A construction worker has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, alleging negligence that led to severe injuries on the job. Miguel Reyes filed the complaint in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on May 1, 2025, accusing Black Wolf Solar, LLC of failing to provide a safe working environment.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on November 18, 2024, at a job site in Elgin, Illinois. Reyes was performing solar installation work under the supervision of Black Wolf Solar when he fell from a ladder. The ladder had been placed on an unstable surface without stabilizers or proper securing measures. As Reyes climbed the ladder, it shifted and caused him to fall approximately one story to the ground. The fall resulted in severe injuries to his left elbow and hip, necessitating emergency medical treatment and ongoing rehabilitation.
Reyes's complaint outlines several ways in which Black Wolf Solar allegedly breached its duty to ensure workplace safety. These include failing to secure or stabilize the ladder properly, not providing a safe surface for ladder placement, inadequate supervision of the job site, lack of training or fall protection for employees, and non-compliance with OSHA and construction safety standards. Furthermore, Reyes claims that Black Wolf Solar did not carry workers' compensation insurance in Illinois at the time of the incident—a violation of state law (820 ILCS 305/4(d))—which presumes negligence for employee injuries.
As a result of these alleged failures by Black Wolf Solar, Reyes asserts that he suffered serious and permanent injuries leading to substantial medical expenses and loss of income. He is seeking judgment from the court for damages exceeding $50,000 plus costs of suit and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Miguel Reyes is attorney Justin H. Garner from McHargue & Jones, LLC. The case has been assigned Case ID 2025L005797 in the Circuit Court of Cook County's Law Division.