In the days right after a scaffolding fall, the goal is twofold: protect your health and protect the facts.
1) Get medical care and follow up. Even if you feel “okay,” injuries such as concussions, fractures, and internal trauma can worsen later. Keep copies of discharge instructions and follow-up visits.
2) Write down the jobsite details while they’re fresh. If you can, note:
- where you were working (loading dock, interior build-out, stair access area, etc.)
- how you got onto the scaffold and how you left it
- what fall protection was (or wasn’t) available
- whether the scaffold looked altered, rushed, or recently reconfigured
3) Preserve scene evidence before it’s gone. In Normal, job sites often get cleaned up and reorganized quickly—especially between shifts. If you can safely do so, photograph:
- scaffold setup (planks/decking, guardrails, access points)
- any missing components or improvised materials
- warning signage, barriers, and traffic control around the area
4) Be cautious with recorded statements. Insurers and employers may request statements early. In Illinois, what you say can become part of the dispute over causation and damages. If you already gave a statement, that doesn’t automatically end your claim—but it can affect the strategy.


