Family of Deceased Chicago Construction Worker Receives Multi-Million-Dollar Settlement
The construction industry in Chicago is incredibly dangerous, and workers sometimes die while working on various sites throughout the city. While no amount of money can ever turn back time and reverse these tragedies, grieving families can pursue various forms of compensation when struggling with funeral costs, missed future earnings, and other damages. A recent case shows that compensation for construction accidents in Chicago can be quite substantial.
Family Accepts $23.5 Settlement for Construction Wrongful Death in Chicago
In June of 2025, multiple sources reported that the family of a deceased Chicago construction worker had received a $23.5 million settlement. The case stems from a fatal accident that claimed the life of a 26-year-old worker one year prior. Both he and another worker fell eight stories while working at the new cancer center at the University of Chicago. The other worker survived but suffered life-altering injuries, and he is still in the process of navigating his injury lawsuit.
The wrongful death case focused on the alleged lack of properly secured scaffolding at the construction site. The family argued that this represented negligence on the part of the construction contractor. At the time of the accident, winds at the construction site reached speeds of 40 miles per hour.
It is worth noting that although the family received a considerable settlement, the construction contractor in this case never actually accepted liability. A settlement allows a contractor to resolve a lawsuit without admitting any wrongdoing.
Why Wasn’t This Case Resolved Through Workers’ Compensation?
You may be aware that in Chicago, workers cannot sue their direct employers. So then how was this family able to sue the contractor instead of filing a wrongful death claim? There are various possibilities to consider. First, the family may have filed a third-party claim against the contractor. Although workers’ comp laws prevent workers from suing their direct employers, they can potentially file claims against third-party contractors.
These claims might also be possible in cases involving gross, reckless negligence. It is not clear whether the family filed a third-party claim, or whether they pursued their lawsuit on the theory of gross recklessness.
In any case, workers’ comp is still a valid option for families who lost loved ones in fatal construction accidents. Death benefits might not be as substantial as multi-million-dollar settlements, but they can still help with funeral costs, lost income, and unpaid medical bills.
Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Chicago Help After Fatal Construction Accidents?
A workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago may be able to help after a fatal construction accident. Families who need compensation may have various options to consider, including workers’ comp claims and personal injury lawsuits. As the recent case illustrates, it is not unreasonable for families in this situation to receive seven or eight-figure settlements. To learn more about your options, consider a consultation with Connolly Injury Law.
Sources:
abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-construction-accident-today-david-odonnell-killed-fall/14921934/
fox32chicago.com/news/uchicago-construction-falling-death-settlement
