Chicago Construction Workers' Compensation Lawyer
When a construction worker gets injured on the job—whether it’s from a fall, a struck-by object, or equipment failure—the physical, financial, and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Illinois workers’ compensation law provides critical benefits to help injured construction workers recover and return to their lives. However, these benefits are not always paid automatically, and the payouts victims receive are not always fair.
That’s where our experienced construction accident attorneys come in.
At DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino, we represent injured construction workers throughout Chicago. If you were hurt on the job, our attorneys will stand up for your rights and help you recover maximum compensation for your losses.
Why Injured Construction Workers Should Hire DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino
- We have decades of experience representing injured workers.
- We offer free consultations and don’t charge upfront attorney fees.
- Our law firm has a 95% win rate.
- If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
We Represent All Types of Injured Construction Workers in Chicago
DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino is committed to helping workers get the support they need after a construction site injury. Whether you’re affiliated with a union or work non-union construction jobs, our firm is here to support you through the workers’ compensation process.
We represent workers across all trades, including:
- Laborers with LiUNA Local 6, 76, and 1001
- Electricians from IBEW Local 134
- Pipefitters and HVAC technicians with Local 597
- Roofers with Local 11
- Carpenters from Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters
- Ironworkers with Local 1
- Heavy equipment operators with IUOE Local 150
- Masons, welders, and demolition workers throughout the city and suburbs
Whether you were injured while working on a high-rise in the Loop, a warehouse in the South Side, or a residential development in the suburbs, we understand the unique hazards of construction sites in and around Chicago and Cook County. From scaffold collapses and trench cave-ins to electrical burns and crane accidents, we’ve seen how quickly a routine day can turn into a life-altering injury.
Construction workers often face dangerous conditions due to poor oversight, lack of fall protection, defective equipment, or pressure to meet deadlines without adequate safety measures. When those risks lead to injury, your employer and their insurance carrier may still fight to limit what they pay—or deny your claim entirely.
Our attorneys step in to level the playing field. We take over communications with the insurance company, help you document your injuries and work restrictions, and ensure you get the medical care and wage replacement you deserve under Illinois workers’ compensation law. If your injury was caused by a negligent third party, such as a subcontractor or equipment supplier, we’ll investigate whether a separate personal injury claim is also possible.
You’ve spent your career building this city. When you’re hurt on the job, you shouldn’t have to fight to get treated fairly. Let us fight for you. Call us at (312) 263-7560. Consultations are free.
Alexander Pino focuses his practice in the areas of Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury.
Alexander grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. After receiving a BS in Real Estate from DePaul University, Alexander attended DePaul University College of Law. While in law school, Alexander worked as a law clerk at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, where he assisted attorneys in the Child Welfare Litigation Department. Alexander also held various internships at the Cook County Public Defender, where he aided Assistant Public Defenders in the Felony Trial Division and the Homicide Task Force. Alexander also worked as a Law Clerk at the personal injury law firm Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates. Additionally, during law school, Alexander held volunteer positions in local government as a board member in both the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Environmental and Health Commission of his hometown.
In those rare moments when he is not busy fighting for his clients, Alexander enjoys working out, hiking, fishing and spending time with his family.
Construction Accidents Are Often Preventable—But the Injuries Are Real
Construction workers face some of the most dangerous job conditions in Illinois. From scaffolding accidents to machinery malfunctions, the risks are high. There were approximately 4,000 nonfatal construction worker injuries in Illinois in 2023. That same year, 30 construction workers in our state lost their lives.
Job sites are required to follow safety standards, but that doesn’t always happen. General contractors, subcontractors, and property owners sometimes cut corners, ignore hazards, or fail to properly train employees. Even when protocols are followed, the nature of construction work means injuries still occur.
Common Injuries Among Chicago Construction Workers
Construction site injuries can range from moderate to catastrophic. Many of our clients suffer from:
- Traumatic brain injuries from falls or falling objects
- Spinal cord injuries from scaffold or ladder collapses
- Crush injuries caused by heavy equipment
- Fractured bones and joint damage
- Severe lacerations and amputations
- Electrical burns and chemical exposure
- Repetitive stress injuries and overexertion injuries
When construction accidents happen, the consequences can be life-changing. Even “minor” injuries can result in significant time off work and mounting medical bills. If your injury prevents you from working, Illinois workers’ compensation is supposed to provide relief.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation for Construction Injuries
If you are injured while working at a construction site in Illinois, you are likely covered by the state’s workers’ compensation system. This system allows injured workers to receive medical treatment, partial wage replacement, and other benefits without needing to prove fault. That said, insurance companies and employers may still delay, undervalue, or deny valid claims.
At DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino, we guide clients through every stage of the workers’ compensation process, from filing the initial claim to pursuing benefits through hearings or appeals, if necessary.
What Benefits Are Available for Injured Construction Workers?
When you are injured on the job, workers’ compensation benefits may cover a range of losses. Our attorneys help construction workers pursue:
Full Medical Coverage for Injury Treatment
This includes doctor visits, diagnostic testing, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medication, medical equipment, and more. You have the right to choose your treating physician, not just the one suggested by your employer or their insurance company.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
If you are completely unable to work while recovering, you are entitled to temporary total disability payments. These are equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage and are paid until you return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
If you can work in a limited capacity and earn less than before, you may qualify for partial wage replacement to cover the gap between your current earnings and your pre-injury wages.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) and Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
If your injury causes a lasting impairment, you may be entitled to additional compensation based on the body part affected and the severity of the injury. In some of the most serious cases, when a worker is unable to return to any gainful employment, permanent total disability benefits may apply.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Some injuries make it impossible to return to the same job. If so, you may be eligible for vocational training and job placement services to help you transition to a new career.
Death Benefits for Surviving Family Members
If a fatal construction accident occurs, surviving dependents—including spouses and children—may receive ongoing benefits and compensation for funeral expenses. These benefits are essential for families coping with the sudden loss of income.
Third-Party Construction Accident Claims
If your injury was caused by a third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent property owner, however, you may have the right to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit. What’s the difference between workers’ comp and a personal injury lawsuit?
Workers’ compensation benefits are valuable, but they don’t cover pain and suffering or all of your lost wages. Personal injury lawsuits allow you to recover compensation for all of your lost wages, including lost opportunities you might have had in the future. When you win a personal injury lawsuit, you can also recover compensation for your physical pain and emotional suffering. In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available. The catch? Workers’ comp claims are not fault-based. To win a personal injury lawsuit, you must generally prove that the other party was negligent.
At DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino, we investigate all angles to identify whether additional compensation is available. For example, if you were injured by a defective power tool or hit by a negligent truck driver delivering materials to the site, we may pursue a separate claim to recover damages beyond workers’ compensation.
Find out how much your workplace injury may be worth. Call DePaolo & Zadeikis at (312) 263-7560.
Why Construction Workers in Chicago Trust DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino
Construction accident claims require deep knowledge of both workers’ compensation law and construction site dynamics. Our firm understands the pressure construction workers face—tight deadlines, unpredictable conditions, and powerful employers. We’re not here to rush your claim or settle for less than what you deserve.
We build strong cases based on medical evidence, job site conditions, and wage records. We also deal directly with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing. If they deny or delay your benefits, we are ready to take your case before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Call us at (312) 263-7560 now, and let’s get started with your recovery.
You Have Legal Rights. Don’t Let Your Employer or Insurer Decide What You Deserve.
Injured construction workers often face pressure to return to work too early or accept a settlement that doesn’t reflect the full extent of their injuries. Some employers even misclassify workers as independent contractors to avoid providing benefits. If you’re unsure about your employment status or whether your injury is covered, DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino will review your situation and provide clear answers.
We will help you understand your rights, the full value of your claim, and what to expect during the legal process. Our goal is simple: to make sure you’re not left with the burden of a construction injury you didn’t cause.
Get a Chicago Construction Workers’ Compensation Lawyer on Your Side
When you’re injured on a construction site, the stakes are high. You may be unable to return to work for months—or ever. Medical bills pile up, insurance companies drag their feet, and your financial future is suddenly uncertain.
Don’t go through this alone. Contact DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino at (312) 263-7560 for experienced legal help. We represent construction workers across Chicago and Cook County. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.