(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An ironworker who survived last week’s deadly scaffolding fall at the University of Chicago Medical Center has sued two of the construction companies involved: Turner Construction and Adjustable Concrete.
“It was a miracle that he survived,” said attorney Louis Cairo.
Cario’a client, Jeffrey Spryka, fell eight stories after the scaffold he was on separated. The 36-year-old shattered his legs and pelvis and went into a coma with massive internal injuries
The negligence lawsuit claims Turner Construction and Adjustable Concrete failed to properly build and supervise the scaffold system so there would be no gap created by winds while Spryka and two others were working eight stories up.
“The scaffold that was on the west side of the wall … had been connected to the scaffold on the south side of the wall,” he said. “That means the connecting corners failed because it was improperly connected, and when the wind blew, it separated.”
Cairo said winds that day were just over half of what the scaffold system was supposed to withstand.
He claimed workers pointed out safety concerns about the scaffolding days before the incident but were assured by Turner and Adjustable Concrete that it was safe.
Spyrka, a married father of three young children, will likely be confined to a wheelchair after the accident, which killed 27-year-old David O'Donnell.
Turner told WBBM they are aware of the lawsuit and continue to support investigations into the incident.
Adjustable Concrete echoed those statements and added that it is deeply saddened by the accident and safety is integral to what they do.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok