11 hours ago
Worker dies when scaffolding collapses in wind, attorneys say. Family wins $23M
The family of an ironworker who fell from scaffolding and died at a Chicago construction site has been awarded $23.5 million in a lawsuit, according to the Illinois law firm representing the family.
David O'Donnell and Jeffrey Spyrka, both ironworkers, plummeted from the scaffolding in June 2024 after officials said it came loose amid strong winds at the site of the Cancer Pavilion Project at the University of Chicago Hospital, McClatchy News previously reported.
Spyrka fell onto a pile of PVC pipes and survived with injuries, but 27-year-old O'Donnell lost his life, according to GWC Injury Lawyers.
The families of O'Donnell and Spyrka filed suit against two companies their attorneys blame for the incident — Adjustable Forms Inc. and Turner Construction Company.
'Preliminary investigations revealed serious deficiencies in the scaffold system, which was designed to withstand winds up to 85 mph but failed under a single 44 mph gust. Structural weaknesses, improper materials, and a lack of adequate connections at a critical corner contributed to the collapse,' the firm said in a June 9 news release.
McClatchy News reached out to Adjustable Forms Inc. and Turner Construction Company for comment regarding the settlement, but didn't immediately receive a response.
Adjustable Forms told McClatchy News in June 2024 that it was aware of Spyrka's lawsuit and offered its 'sincerest condolences to the loved ones of those affected.'
'Safety is integral to what we do,' the company said. 'Adjustable Concrete is partnering with Turner Construction to support a full investigation into this matter alongside the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We are deeply grateful for the University of Chicago Medical Center doctors and all first responders involved.'
O'Donnell was one of four brothers and had a passion for family, baseball and his union, his obituary read.
After graduating from high school, 'he followed up on a lifelong promise to his father, and joined him as a technical engineer. They would go on together, along with his Uncle Eamon, to help build some of the tallest skyscrapers you will see in Chicago,' the obituary said.
Attorney Lou Cairo said Adjustable Forms Inc. and Turner Construction Company 'just wanted the job done, because time is money, profit over safety,' WLS reported.
The settlement 'avoided what was anticipated to be protracted and costly litigation,' according to the release.
'Our team has worked diligently over the past year to achieve a prompt and meaningful resolution for the O'Donnell family. The profound loss they have endured following David's tragic death is truly unimaginable,' Cairo said. 'We sincerely hope that this settlement provides a foundation for healing and allows the family to begin moving forward.'
While the suit is concluded for the O'Donnell family, 'litigation is ongoing' for Spyrka and 'nine other ironworkers who suffered injuries during the same incident,' the firm said.
.png&w=3840&q=100)
