Chicago Scaffolding Accident Attorney

Representing the Victims of Scaffolding, Crane, Hoist, Forklift, and Ladder Accidents throughout Illinois

Scaffolds, cranes, hoists, forklifts, and ladders are all common and essential pieces of equipment industry. But like all heavy machinery, they can be dangerous, especially when they are not properly maintained or used correctly, and serious accidents can occur as a result.

At Cogan & Power, P.C., our Chicago scaffolding accident attorneys represent the victims of construction accidents, including those involving scaffolds, cranes, hoists, forklifts, and ladders, obtain the financial recovery that they deserve. We have obtained a number of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of construction accident victims, including a nearly $7 million settlement for a 61-year-old man who lost his lower leg in a construction zone accident.

If you or a loved one has been in a scaffolding accident or other construction equipment accident, schedule a free consultation to discuss a possible legal claim for your construction accident injuries.

Scaffolding Accidents

Scaffolds are temporary platforms that allow construction workers to reach heights that are ordinarily out of reach. Scaffolding accidents can occur for a number of reasons, including:

• Improper use of scaffold
• Improper installation of the scaffold
• Jumping on scaffold
• Defective scaffold components
• Improper construction of scaffold

According to the Department of Labor, many scaffolding accidents are preventable. In fact, the Department of Labor estimates that proper protection and compliance with OSHA standards would prevent 4,500 injuries and 50 deaths every year.

Crane and Hoist Accidents

Cranes and hoists are pieces of equipment used to lift heavy loads on a construction site. According to OSHA, there are approximately 125,000 cranes in operation in the construction industry, along with an additional 80,000-100,000 in general and maritime industries, and more than 250,000 crane operators are at risk of serious and often fatal injury due to accidents involving cranes, derricks, hoists, and hoisting accessories.

OSHA reports that the most common causes of crane accidents are:

• Boom or crane contact with energized power lines (nearly 45% of the cases)
• Under the hook lifting device
• Overturned cranes
• Dropped loads
• Boom collapse
• Crushing by the counter weight
• Outrigger use
• Falls
• Rigging failures

In some cases, crane accidents can happen because the crane is not properly maintained or isn’t inspected regularly to ensure safe operation.

Forklift Accidents

Forklifts are construction vehicles frequently used in construction worksites, as well as factories, warehouses, and other industrial settings. Each year, nearly 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift-related incidents in the

U.S. Some of the most common forklift accidents include:

• Forklift overturns
• Falling loads
• Forklifts inadvertently driven off loading docks
• Lifts falling between the loading dock and an unsecured trailer
• Collisions with pedestrians or other forklifts
• Forklift operators falling while on elevated pallets and tines

Ladder Accidents

Ladders are one of the most common pieces of equipment on construction sites. Their widespread use does not mean that they are always safe, however. Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, and many falls occur from ladders. Some of the most common causes of ladder accidents include:

• Failing to use the right ladder for the job
• Failing to properly secure the ladder
• Carrying tools or materials when climbing the ladder

Liability for Injuries Incurred in Scaffolding, Crane, Hoist, Forklift, and Ladder Accidents

At Cogan & Power, our Chicago construction lawyers are dedicated to helping persons injured in construction equipment accidents obtain the compensation that they deserve. We take a collaborative, compassionate approach to legal representation. Not only do we advise our clients of their legal rights and assist them with their legal claims, but we also help them manage any employment-related consequences of the accident and invest ourselves in their comprehensive recovery and overall well-being.

We understand that it is often difficult for injured clients to travel, so we frequently meet with clients in their homes, and each client has a one-on-one relationship and direct communication with the partner handling the case. Because we take cases on a contingency basis, you will not pay any fee unless we get you compensation.

If you or a loved one was injured in a scaffolding accident or other construction equipment accident, contact our office at (312) 477-2500 to schedule a free consultation to discuss a possible legal claim for scaffolding or construction equipment accident injuries.