A Chicago ironworker, lucky to be breathing after a near-death experience, is taking two construction companies to court over a scaffolding collapse that claimed the life of his colleague.  Jeffrey Spyrka, dangling from the eighth floor like a construction site pendulum,  survived a sickening plunge only by landing on a pile of fortuitously placed PVC pipes.

But while Spyrka walks (well, hobbles after multiple surgeries) another ironworker, 27-year-old David O’Donnell, wasn't so fortunate. O’Donnell fell victim to what Spyrka’s lawyers are calling a blatant disregard for safety by Turner Construction Company and Adjustable Forms, Inc.

The lawsuit paints a grim picture of a project prioritizing speed over worker well-being. Spyrka’s lawyers allege the scaffolding was both poorly built and inadequately inspected, a deadly shortcut taken to shave time off the project.  “Just get ‘er done” seems to have been the motto, according to Spyrka’s attorney Lou Cairo, who accuses the companies of putting profits ahead of people.

Adding insult to injury, the lawsuit claims both companies ignored warnings of high winds and falsely assured workers of the scaffolding’s stability. Adjustable Forms, Inc. offered condolences but emphasized their commitment to safety,  a claim Spyrka’s lawyers likely scoff at. Turner Construction has yet to respond to the allegations.

Spyrka, now facing a long recovery and the emotional trauma of witnessing his friend’s death, is seeking $100,000 from each company for the physical and mental anguish this incident inflicted on him and his family. This lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the human cost that can arise from cutting corners on safety.