Chicago Man Injured in Construction Site Accident Settles Lawsuit for $13 Million

A recent settlement in Cook County Circuit Court was obtained for Mykola Berezan, a Chicago man who suffered severe injuries in a construction site accident. Berezan was working as a carpenter’s helper at a Countryside construction site in 2018 when a 30-foot wall collapsed, causing him to require spinal fusion surgery. 

The lawsuit, filed against real estate developer HP Ventures Group, LLC, and Capital Custom Homes, alleged negligence, premises liability, and loss of consortium. Berezan’s legal team, led by Dennis M. Lynch of the Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C., argued that the defendants failed to provide a safe workplace and ignored ongoing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations related to wall bracing and construction safety protocols.

Lynch emphasized the limited emphasis on safety at the construction site, highlighting the devastating impact on Berezan’s life. At 36 years old, Berezan sustained a spinal cord injury that required multilevel fusion surgery and ongoing physical therapy. Although he has made progress and now walks with ankle braces and a cane, his injuries will affect him for a lifetime. The settlement aims to cover future medical care and supplement Berezan’s income, as he faces challenges finding employment that accommodates his physical limitations and extensive exercise program.

The $13 million settlement, reached in March, reflects the severity of Berezan’s injuries and the responsibility of the defendants. Retired Judge William E. Gomolinski of Gomolinski Mediation facilitated the mediation process, leading to a resolution that provides support for Berezan’s ongoing needs.

In addition to Lynch, Joseph D. Parente and Christopher M. Norem of The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. represented the plaintiffs, while Michael H. Carter of Lewis Brisbois represented Capital Custom Homes. Despite attempts to reach him for comment, Carter could not be reached. Susan Chae Corcoran of Leahy, Eisenberg & Fraenkel, Ltd., represented HP Ventures Group, declining to comment on the case.

The settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the construction industry. It also highlights the legal recourse available to individuals injured due to negligence on construction sites. While nothing can fully compensate for the pain and suffering endured by Berezan and his family, the settlement provides financial support and a sense of justice for their ordeal.

As Berezan continues his journey toward recovery, the hope is that his story will raise awareness about the need for stringent safety measures in the workplace, ensuring that tragedies like his can be prevented in the future. If you or someone you know have been injured due to negligence, call/text The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. at 312.641.5926 or fill out a contact form here on our website.