GWC Injury Lawyers, LLC has secured a significant and historic settlement in a catastrophic construction accident case stemming from the failure of a suspended scaffold at University of Chicago Hospital Cancer Pavilion construction site in Hyde Park. The incident occurred exactly one year prior to the settlement, when a corner section of a large suspended scaffold—constructed by Adjustable Forms, Inc. on a Turner Construction Company-managed project—collapsed while four workers were present. Two workers, David O’Donnell, a 26-year-old technical surveyor, and Jeffrey Spyrka, fell more than 140 feet. Mr. O’Donnell tragically died from his injuries, while Mr. Spyrka survived but sustained severe, life-altering physical and psychological trauma.
GWC was retained by the families of both men shortly after the incident in 2024 and initiated legal proceedings promptly. The litigation team at GWC consisted of firm owner, Louis C. Cairo, partners, Louis Anthony Cairo and Michael Fisher, and associate, Lawrence Amato. The case was resolved during a full-day mediation session overseen by Hon. Elizabeth Budzinski (Ret.), with representatives from Turner Construction, Adjustable Forms, and their insurers present. The resolution avoided what was anticipated to be protracted and costly litigation. GWC emphasized the emotional importance of a timely resolution for the O’Donnell family and acknowledged Judge Budzinski’s instrumental role in facilitating the agreement.
“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. We sincerely hope that this settlement provides a foundation for healing and allows the family to begin moving forward. We are especially grateful to Judge Budzinski for her dedication and skilled efforts in facilitating this resolution.” Louis Anthony Cairo, Partner, GWC Injury Lawyers, LLC
Multiple Lawsuits Remain Pending from Scaffold Failure
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. Further review indicated a systemic failure in both scaffold construction and inspection protocols, suggesting liability that exceeded ordinary negligence. GWC was preparing to seek punitive damages had the case proceeded to trial.
Although this settlement resolves the claims brought by the O’Donnell family, litigation is ongoing. A consolidated case in the Circuit Court of Cook County remains active, including claims by Mr. Spyrka and nine other ironworkers who suffered injuries during the same incident.
“The degree of negligence responsible for causing this occurrence cannot be overstated. The multiple failures in constructing the suspended scaffold system, along with the repeated daily failures to inspect the scaffold by a competent person, were inexcusable. The serious nature of the liability created a tipping point in the negotiations that drove the result that we were able to reach for the O’Donnell family.” Louis Anthony Cairo, Partner, GWC Injury Lawyers, LLC
Getting Justice for Injured Clients and Their Families
With over $2.5 billion in settlements and verdicts for our injured clients, GWC Injury Lawyers, recognized for its aggressive and thorough litigation strategies, has a long-standing record of success in construction negligence cases. The firm remains committed to pursuing justice on behalf of the remaining injured parties.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a GWC trial lawyer today if your family has lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. Call (312) 999-9999 or click here to chat with a representative 24/7.
<< BACK TO BLOG POSTS