A tragic construction accident on Chicago’s West Side has once again highlighted the extreme dangers faced by electricians, laborers, and construction crews working near energized power lines. According to WGN News, a 33-year-old worker was killed and another was seriously injured after their lift came into contact with a live electrical line on February 25, 2025 in the 3400 block of West Ogden Avenue in the North Lawndale neighborhood.
Source: <a href=”https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/construction-worker-electrocuted-another-injured-at-work-site-on-west-side/” rel=”nofollow”>WGN News</a>

For construction workers and electrical contractors across Chicago, this incident serves as a devastating reminder of how quickly job sites can turn deadly when electrical hazards are involved.

If you or a family member has suffered an electrical injury on a job site, you have rights under Illinois workers’ compensation law — and in many cases, additional claims against third parties such as general contractors, developers, or equipment manufacturers. Speaking with an experienced Chicago workers’ compensation attorney early on is critical to protecting your claim.

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What Happened on West Ogden Avenue?

Based on early reports:

• Two workers — ages 26 and 33 — were on an aerial lift at a construction site.

• The lift made contact with an overhead electrical line, triggering an electrical arc and fire.

• The 33-year-old worker died at the scene; the 26-year-old survived and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital.

• Firefighters had to access the workers through an adjacent building after extinguishing the fire.

• Witnesses described electricity “running everywhere” and the lift engulfed in flames.

• The crew was reportedly contracted on the Grace Manor Apartments affordable-housing development project.

Electrical incidents like this are among the leading causes of fatal construction injuries in the United States — and they are almost always preventable.

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Why Electrical Accidents Are So Deadly on Chicago Job Sites

Electrical work and construction tasks near energized lines create some of the most dangerous conditions workers face. Common causes include:

⚡ Contact With Overhead Power Lines

The #1 cause of fatal electrocution in construction. Chicago job sites frequently involve multi-story work near utility lines.

⚡ Improper Lift Positioning or Poor Job-Site Planning

OSHA requires clearance distances and proper lift operation.

⚡ Inadequate Training

Workers must be trained in power-line proximity hazards and emergency response.

⚡ Poor Communication Between Contractors

On multi-contractor sites, one company may energize or move equipment without proper notice.

Learn more about hazards facing electrical workers here:
👉 Electricians We Represent
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-we-represent/electricians/

And see our full guide on electrician injury workers’ compensation claims:
👉 https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/electrician-injuries-workers-compensation/

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Your Rights After an Electrical Work Injury in Chicago

In Illinois, workers injured on the job are entitled to:

• Full medical treatment paid by workers’ compensation

• Temporary total disability (TTD) while off work

• Permanent disability benefits

• Vocational retraining if unable to return to electrical or construction work

• Death benefits for families of workers killed on the job

But electrical injury cases often involve more than just workers’ compensation.

🔍 You May Also Have a Third-Party Claim

Because electrical injuries often involve:

• Utility companies

• General contractors

• Subcontractors

• Equipment manufacturers

• Property owners

A Chicago workers’ compensation attorney can evaluate whether additional compensation is available.

Learn more here:
👉 Chicago Workers’ Comp Lawyer
https://mcharguelaw.com/personal-injury/chicago-workers-comp-lawyer/

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Injured in an Electrical or Construction Accident in Chicago? We Can Help.

Electrical injuries are life-changing events. Whether you are an electrician, laborer, operating engineer, or construction worker, our firm can help you pursue full benefits and any third-party claims.

Injured at Work in Chicago? Get a Free Workers’ Comp Case Review.

👉 https://mcharguelaw.com/winning-results/

📞 Tap to call: (312) 739-0000

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do electrical shock injuries qualify for workers’ comp in Chicago?

Yes. Any injury that happens in the course of employment qualifies, including electrocution, electrical burns, arc-flash injuries, and falls caused by electrical shock.

2. Can the family file a claim if a worker is killed on the job?

Yes. Illinois law provides death benefits, funeral expenses, and ongoing weekly payments to dependents.

3. What if a contractor or utility company caused the electrical hazard?

You may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party negligence claim.

4. Do I need a Chicago workers’ comp attorney?

Electrical cases are highly complex. A lawyer can protect your wage benefits, medical rights, and any third-party compensation.

5. How long do I have to report an electrical injury?

You must notify your employer within 45 days, but earlier is always better.