CHICAGO — The family of a 27-year-old construction worker who died in a tragic fall at the University of Chicago has reached a $23.5 million settlement, marking one of the most significant workplace accident payouts in the city in recent years.
Worker Fell 80 Feet In Hospital Construction Collapse
The incident occurred on June 6, 2024, when David O’Donnell and fellow worker Jeffrey Spyrka fell more than 80 feet during work on the University of Chicago Medical Center’s cancer pavilion near 57th Street and Maryland Avenue. O’Donnell died from his injuries, and Spyrka was critically hurt.
The family alleged that the scaffolding was dangerously flawed, calling it “incredibly deficient.”
Safety Negligence At Core Of Lawsuit
Attorneys representing the O’Donnell family claimed the scaffold, managed by Turner Construction and Adjustable Concrete Construction, failed to meet standard safety benchmarks.
The lawsuit alleged the structure:
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Wasn’t properly anchored to the building.
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Had a 3-foot gap filled with only a 4-foot plywood board fastened by three nails.
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Collapsed after winds of just 44 mph, although it should have withstood gusts up to 80 mph.
The scaffold’s failure directly contributed to the fall, the lawsuit claimed.
Settlement Brings Partial Relief To Grieving Family
“Our team has worked diligently over the past year to achieve a prompt and meaningful resolution for the O’Donnell family,” said Louis Anthony Cairo, partner at GWC Injury Lawyers, LLC, in a statement.
“The profound loss they have endured following David’s tragic death is truly unimaginable. We sincerely hope that this settlement provides a foundation for healing and allows the family to begin moving forward,” Cairo added, also expressing thanks to Judge Budzinski for her role in the resolution.
The settlement aims to provide the family with financial and emotional footing after a devastating year.
Litigation Continues For Others Injured In Incident
While the O’Donnell case has concluded, Cairo confirmed that multiple lawsuits remain active, including legal action on behalf of Spyrka and nine additional workers injured during the same collapse.
A Circuit Court of Cook County case remains ongoing and could lead to further developments related to construction safety oversight and accountability in Chicago’s booming development sector.
What Should Be Done To Improve Jobsite Safety In Chicago?
Have you or someone you know experienced unsafe working conditions on construction sites? What steps should city officials and developers take to enforce safer environments? Share your thoughts with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
