Falling Ice and Snow: A Genuine Threat for Chicago Workers
Experienced Chicago workers know that falling ice and snow represent a serious threat. Chunks of ice and snow can fall long distances before smashing into vehicles and injuring workers down below. If you have experienced an accident like this, you may be struggling with severe injuries. Perhaps you have lost a loved one due to a workplace accident of this nature. Can a workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago help in this situation?
Plumber Injured After Ice Falls Onto Work Van
On December 5th, 2025, CBS News reported that a Chicago worker had been injured by a chunk of ice that fell onto his work van. First responders say that the chunk of ice fell from a semi-truck in front of the van before smashing through the windshield and causing unspecified injuries. Images from the scene show the van’s windshield completely destroyed.
First responders took the plumbing worker to a nearby hospital, where he received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Fire officials noted that the semi-truck driver made a mistake by not removing ice and snow from their vehicle before taking to the road. Under various regulations, the removal of ice and snow is mandatory for commercial drivers.
The truth is that this accident could have been much worse. Large chunks of ice can easily smash through windshields and cause catastrophic injuries. These injuries may also prove fatal, especially after impacts to the head or chest.
Falling Ice Is Also Dangerous on Construction Sites
Falling ice can also be incredibly dangerous on construction sites. If ice forms at elevated heights, increases in temperature can cause icicles to break off and strike workers down below. Hard hats will not do much to mitigate these impacts, and victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Safety supervisors should be aware of this threat when assessing potential hazards on their construction sites. Ideally, these icicles should be removed before each shift to avoid potential accidents.
Ice isn’t the only thing that can fall from an elevated height and injure workers. Pieces of concrete may break off from buildings and overpasses, potentially injuring workers and professional drivers down below. Workers may also drop materials and equipment when working at heights.
Can I File a Workers’ Comp Claim After Being Struck by Falling Ice?
Yes, you should be able to file a valid workers’ comp claim after being struck by falling ice. As long as the accident was work-related and you were “on the clock” at the time, you should receive compensation for lost earnings and medical bills.
Can a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help?
If you were injured by falling ice or snow, consider getting in touch with an experienced Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer. These legal professionals can assist as you pursue fair compensation for hospital bills and missed wages. You may also access vocational rehabilitation if your current career path is now impossible due to your injuries. If you need further guidance or you’re having issues with your claim, consider speaking with Connolly Injury Law today.
Sources:
cbsnews.com/chicago/news/falling-ice-work-van-windshield-marengo-illinois/
abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-crash-woman-injured-concrete-crashes-windshield-55-daughter-says-horrifying/18256168/
