Chicago Roof Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer

Maximum Compensation for Workers Injured in Roofing Accidents

A roof slip and fall lawyer is essential for resolving workers’ compensation claims in a timely manner. Our team can thoroughly investigate these unique slip-and-fall injuries, such as might happen while working in a Greektownconstruction site or installing a new roof in an Andersonville condominium. Contact us today for a free consultation about your legal rights. 

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Roof Accident Lawyers

• $2,600,000: Jesus fell and seriously injured his knee while working on a construction site. This settlement covered his surgeries and other medical expenses while recuperating.
• $1,000,000: Our client, John, fractured his hand and wrist when he lost his balance, requiring extended time off work. 
• $710,868: Christy was injured by construction debris at her worksite, and this settlement paid for her lost wages and medical needs. 

Why Hire Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers

A skilled personal injury attorney is crucial for securing fair compensation, as they can determine liability and aggressively negotiate with the negligent parties. We are the best personal injury law firm in Chicago, thanks to our Super Lawyers rating and 10/10 AVVO score.

Over the past 25 years, we have secured $490 million in settlements and verdicts across 5,000 successful cases. We’re ready to ensure that companies, property owners, and contractors fulfill their legal obligations to workers while protecting clients from underhanded negotiation tactics. 

What Causes Roof Fall Accidents?

Roof Collapse: The Chicago Municipal Code requires that roofs be replaced if necessary repairs constitute over 25% of the surface area (14R-3-306). As this is quite expensive, some commercial or residential property owners will refuse to pay, leading to dangerous conditions. 

Defective Equipment: Broken ladders and defective aerial lifts pose a serious hazard, especially when working on skyscrapers like Willis Tower. 

Unsafe Work Practices: Roofing Contractor notes that the leading cause of pitched roof falls is hazardous roof access. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration outlines the safety measures that workers and companies should implement, including the use of sturdy ladders and the installation of railings. 

Weather Conditions: Icy roofs can be fatal for workers. For example, if a windstorm blows down a roof along Lake Shore Drive in the winter, workers may suffer serious fall injuries while trying to keep their balance. Snow removal can also be highly hazardous, especially on flat commercial roofs.

Slips and Trips: Even if companies address safety concerns, workers may still slip and fall, resulting in severe injuries. 

What Are Common Roof Fall Injuries?

Roof fall injuries can result in permanent disabilities or even death, as workers often fall from a great height. Common injuries include:

• Sprains and strains
• Broken bones and fractures
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Crush injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Amputations

Who Can Be Held Liable for Roof Falls in Chicago, IL?

Our legal team will seek compensation from any liable parties, whether the accident happened on commercial or residential property. This can include these potential defendants.

Companies: If the injured party is an employee of the construction company, they can make a workers’ compensation claim, even if they were at fault.

Individual Workers: A coworker may have directly contributed to your accident, and we can hold them accountable through personal injury claims. 

Property Owners: Homeowners and business owners are required to provide a safe environment for all workers. If the property owner knew of potential hazards but did not remedy them according to OSHA standards, they can be liable. 

Maintenance Companies: Proper maintenance is crucial for protecting workers and preventing roof collapses. Roof contractors and maintenance companies can be liable if their product fails.

Manufacturers: In some cases, roof fall injuries are due to defective equipment or roofing materials. We can hold these companies liable.

What Laws Govern Roof Slip and Fall Claims in Illinois?

A variety of laws determine what kind of claim you can make depending on the circumstances. By securing legal assistance, you can ensure that you have a strong argument based on local, state, and federal law.

Work Safety Measures: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires adequate fall protection measures, such as personal fall arrest systems and nets (1926.501). 

Workers’ Compensation Act: Companies are required to have workers’ compensation insurance that will pay for an injured worker’s medical expenses and a portion of their lost income while they are out of work (820 ILCS 305).

Premises Liability Act: If you were injured on someone else’s property, you can make a claim against their insurance for failing to provide a safe environment (740 ILCS 130). According to the Illinois Supreme Court Cope v. Doe, you cannot hold owners liable for open and obvious hazards.

Roof Safety Measures: The City of Chicago requires that construction sites be maintained in a neat and orderly manner to prevent accidents (14B-33-3324). They also must remove roofing refuse in a safe manner, such as lowering it to ground level in a bucket (7-28-500). Companies can be held liable if they fail to keep their worksites clean. 

Illinois uses modified comparative negligence for civil cases. In such cases, you can claim damages if you were not more than 50% responsible, but your percentage of liability will reduce your compensation. For example, if you fell off a roof in Pilsen and were found to be 10% responsible for the accident, then you will get 10% less. 

What Damages Can Victims of Roof Fall Injuries Recover?

The damages you receive depend on what type of claim you are making. A workers’ compensation case will cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost income. It does not provide for non-economic damages, but it is a no-fault system, meaning that you can make a claim even if you were primarily at fault. 

In contrast, a personal injury suit can cover expenses like property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These cases can provide higher settlements than workers’ compensation, but they also require proving negligence. 

The Illinois Wrongful Death Act allows grieving families to pursue damages such as medical costs before death, funeral and burial expenses, and grief (740 ILCS 180).

Lost Wages

Under workers’ compensation, you can receive 66.66% of your lost wages, up to the Statewide Average Weekly Wage(SAWW). This maximum wage is recalculated every six months by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. How much you receive for lost income in a civil suit depends on negotiation, though insurance companies may use the Statewide Average Weekly Wage as well. 

What Is the Average Payout for a Roof Fall Accident in Illinois?

The average payout for a roof accident is $4,964,727. However, your specific compensation will depend on factors like your overall economic damages, the severity of your injuries, how much time it took you to recover, and insurance policies. Working with an attorney gives you the best possible chance of maximum compensation, as we can use evidence to demonstrate why you deserve more. 

Example Cases Filed in Cook County

Jeffrey Mueller was working his first day as a window washer, cleaning the Centegra Specialty Hospital in Woodstock. He slipped off the roof and fell 30 feet, breaking his back and fracturing his pelvis. He was in the hospital for two months and was awarded $2,500,000.00 through a settlement.

In another case, Henry Chung fell through a roof opening at 4710 W. Montrose Avenue in Chicago, falling 20 feet onto a concrete floor. He suffered a brain bleed and fractured vertebrae that required stabilizing hardware. A jury awarded him $1,010,000.00.

How to Strengthen Your Roof Fall Injury Case in Chicago

Your actions immediately after an accident can significantly impact the compensation you receive. Follow these steps as soon as possible.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Go to the nearest emergency room, such as Northwestern Memorial Hospital, for a comprehensive examination. These medical records can be used to prove liability, and they also ensure that you do not have serious injuries like a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage. 

Report the Accident: Inform your supervisor about your accident within 45 days. Otherwise, you cannot make a workers’ comp claim. While the law allows you to make a verbal report, you should get it in writing. 

Document the Scene: To prove inadequate safety measures, take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. This can include items such as roofing debris, broken ladders, missing guardrails, or a lack of fall protection equipment. 

Gather Evidence: Collect medical records, bills, pay stubs, and witness testimony that your attorneys can use to thoroughly investigate the accident. You should also keep your shoes and clothing to prove that they did not contribute to your fall. 

Document Your Recovery: Keep track of all your medical treatments. Consider keeping a diary of your recovery, such as your daily pain levels and what symptoms you experience. If you have not been able to perform daily tasks, take photos or videos of this. 

Don’t Share to Social Media or Talk to Third Parties: If your social media profiles are publicly available, insurance companies can use your posts to discredit you. Do not post about your recovery or treatments, and do not speak to acquaintances about what happened. 

Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies: The insurance company will attempt to discredit your claim by using anything you say against you. Allow your lawyers to handle all communication with third parties, including your employer and insurance agents. 

Contact an Experienced Roof Injury Lawyer: Contact us to learn whether you have a viable case. We’ll guide you through the claims process and protect your legal rights. 

How Long Do I Have to Seek Compensation for a Roof Fall in Illinois?

If you are filing a lawsuit, you have two years after the date of injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Workers’ comp allows you to make a claim within three years of the accident or two years after your last compensation from the employer (820 ILCS 305/6).

How Our Chicago Roof Fall Injury Attorneys Can Help

Our attorneys will guide you through the entire legal process, starting with your initial consultation. Our services include the following tasks.

Consultation: We will determine whether you have a viable case and identify the potentially liable parties. We’ll also help you decide whether to file a workers’ comp claim or civil lawsuit.

Case Evaluation: Using the information you provide, we’ll identify a fair sum to demand through a settlement or lawsuit. This sum is determined based on your medical costs, lost income, and how the accident has impacted your life. 

Investigation: We’ll use surveillance footage, medical records, witness statements, photos of the accident scene, doctor’s notes, and expert witness testimony to fully understand how the accident happened and who may be to blame.

Negotiation: Our team will submit a demand letter to the insurance company. We’ll aggressively counter any deceptive insurance tactics and push for the highest possible compensation.

Trial Representation: Many cases settle before trial, but it’s sometimes necessary to file a lawsuit and go to court. We’ll communicate with third parties, file motions, attend hearings, and share your story with a judge and jury. 

How Common Are Roof Fall Accidents in Chicago?

OSHA has separated Chicago into two divisions: the Chicago North Area and the Chicago South Area, which cover the entire city and its surrounding communities. In the Chicago North Area, there were six roofing accidents between 2020 and 2024, three of which resulted in fatalities. During the same time period, two fatal accidents occurred in the Chicago South Area. 

FAQs

Can I sue the homeowner for a roof fall?

In many cases, you can sue a homeowner if you fall off their roof while working. This is covered by the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/2), which requires that you be an invitee or licensee who was tasked with fixing the roof.

How can slips and falls off roofs be prevented?

To prevent roof falls, ensure that OSHA-compliant safety measures are in place, such as fall protection systems and nets. Do not work in slippery or icy conditions. Communicate clearly with coworkers and secure your tools. 

How much does a Chicago roof fall lawyer cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis, so our attorney’s fees are deducted from your overall settlement. You do not have to pay anything out of pocket for our work. 

Consult an Experienced Lawyer Near You!

Our top-rated attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf. We have a 98% success rate and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, demonstrating our fierce commitment to workers’ rights. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation about your roof fall accident.