Construction Workers Electrocuted In Chicago’s West Side
Work Compensation - Wrongful Death - February 26, 2025
One Worker Killed, Another Injured in Electrocution Accident at Construction Site on Chicago’s West Side
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (February 26, 2025) – One construction worker was killed and another was seriously injured in an electrocution accident on the West Side of Chicago.
Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:30 AM on Tuesday. Two men, ages 26 and 33, were on a lift at a construction site when their equipment made contact with some type of electrical line.
Workers at the site began frantically working to help the victims. The area around them was energized and extremely dangerous.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims. A 26-year-old man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in order to receive treatment.
Sadly, the 23-year-old worker died due to the severe nature of his injuries. The construction site was for some type of housing development along West Ogden Ave.
A full investigation by OSHA remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Chicago Construction Accidents
Despite many years of improvements to safety standards, many people are still seriously injured or killed in construction accidents each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Construction workers account for a large portion of electrical injuries in the US each year. In 2015, for example, 61% of all US workplace electrocutions occurred in construction (82 of 134 total deaths), but these data do not tell the whole story.” There are a number of common causes of electrocutions at a construction site.
- Workers can be electrocuted by exposed wiring and wet conditions.
- Workers can be electrocuted by contact with overhead power lines.
- Workers can be electrocuted by energized conductors or circuit parts.
- Workers can be electrocuted when power tools and cords are not properly maintained.
When a worker is injured or killed in Illinois, they or their family will typically have recourse through the workers compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance system designed to aid workers and their families. There is no need for victims to demonstrate that one party was negligent. In addition to workers compensation, an injured worker or their family may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a third-party liability claim. There could be numerous sources of third-party liability for an electrocution accident.
- A general contractor could be liable if they failed to maintain a construction site in a reasonably safe condition.
- The company that manufactured tools or equipment that workers used could be liable if those products were defective in some way.
- A building owner could be liable if a defect with the property caused an electrocution.
Electrocution accidents at construction sites are often highly preventable. They tend to be the results of major safety lapses. Construction companies should take a number of measures in order to prevent these accidents. This includes ensuring that workers are properly trained to recognize electrical hazards. It also includes providing workers with personal protective equipment to prevent electrocutions. It is critical that all workplace electrocution accidents are thoroughly investigated.
Investigating Chicago Construction Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the worker that died in this construction accident on the West Side. It is our sincere hope that the other worker will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA.
Do you need more information about a workplace accident in Chicago’s West Side? Our team of workers rights advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that construction companies maintain a safe working environment for all of their workers and that workers are aware of their legal rights. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
