Pursuing Compensation After Assaults at Chicago Construction Sites

Assaults and other violent crimes are becoming more common on construction sites. These worksites can be stressful, and some construction workers lash out at each other. You may also face violence from random members of the public who are passing by your construction site. Whatever the case may be, you should consider a workers’ compensation claim if you have suffered an injury at a Chicago construction site.

String of Armed Robberies Reported at Chicago Construction Sites 

In April of 2025, Fox News reported that a string of robberies had occurred at Chicago construction sites. Police say that armed thieves have been specifically targeting construction workers, arriving in ski masks and demanding these workers’ belongings. The incidents seem to be limited to the Gresham neighborhood, and it is likely that they were carried out by the same people.

The Chicago police department notes that this has been happening since January of 2025. Since the first robbery in January, there have been seven others. Each time, the suspects managed to get away on foot. Fortunately, no injuries have occurred – but these suspects are brandishing firearms and threatening hard-working individuals at least twice per month.

Can Workplace Violence Result Lead to Workers’ Compensation Claims?

 Many violent incidents at construction sites can lead to workers’ compensation claims. If your co-worker assaults you, you can file a workers’ compensation claim and recover enough to cover your medical bills and lost wages. The same logic applies if an average civilian comes onto your worksite and assaults you. In the eyes of the law, this is the same as any other work-related injury – such as falling off a ledge.

That being said, you might be able to file a direct lawsuit against a company if the assault was carried out by a third-party employee. For example, you might have been working in close proximity to an electrician who works for a different company. If this worker becomes violent toward you, you could potentially sue the other company instead of (or in addition to) filing a workers’ comp claim.

What if I Fought Back? 

If you fought back, your situation might be complex. However, you should still receive compensation as long as you are not the one who initiated the violence. After a serious fight, both participants may claim that the other started it. This may require an investigation to determine the truth of the matter.

If you are experiencing workplace violence, it makes sense to flee if at all possible. If you need to defend yourself, you should not hesitate to do so – but continuing the fight could make it more challenging to pursue a workers’ compensation claim.

Can a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me Pursue Compensation? 

If you have been injured by a violent individual at your construction site, you have every right to pursue compensation. A workers’ comp claim is an obvious choice, and a Chicago workers’ comp lawyer can help you cover medical bills and missed wages. To learn more, contact Connolly Injury Law today.

Sources: 

fox32chicago.com/news/chicago-police-investigating-armed-robberies-construction-workers

illinois.gov/news/press-release.20302.html