the injuries you suffered, and what legal options may be available. Depending on the circumstances, that may include a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party personal injury claim, or both.
Our legal team gathers medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other evidence connected to the construction accident. We also handle communication with insurance companies and opposing parties, so our clients are not left dealing with the process alone.
From your initial consultation through the resolution of your case, you will have direct access to your legal team and regular updates about the status of your claim.
That’s Injury Law Made Personal. That’s Ankin Law.
Are You Eligible to File a Personal Injury Claim for Your Scaffolding Accident Injuries?
If you suffered injuries in a scaffolding accident while you were at work, the workers’ compensation system may not be your only source of recovery. While you generally cannot sue your employer for workplace accidents, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against other negligence parties. For instance, if the scaffolding was not designed or manufactured correctly, you might have a lawsuit against the product manufacturer. If another contractor or subcontractor was negligent, you can recover compensation from that party too.
PRO TIP: Evidence That May Help Support a Scaffolding Accident Claim
- Photographs of the scaffolding, safety harnesses, or construction site conditions
- Incident reports completed after the accident
- Witness statements from coworkers or subcontractors
- OSHA safety violations or prior complaints involving the worksite
- Medical records connecting your injuries to the scaffolding accident
- Information about defective scaffolding equipment or missing fall protection
Preserving evidence after a scaffolding accident may help strengthen your workers’ compensation claim or third-party construction accident case.
Common Injuries Caused by Scaffolding Accidents
Scaffolding accidents can cause severe injuries that require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work. Construction workers who fall from elevated scaffolding or are struck by falling objects may suffer catastrophic injuries.
Falls from scaffolding can lead to serious head trauma, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries may cause long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional complications.
Scaffolding accidents frequently cause fractures involving the arms, legs, ribs, hips, and other parts of the body. Severe fractures may require surgery and lengthy recovery periods.
Workers may suffer crush injuries if scaffolding collapses or heavy construction materials fall from elevated work areas. These injuries can lead to permanent damage to muscles, nerves, or internal organs.
The physical impact of a scaffolding fall may cause serious neck injuries, herniated discs, or chronic back pain that interferes with a worker’s ability to return to construction work.
The force of a scaffolding collapse or fall can cause serious internal injuries, including internal bleeding and damage to organs. These injuries may not be immediately visible after the accident, which is why injured construction workers should seek prompt medical attention following any scaffolding-related incident.
Construction accidents involving falls from heights may result in spinal cord damage, partial paralysis, or permanent mobility limitations. Workers who suffer spinal injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim After a Scaffolding Accident
If you suffered injuries in a scaffolding accident while working in Illinois, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of whether your employer was negligent. Workers’ compensation benefits may help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term disability resulting from a workplace accident.
To recover workers’ compensation benefits, injured employees generally must show that the scaffolding accident occurred during the course of employment and was related to their job duties. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may qualify for several types of workers’ compensation benefits, including:
Temporary Partial Disability
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits may be available if your injuries temporarily limit your ability to work, but you are still able to perform modified or light-duty job responsibilities. These benefits may help compensate for the difference between your regular earnings and your reduced wages while you recover.
Temporary Total Disability
If your scaffolding accident injuries prevent you from working temporarily, you may qualify for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. Eligible workers generally receive a portion of their average weekly wages until they recover sufficiently to return to work.
Permanent Partial Disability
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits may be available if your workplace accident caused permanent impairment involving a body part or bodily function. The amount of compensation available often depends on factors such as medical evaluations, the severity of the impairment, and how the injury affects your ability to work.
Permanent Total Disability
Workers who suffer catastrophic injuries that permanently prevent them from returning to work may qualify for Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits. These benefits may provide long-term financial support after a serious scaffolding accident.
Compensation for Medical Treatment
Workers’ compensation benefits may also cover necessary medical treatment related to the scaffolding accident. This may include emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, and other healthcare expenses associated with your injuries.
If your loved one died in a scaffolding accident, surviving family members may also qualify for workers’ compensation death benefits. Speaking with a scaffolding accident lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights and available benefits.
What Happens if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
A denied workers’ compensation claim does not necessarily mean you are unable to recover benefits after a scaffolding accident. Insurance companies may deny claims because of missed deadlines, disputes about how the accident occurred, or insufficient medical evidence connecting the injuries to your work duties.
In some cases, employers or insurance companies may argue that the accident happened outside of work or that the injuries were caused by a pre-existing condition. Claims may also be challenged if workers delay reporting the accident or fail to follow medical treatment recommendations.
A scaffolding accident lawyer can review the denial, gather additional evidence, communicate with the insurance company, and represent you throughout the appeals process. Acting quickly after a denial may help protect your right to recover benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scaffolding Accident Cases
What Causes Most Scaffolding Accidents?
Scaffolding accidents happen for various reasons, but some factors raise the risk for workers. The most common causes of scaffolding accidents in Illinois include defective scaffolding, inadequate maintenance, improper set-up, and inadequate training.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Scaffolding Accident Claim?
You aren’t required to hire a lawyer for a scaffolding accident claim, but doing so increases your chances of obtaining a successful outcome. Illinois accident lawyers can leverage their experience, skill, and resources to ensure your claim is successful, and your recovery is maximized.
Can Workers’ Compensation Claims & Personal Injury Lawsuits Be Filed At The Same Time?
You generally cannot sue your employer directly after a scaffolding accident, unless the company fails to provide workers’ compensation insurance. However, if another party’s negligence contributed to the accident, you can file a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit simultaneously.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Brien at Ankin Law handled my workers’ comp case and he did such a great job! I would recommend Ankin Law to anyone looking for help with their case!
Helpful Resources From Our Scaffolding Accident Lawyers
Scaffolding accidents often involve serious injuries, construction site hazards, and disputes involving workers’ compensation or third-party liability. The following resources provide additional information that may help injured construction workers better understand their legal rights and options after a workplace accident.
Construction accidents may involve multiple parties, including contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and third-party vendors. Determining fault often requires reviewing construction site conditions, safety procedures, witness statements, and OSHA violations related to the accident.
Falls remain one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities on construction sites throughout Illinois. Unsafe scaffolding, missing fall protection equipment, unstable surfaces, and inadequate safety procedures may all contribute to workplace fall accidents.
Construction workers face daily exposure to hazardous conditions, including elevated work areas, heavy equipment, falling objects, and defective machinery. Understanding common construction site dangers may help workers recognize unsafe conditions and protect their legal rights after an accident.
Call a Scaffolding Accident Lawyer
A serious scaffolding accident can leave you facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about your future. Whether you are pursuing workers’ compensation benefits or exploring a third-party construction accident claim, having experienced legal representation can help protect your rights throughout the recovery process.
At Ankin Law, our attorneys represent injured construction workers throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas after serious scaffolding accidents. We can investigate the accident, handle communications with insurance companies, and work to recover the compensation and benefits available in your case.
Call (312) 600-0000 today for a free consultation with an experienced Chicago scaffolding accident lawyer.