Illinois Warehouse and Factory Accident Lawyers

Top-Rated Injury Attorneys for Injured Warehouse and Factory Workers Throughout Illinois

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the devastating impact that workplace injuries—especially those in warehouses—can have on individuals and their families. With offices conveniently located in Naperville and St. Charles, our experienced injury attorneys have represented numerous clients injured in warehouse accidents involving forklifts, falling merchandise, repetitive stress injuries, and more. Our Illinois warehouse accident attorneys aggressively pursue full compensation for our clients’ medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and we fight for those injured while doing essential work behind the scenes in Illinois’ logistics and distribution sectors.

“Warehouse workers perform some of the toughest, most physically demanding jobs in our economy—and they deserve to be protected. When an accident happens, our firm steps in to make sure their rights are respected, their injuries are taken seriously, and their recovery is fully compensated. We don’t just fight for benefits—we fight for justice.” — John J. Malm, Naperville warehouse injury lawyer

The Growing Problem of Warehouse Accidents in Illinois

Illinois is a major hub for warehousing and distribution. Facilities in the Chicago area and beyond support companies like Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and Target. However, these warehouses are also dangerous workplaces. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois saw 133,500 nonfatal workplace injuries in 2022, with more than 73,800 involving lost time or restricted work duties. A significant percentage of these injuries came from the warehousing, transportation, and logistics industries.

In fact, transportation and warehousing accounted for the highest number of workplace fatalities in Illinois in both 2021 and 2022—41 deaths each year, primarily from transportation incidents and equipment-related accidents.

Illinois Warehouse Accident Statistics

• In 2022, the transportation and warehousing industry had the highest number of workplace deaths in Illinois (41 fatalities).
• Of these, 27 were due to transportation incidents, including forklifts and delivery vehicles.
• Nationally, warehouse workers experienced 4.8 serious injuries per 100 full-time workers, a number that increased 20% from 2018 to 2022.
• In a 2023 OSHA investigation, several Amazon warehouses in Illinois were cited for ergonomic hazards that contributed to unsafe work speeds and musculoskeletal injuries.
• Forklift accident claims cost an average of $41,000 per injury, with some cases (e.g., amputations) averaging over $120,000.

Common Causes of Warehouse Accidents

Warehouses are fast-paced, high-risk environments. Given the nature of their fast-paced environment, warehouse accidents can cause serious injuries. Common causes of warehouse accidents include:

• Forklift accidents
• Being struck by falling merchandise
• Overexertion and repetitive motion
• Slip and fall accidents
• Machine entanglement and crush injuries
• Poor ergonomics and lack of proper lifting techniques
• Severe weather (e.g., tornadoes)
• Workplace violence or inadequate security

Even with safety regulations in place, Illinois warehouses—especially high-volume facilities like Amazon fulfillment centers—report injury rates that are two to three times higher than the national average.

Common Injuries in Illinois Warehouse Accidents

Warehouse accidents result in a wide range of injuries, from minor strains to life-altering trauma. Some of the most common warehouse-related injuries include:

Crush Injuries

Caused by forklifts, collapsing racking systems, or being pinned between pallets and loading docks. These injuries often require surgery and may result in amputations or permanent disability.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or conveyor belts often lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, or wrists.

Head and Brain Injuries

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur when workers are struck by heavy equipment or falling merchandise.

Sprains, Strains, and Soft Tissue Injuries

Back and shoulder injuries are among the most common, particularly due to overexertion or improper lifting.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back pain often develop over time in warehouse workers engaged in repetitive lifting, bending, or twisting.

Burns, Chemical Exposure, or Electrocution

These can occur in warehouses storing hazardous materials or with poor maintenance of electrical equipment.

Psychological Trauma

Especially after serious accidents, warehouse workers may experience anxiety, PTSD, or depression—conditions that may also be compensable under Illinois law.

Legal Responsibilities of Illinois Warehouse Employers

Under Illinois and federal law, warehouse operators and employers must:

• Maintain a safe work environment in compliance with OSHA standards
• Train workers on equipment operation, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Ensure adequate staffing to reduce overexertion and fatigue
• Protect employees from falling objects, forklift traffic, and poorly maintained machinery
• Maintain compliance with storm shelter and emergency evacuation protocols

Failure to meet these responsibilities can make an employer liable for resulting injuries. Injured warehouse workers may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits—but they may also have third-party claims for negligence, especially when injuries are caused by defective equipment, a subcontractor, or a property owner.

How John J. Malm & Associates Helps Injured Warehouse Workers

At John J. Malm & Associates, our seasoned accident lawyers help injured warehouse workers pursue the full compensation they are owed under Illinois law. We work with clients to:

• Determine whether they qualify for workers’ compensation
• Investigate potential third-party liability claims (e.g., against forklift manufacturers or negligent contractors)
• Coordinate with medical providers to document ongoing treatment needs
• Calculate lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering
• Handle insurance company negotiations or take the case to trial, if needed

Warehouse injuries often result in complex, high-value claims. Our Illinois warehouse accident lawyers have the experience and resources to help clients maximize recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Warehouse Accidents

What should I do if I’m injured in a warehouse accident?

Report the injury to your employer immediately, seek medical attention, and consult an attorney. Do not sign anything from an insurance company without legal guidance.

Can I sue my employer after a warehouse injury in Illinois?

In most cases, you’ll recover through workers’ compensation, which does not require proving fault. However, you may have the right to sue a third party (such as a property owner, subcontractor, or manufacturer of faulty equipment).

How much is a warehouse injury case worth?

It depends on your injury’s severity, medical costs, lost income, and whether a third party is at fault. Some serious injury cases result in six- or seven-figure settlements.

What if I was injured while working for a temp agency?

Temporary workers are entitled to the same protections as regular employees. Liability may extend to the host employer, the staffing agency, or both depending on the circumstances.

Can I get compensated for pain and suffering?

Not under workers’ compensation—but if a third-party claim is available (e.g., due to faulty machinery), you may pursue compensation for pain and suffering.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Warehouse Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

Warehouse work is physically demanding and often dangerous. If you or a loved one has been injured in a warehouse accident in Illinois—whether due to a forklift crash, falling merchandise, overexertion, or a catastrophic collapse—you deserve skilled legal representation.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we stand up for warehouse workers and their families. With decades of experience handling serious personal injury cases throughout Illinois, we know how to hold employers and negligent third parties accountable. We’re here to help you get the medical care, financial recovery, and justice you deserve.

Call us today at (630) 527-4177 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.