The tragic death of Duane Tabinski was a dark moment during the 2023 Chicago Street Race. The first NASCAR street race took place in July 2023, organized by the City of Chicago. It was a weekend full of excitement and incidents both on and off the track. Due to heavy rain, the race distance had to be shortened, resulting in multiple accidents caused by the wet conditions. To everyone’s surprise, a three-time Supercars champion emerged victorious on his debut day.
However, amidst the busy weekend, the darkest moment occurred with the death of a construction worker. The 51-year-old individual had been hired as a contractor to handle the electrical facilities at the track. His responsibility included setting up speakers and microphones near Buckingham Fountain for the race. Tragically, Tabinski lost his life while working, a victim of an electrocution accident.
Following this devastating incident, Mr. Tabinski’s widow, with the assistance of Clifford Law Offices, filed a lawsuit against NASCAR. The lawsuit, filed on March 19, alleges that both NASCAR and the Chicago Park District neglected the safety of the workers. Additionally, United Rentals, the provider of the electrical equipment, as well as Four Lead Productions, Malo Communications Services, and McGuire Scenic, are also mentioned in the lawsuit for alleged workplace safety violations.
Kevin P. Durkin, the attorney representing Kristian Tabinski, released a statement addressing the lawsuit. He emphasized that if NASCAR had prioritized safety, this tragic death could have been avoided. Durkin stated that such a serious safety failure should never occur again.
As NASCAR prepares to return to Chicago this season, it is crucial for the sport to resolve the legal issues related to the lawsuit. Additionally, the sport must prioritize the well-being and safety of the future workers involved in the 2024 event. Ensuring better and safer working conditions is of utmost importance.
