Clifford Law Offices Files Lawsuit Against Four Construction Companies in Death of Construction Worker in Building Collapse

Clifford Law Offices today (Thursday, Dec. 22) filed a lawsuit on behalf of the family of a construction worker who was killed last week when a part of a building collapsed under the weight of concrete slabs being installed by a crane, crushing him as he worked below.

James Beemsterboer, 37, of New Lenox, was an electrician working on the construction of a 54-unit retirement complex at 82^nd and Racine when the slabs fell onto the fourth floor and collapsed, crushing him on the third floor. He was pulled by Chicago firefighters from the rubble and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Beemsterboer was the father of three small children, ranging in age from six to ten years old. He was the youngest of six siblings, growing up in Oak Forest. He was a Sunday school teacher at St. Jude Catholic Church in New Lenox. He also was a coach for his children’s soccer, baseball and football teams.

"This was a needless death and we are going to get answers for this family," said Kevin Durkin, partner at Clifford Law Offices, in the filing of the lawsuit. "He was the ultimate family man and everyone relied upon him. This family needs protection for their future and this lawsuit is now their only vehicle to do so. Those who are responsible need to be held accountable for their negligent actions in taking away a man who deserved to be here today."

Clifford Law Offices has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court against the crane operators, Gatwood Crane; Joseph J. Duffy & Company, general contractors on the project; Illinois Masonry Corporation, which installed the masonry walls which failed to support the weight of the concrete slabs; and Mid-States Concrete Products who provided the concrete slabs and also were responsible for their installation.

Carrie Beemsterboer, James’ widow, will be available to speak at a press conference along with attorney Kevin Durkin who will have photos of the scene and the family at Clifford Law Offices, 120 N. LaSalle St., 31^st Floor, Chicago, TODAY AT 1:30 P.M. Carrie Beemsterboer will be accompanied by her parents, Roger and Diane Costello, of Olympia Fields.