A tragic workplace accident in Bartlett, Illinois has drawn attention to the dangers faced by public works employees and other city workers across Chicagoland. According to reports, Village of Bartlett public works employee David M. Hoday was killed after a Metra Milwaukee District West train struck the snowplow he was operating near Oak Avenue and Railroad Avenue. The incident occurred while he was performing job duties clearing roadways.

While the investigation is ongoing, this devastating event highlights an important issue for Illinois workers and their families: when a catastrophic or fatal work injury happens, workers’ compensation benefits may be available — and in some cases, a third-party wrongful death claim may also apply. For city workers and municipal employees who regularly work near roadways, heavy equipment, and rail lines, the risks can be extreme.

Snow removal. Road maintenance. Infrastructure repair. Utility work.
These are essential services that keep Chicagoland communities running — but they often require working around heavy machinery, live traffic, rail lines, and dangerous winter conditions.

While we are not handling this specific case, accidents like this highlight the types of catastrophic and fatal work injuries in Illinois that we regularly represent — especially when third parties may share responsibility.

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The Reality of Catastrophic Work Injuries in Illinois

Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, employees injured on the job are typically entitled to benefits regardless of fault. Workers’ compensation may cover:

• Medical treatment

• Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits

• Permanent disability benefits

• Vocational rehabilitation

• Death benefits for surviving families

You can learn more about the types of work accidents covered under Illinois workers’ compensation here:
👉 https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/types-of-accidents/

But when an accident involves a train, outside driver, contractor, equipment manufacturer, or other third party, the legal analysis becomes more complex.

And more serious.

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When a Work Injury Involves a Third Party

Many fatal and catastrophic work injury cases in Chicagoland involve third-party negligence.

A “third party” is anyone other than the employer who contributed to causing the injury. Common examples include:

• A negligent driver striking a city worker

• A railroad company failing to maintain proper crossing safeguards

• A subcontractor creating unsafe site conditions

• A manufacturer producing defective equipment

• A property owner failing to maintain safe premises

In these cases, the injured worker (or surviving family) may have the right to pursue:

1. A workers’ compensation claim

2. A separate personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent third party

This is critically important because workers’ compensation does not allow recovery for:

• Pain and suffering

• Loss of normal life

• Full lost earning capacity in some circumstances

• Emotional loss for surviving family members

To better understand when you may be able to file both claims, read our guide:
👉 https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/can-you-sue-if-hurt-at-work-illinois/

When third-party liability exists, pursuing both avenues may significantly increase the total compensation available — particularly in fatal work injury cases in Illinois.

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Why Municipal and Public Works Employees Face Elevated Risk

We frequently represent:

• City workers

• Public works employees

• Sanitation workers

• Road construction crews

• Utility workers

• Municipal laborers

• Transportation and infrastructure employees

These roles often involve:

• Working near traffic

• Operating heavy equipment

• Performing duties in hazardous weather

• Exposure to railways and industrial machinery

When a catastrophic accident happens, families are left grieving — and navigating a complex legal system at the worst possible moment.

Our firm regularly handles serious and fatal workplace injury cases across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, including matters involving third-party negligence.

If you are searching for a Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer after a devastating work accident, you can learn more about how we help injured workers here:
👉 https://mcharguelaw.com/personal-injury/chicago-workers-comp-lawyer/

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Frequently Asked Questions About Fatal Work Injuries in Illinois

What benefits are available if a city worker is killed on the job in Illinois?

Surviving spouses and dependents may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits, including weekly payments based on the worker’s wages and funeral expense coverage. However, if a third party caused the accident, additional compensation may be available through a wrongful death claim.

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Can you sue if a loved one was killed while working?

Possibly. While you generally cannot sue the employer directly due to workers’ compensation laws, you may be able to file a lawsuit against a negligent third party. Learn more here:
👉 https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/can-you-sue-if-hurt-at-work-illinois/

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What is considered a catastrophic work injury in Illinois?

Catastrophic injuries typically include:

• Fatal injuries

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• Amputations

• Severe burns

• Injuries resulting in permanent disability

These cases often require both workers’ compensation and careful investigation into third-party liability.

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How long do families have to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois?

In most cases, Illinois imposes a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. However, deadlines can vary depending on the circumstances and the parties involved (such as governmental entities).

Early legal guidance is critical.

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Protecting Illinois Workers and Their Families

Tragic accidents like the Bartlett public works fatality remind us how quickly routine work can turn deadly. When third parties are involved, families deserve a full investigation — not just basic workers’ compensation benefits.

At McHargue & Jones, LLC, we represent injured workers and families throughout Chicago and the surrounding communities in:

• Catastrophic work injury claims

• Fatal workplace accident cases

• Third-party liability claims

• Complex workers’ compensation disputes

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious or fatal workplace injury in Illinois, speak with an experienced attorney who understands both workers’ compensation and third-party litigation.