A tragic workplace accident occurred in Wauconda, Illinois, when a 37-year-old man from North Chicago was crushed to death beneath a vehicle after it fell from an elevated lift at a local auto repair shop. According to ABC7, the fatal incident happened around 8:52 a.m. at 398 W. Liberty Street when a vehicle slipped off a lift and pinned the worker underneath.
Source: <a href=”https://abc7chicago.com/man-crushed-death-wauconda-auto-repair-shop-matthew-pfister-north-chicago/XXXX” rel=”nofollow”>ABC7 Chicago</a>

For construction workers, mechanics, auto technicians, and laborers across the Chicago area, this incident highlights the serious dangers associated with heavy equipment, vehicle lifts, and improperly secured machinery. When a lift fails or a vehicle collapses, the consequences are often catastrophic or fatal — and families are left searching for answers.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a workplace accident involving machinery, lifts, construction equipment, or defective tools, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation and additional legal claims.

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What We Know About the Wauconda Auto Shop Accident

According to police and the Lake County Coroner’s Office:

• Matthew Pfister, 37, of North Chicago, was working beneath a vehicle elevated about five feet off the ground.

• The rear end of the vehicle came off the lift unexpectedly.

• When the worker became pinned, the front end also slipped, fully crushing him underneath.

• He died at the scene from blunt force injuries.

• The incident occurred at a Wauconda auto repair shop known as Hard Times.

• Local police and the coroner’s office continue to investigate.

Lift collapses and vehicle-hoist failures are among the most dangerous types of auto-shop and construction-related injuries. These tragedies often involve:

• Mechanical failure

• Improper load balancing

• Defective lift components

• Lack of proper safety protocols

• Employer negligence

• Failure to follow OSHA standards

Workers and their families deserve answers — and often, legal accountability.

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Construction & Mechanical Workers Face High Risk Around Heavy Equipment

This incident mirrors risks faced not only by auto mechanics, but also:

• Construction workers

• Laborers

• Machine operators

• Warehouse workers

• Truck and fleet mechanics

• Maintenance technicians

To understand how Illinois workers’ compensation applies to construction and mechanical workers, visit:
👉 Can Construction Workers Get Workers’ Compensation?
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/can-construction-workers-get-workers-compensation/

Learn more about the frequency and dangers of construction-related injuries:
👉 How Common Are Construction Accidents?
https://mcharguelaw.com/construction-accidents/how-common-are-construction-accidents/

If you suspect your job site was unsafe:
👉 How to Report a Dangerous Construction Site in Illinois
https://mcharguelaw.com/construction-accidents/how-to-report-a-dangerous-construction-site-in-illinois/

For more on the workers we represent:
👉 Construction Workers We Represent
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-we-represent/construction-workers/

Your Rights After a Fatal Workplace Accident in Illinois

Illinois workers’ compensation provides benefits to families after a fatal work accident, including:

✔ Death benefits

Weekly payments to surviving dependents.

✔ Funeral and burial expenses

Illinois covers up to statutory limits.

✔ Medical costs

Any medical treatment before death is covered.

✔ Third-party claims

If a lift manufacturer, parts supplier, general contractor, or negligent party contributed to the collapse, the family may sue outside workers’ comp.

Auto shop lift collapses often involve:

• Defective lifts

• Poor maintenance

• Failure to secure the vehicle

• Lack of proper inspections

• Negligent safety training

Families in cases like this often need a workers’ comp lawyer to navigate the investigation and ensure full benefits.

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

Supporting Families After a Workplace Death

Losing a loved one in a preventable workplace accident is devastating. Families struggle not only emotionally but also financially when a wage earner is taken suddenly. Our firm helps families:

• Obtain workers’ compensation death benefits

• Investigate improper equipment use or faulty machinery

• Determine who is liable beyond the employer

• Secure compensation for long-term financial stability

If your loved one was killed in a workplace accident, you are not alone — and you have legal rights.

Injured or Lost a Loved One in a Workplace Accident in Illinois? We Can Help.

Our Chicago workers’ compensation firm represents injured workers and families across the Chicago area, Lake County, and the northwest suburbs.

Get a Free Case Review →

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

📞 Call now: (312) 739-0000

FAQ Section

1. Does workers’ compensation cover fatal workplace accidents in Illinois?

Yes. Surviving dependents may receive weekly benefits, funeral costs, and medical expense coverage.

2. Can a family pursue a lawsuit after a workplace death?

Yes — if another party (equipment manufacturer, contractor, property owner) contributed to the accident, the family may have a third-party claim.

3. Are auto mechanics and construction workers covered under Illinois workers’ comp?

Yes. Any employee injured or killed on the job is eligible.

4. What should families do after a fatal workplace incident?

Contact a workers’ comp attorney, preserve evidence, and request an investigation into equipment failure or negligence.

5. How long do families have to file a claim?

Generally three years, but it is best to begin immediately.