Chicago Ladder Fall Injury Lawyer

Helping Ladder Slip and Fall Victims in Chicago Recover the Compensation They Deserve

Although ladders can be helpful in reaching heights for various projects, they can also be dangerous. Often, falls off ladders occur due to someone else’s negligence, whether it is a contractor, manufacturer, or resident. If you get hurt falling from a ladder in Chicago, a ladder fall injury lawyer from Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers can help you recover compensation for legal damages. 

Ladder Fall Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

Our law firm has settled many cases that involved a fall from a ladder. Here are some past recoveries for our clients:

• $7.3 million – During a soffit repair project in Lincoln Park, Mark fell 30 feet when a faulty extension ladder collapsed. He suffered life-threatening internal injuries, and the ladder’s proven manufacturing defect played a major role in the case’s value.
• $7.2 million – While installing cable at a warehouse construction site in Goose Island, Jeffrey, a union electrician, fell from an unsecured ladder and suffered serious spinal and pelvic injuries. The lack of fall protection and documented OSHA violations significantly increased the case value.
• $4.9 million – Anthony, an electrician, was injured while installing ceiling lights in a River North office when a defective ladder—supplied by the building owner—collapsed. Evidence of prior complaints about the ladder and his permanent shoulder injury influenced the high payout.
• $4.4 million – Jerome, a drywall installer, fell from a ladder on a South Loop jobsite, resulting in a traumatic brain injury and permanent shoulder damage. Testimony about worn equipment and poor safety oversight was central to the settlement.

Why Choose Us for Your Ladder Fall Case in Chicago

Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers has handled numerous work-related and third-party injury cases involving falls off ladders. Some of these claims involved construction companies, contractors, property owners, and product manufacturers. Our top-rated firm has a five-star rating from AVVO and an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau. 

What Causes Falls Off Ladders?

A fall from a ladder could be caused by numerous circumstances, including:

• Using the wrong type or size of ladder for a project
• Defective or damaged ladder components, such as a faulty locking mechanism
• A failure to follow OSHA guidelines on a work site
• Slippery surface or uneven flooring under the ladder
• Poor ladder angle
• Lack of supervision, spotters, or proper training
• Ladders placed in high-traffic areas
• Ladders placed near edges

What Are Common Injuries Sustained When Falling Off a Ladder?

A fall from a ladder can cause serious injuries, such as:

• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Skull fractures
• Broken bones (arms, legs, ankles, wrists)
• Internal organ damage
• Dislocated shoulders
• Internal bleeding
• Death

What Damages Can Victims Recover in Illinois?

The purpose of a personal injury lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim is to recover damages caused by your injuries. The two types of losses are economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include lost wages, medical bills, future medical expenses, and property damage. Non-economic damages include emotional distress, PTSD, physical pain and suffering, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

In the event of a fatal fall, surviving family members can seek wrongful death compensation. 

What Is the Average Ladder Fall Payout in Chicago?

Per Law.com, the average settlement for a fall from a ladder in Chicago is $2.83 million. The median settlement is $1.15 million, which means half of all settlements are less than this amount. The size of the payout is determined by the extent of the injuries, the legal damages suffered, the policy limits, and the available evidence. 

Example Cases Filed in Cook County

John was using a Cuprum ladder to clean and repair his gutters in 2006 when the ladder buckled underneath him. His wife sued the ladder manufacturer for negligence and a defective design. After a lengthy trial process, the jury ruled in John’s favor, and he was awarded $11.143 million for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of normal life. 

Patrycja was visiting a friend’s apartment in 2011 when she attempted to climb a wooden ladder on the rear porch, which she believed led to the roof. After noticing missing rungs, she tried to descend, but one of the rungs snapped and she fell 30 feet to the ground. Patrycja died from blunt force trauma to the head. Her family sued the apartment owners for failing to remove and warn of a dangerous condition. They were awarded $6.65 million.

Why You Need a Chicago Ladder Fall Accident Lawyer

Ladder fall cases can be complex for several reasons. First, several parties may share fault, such as the employer, property owner, or manufacturer. Workers’ compensation can limit some recoveries. Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration violations will require expert documentation.

Our law firm can navigate workers’ compensation, product liability actions, and litigations in the Cook County Circuit Court. 

How Common Are Ladder Fall Injuries in Chicago?

Since 2020, there have been 160 ladder-related incident reports in the OSHA Chicago region office. Of them, 74 resulted in fatalities. Many of these ladder incidents occurred on construction sites. 

Where Do Ladder Falls Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Here are some common locations where a ladder accident may occur in Chicago:

• Residential roofing or painting projects in Lincoln Park and Humboldt Park
• Commercial HVAC or lighting projects in the Loop
• Warehouse maintenance on the South Side
• Retail store and restaurant renovations along North Avenue
• Facility management tasks at schools, churches, and parking garages

What Laws Govern Ladder Accident Claims in Chicago?

When a ladder fall occurs, multiple Illinois laws and federal regulations may play a role in your claim. State law 740 ILCS 130/, or the Premises Liability Act, requires property owners to take reasonable care to prevent injuries to guests. The Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) requires companies to provide insurance for an injured worker. 

Ladders must be used in accordance with OSHA Standard 1910.23 on work sites to adhere to safety requirements. 

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

Injured parties have two years to seek compensation for legal damages suffered outside a work setting (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Workers’ compensation claims typically have shorter deadlines, and incidents involving government defendants also have more protections and shorter timelines for legal action. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for Accidents Involving Ladders?

• General contractor or subcontractor
• A property owner who fails to create a safe environment
• An equipment rental company that fails to maintain safety equipment
• Ladder manufacturer for creating a defective product
• Maintenance or safety personnel who do not take precautions
• Third-party vendors who behave recklessly on a job site

Common Defenses in Ladder Fall Injury Cases in Chicago

The defendant’s lawyers will attempt to undermine your case with several defenses. These may include arguing that you used the ladder improperly, didn’t follow safety procedures, or that you are covered solely by workers’ compensation. 

In response, we can provide expert testimony on ladder safety violations, OSHA compliance documentation, and equipment inspection records to demonstrate negligence. 

How to Build a Strong Ladder Fall Injury Claim in Chicago

Taking the right actions after a fall is essential to build a strong slip and fall claim. Here is what you must do immediately after the fall, if possible:

• Report the fall to the property owner or project manager
• Seek immediate medical treatment
• Document the height of the fall and the ladder condition
• Take pictures of the accident scene and preserve the state of the ladder
• Record the names of witnesses
• Request incident reports from the employer or OSHA
• Consult an expert attorney 

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Your personal injury lawyer will play a vital role in pursuing lost wages, medical treatment expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other legal damages. We will investigate the job site, analyze safety conditions, assist with filing third-party negligence claims, handle workers’ compensation cases, retain OSHA experts, and negotiate with insurers to secure maximum compensation. 

FAQs

How much does a ladder fall injury attorney cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win. 

Can I sue my employer for a ladder fall at work?

Usually, you’re limited to workers’ compensation. However, we investigate whether third parties (contractors, manufacturers, property owners) may also be liable for a larger settlement.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?

Under state law 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, injured victims must be no more than 50% responsible for the incidents to seek compensation for lost wages, emotional suffering, and other damages. 

Consult a Chicago Ladder Accident Attorney Near You! 

A personal injury lawyer from our firm is ready to assist with your ladder accident case. Whether injuries sustained from the fall resulted in lost wages or a prolonged physical recovery, our team will fight for maximum compensation in Chicago. Contact Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation.