What Happens if You Are Injured Near a Construction Site as a Pedestrian in Illinois?
Construction zones are a common sight in busy areas like Rolling Meadows and Arlington Heights. While most people understand the risks to workers, pedestrians passing by may not expect danger and can still be seriously hurt. If you were injured near a construction site, you may be entitled to compensation, even if you were not involved in the work being done.
Pedestrian injuries near construction sites are more common than people think. Falling debris, exposed wiring, poorly marked detours, and unsecured machinery can all lead to life-altering accidents. As of July 2025, Illinois law gives injured pedestrians the right to file a personal injury claim if their injuries were caused by negligence. If you were injured as a pedestrian at or near a work site, speak with a qualified Illinois construction accident lawyer to understand whether you have a valid claim for damages.
Who Is Responsible When a Pedestrian Is Injured Near a Construction Site?
Several parties may be legally responsible for a pedestrian’s injury, including the construction company managing the site, the property owner or developer, subcontractors working on the project, third-party vendors or delivery drivers, and even local municipalities, in some cases.
In Illinois, property owners and construction crews have a legal duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment not just for workers, but for the public as well. If they fail to take proper precautions — such as fencing off dangerous areas or posting warning signs — they may be held liable for resulting injuries.
However, if you were injured because of something you should not have done, like trespassing on a construction site or climbing scaffolding over a sidewalk, you may be responsible enough for your own injuries that you cannot seek damages.
What Legal Options Do Injured Pedestrians Have?
If you were injured as a pedestrian near a construction site, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit based on premises liability or general negligence. To recover compensation, you will need to show that:
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The responsible party had a duty to keep the area safe.
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They breached that duty by allowing a dangerous condition to exist.
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You were injured as a direct result of that breach.
An attorney can investigate the circumstances, identify the negligent party or parties, and help you file a timely claim.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help With Your Construction Site Pedestrian Injury Claim?
Insurance companies representing construction firms often try to deny responsibility or offer low settlements. That is why it is important to have a lawyer who is not afraid to push back. At Adler Law Offices, LTD, Attorney Adler places a high priority on fighting for clients’ rights against large insurance companies. He knows how to present strong evidence and negotiate fair compensation for people injured by negligence.
Even if the construction site followed safety rules, it may still be responsible if something was missed or handled improperly. An attorney can gather evidence, work with safety experts, and build a case designed to hold the right parties accountable.
Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Pedestrian Injury Lawyer
If you were injured near a construction site, you may have the right to compensation. Contact an experienced Rolling Meadows, IL pedestrian injury attorney at Adler Law Offices, LTD by calling 312-236-2700 today for a free consultation.