Construction Site Electrocution Injuries

 Posted on April 04, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Recently, a North Lawndale construction accident resulted in the death of one construction worker and injuries to another. The construction workers came into contact with an electrical current at a West Side construction site. ComEd crews worked to secure the area for more than seven hours after the incident occurred. It appears that the two workers were on a crane, working close to several power lines.

The site where the two construction workers were working at the time of the accident is a planned affordable housing development. The employer of the two workers was unknown at the time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 percent of the 5,190 fatal work injuries that occurred in the U.S. in 2021 were in the construction industry.

There are four common construction injuries, known as the "fatal four," that are the leading causes of death. Falls, electrocutions, caught in or between equipment, and struck by an object make up the fatal four. Electrocution was responsible for about 8 percent of construction worker deaths in 2021, caused by lightning strikes, poorly maintained power tools and cords, contact with overhead power lines, and energized conductors or circuit parts.  

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or death on a construction site due to employer negligence, you may have a valid personal injury claim. It is beneficial to speak to a knowledgeable Joliet, IL personal injury attorney to determine whether you should file a claim against the negligent party that caused your injuries.

What About Workers’ Compensation?

While workers’ compensation may cover your medical expenses and certain other benefits, if a third party, such as a motor vehicle driver, contractor, property owner, company, or another party, causes your construction site injury, that party may be liable for your damages.

A personal injury claim filed against a third party will enable you to recover additional compensation, including non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Depending on the circumstances of your construction site accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim in addition to, or instead of, a workers' compensation claim.

Laws That Protect Illinois Construction Workers

There are several laws that protect Illinois construction workers. One is the Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Act (IOSHA). Standards that are set by federal OSHA are enforced by IOSHA. The regulations of IOSHA mandate safe working conditions for construction workers and require employers to implement safety standards to prevent injuries and death.

If a construction site is on private property, the owner of the property is responsible for ensuring a safe working environment. Illinois premises liability law holds property owners liable for unsafe conditions that lead to an accident. In some cases, a defective tool or piece of equipment used on a construction site is responsible for an accident. Illinois product liability laws cover these types of accidents.

If a third party fails to adequately exercise reasonable care and caution, resulting in an accident, a negligence claim against that third party may be filed. Construction site accidents are like semi-truck accidents in that several parties may be held liable for injuries or death at a construction site.

Contact a Will County, IL Construction Site Injury Lawyer

If you suffered injuries due to the negligence of a third party, speaking to a highly experienced Joliet, IL construction site injury attorney from McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC is a good first step. Construction site accidents can be very complex, and sorting out the negligent parties requires a strong personal injury attorney. We are a midsize, aggressive law firm with specific experience across a variety of fields. Call 815-727-0100 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your construction injuries.