Missouri Construction Accident Lawyer
Missouri construction accidents pose significant risks to workers across the state. Common causes include falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, and exposure to hazardous materials on construction sites. These accidents can be severe and life-changing, affecting workers’ health and ability to earn a living.
Employers, contractors, and other parties may be held responsible for construction accidents, especially when safety standards are not met. Fortunately, under Missouri Law, injured construction workers are entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional suffering, and potential disability.
If you have met with a fatal construction site accident, let attorneys at the Injury Lawyer Team help you file a personal injury lawsuit or claim against negligent parties. Our construction accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning no legal fees until they resolve your case.
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Contact our Missouri construction accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with your Chicago car accident lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Statistics on Construction Accident Cases in Missouri
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that around 150,000 construction site injuries occur nationwide each year.
In 2022, Missouri saw over 4,000 construction site injuries.
ConstructConnect data highlights that general laborers (293 deaths in 2019) face the highest risk of construction site fatalities. They are followed by supervisors (136), roofers (111), carpenters (99), and other construction professionals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States spends approximately $5 billion annually on healthcare, lost income, and reduced quality of life due to construction-related fatal injuries.
In Missouri, nearly 91,000 workplace injuries and 118 fatalities were reported in 2020. Over 4,000 injuries and 20 fatalities occurred at construction sites.
St. Louis County had the highest number of construction injuries in the state, with more than 17,700 injuries and over 25 workplace deaths.
Workers in Missouri’s private sector experienced non-fatal workplace injuries at a rate of 4.9 per 100 full-time workers, which is higher than the national average of 3.6 per 100 workers.
What are the Causes of Construction Accidents in Missouri?
Construction site accidents in Missouri can occur due to a range of hazards like unsafe conditions, human error, or lack of proper safety measures. Injuries can range from minor to severe and may lead to long-term health issues, permanent disabilities, or even fatalities. Construction accident victims can seek compensation for these types of serious injuries:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or incomplete structures can cause traumatic brain injuries in a fatal construction site accident.
- Electrocution from exposed wiring may result in burns, organ damage, or even death.
- Exposure to harmful chemicals on construction sites can lead to severe chemical burns.
- Eye injuries or burns may occur during welding tasks.
- Workers can be struck by or against cranes, lifts, and vehicles, causing injuries.
- Falls into trenches can also lead to accidents and injuries.
- Excessive noise at construction sites without proper ear protection may cause hearing loss.
- Falling objects, tools, or equipment can strike workers and result in injuries.
According to the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA), falls from heights are the most significant cause of construction site injuries. If you got injured in a Missouri construction accident, seek legal assistance from skilled lawyers at our law firm.
What Steps Should I Take After a Construction Accident in Missouri?
After a construction accident in Missouri, taking the right steps is crucial to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what to do to protect your legal rights:
- Report the Construction Accident: Inform your employer in writing as soon as possible. Missouri law gives you 30 days to report, but sooner is better.
- Seek Medical Care: Get medical attention immediately, following your doctor’s treatment plan carefully. Keep records of your visits and treatments.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and notes of the construction site accident, gather eyewitness contacts, and preserve any evidence that may support your claim.
- Keep Records: Collect and organize medical records, accident reports, and other important documents.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a Missouri construction accident attorney to review your case, guide you through the workers’ compensation process, and help you assess any potential third-party claims.
Proving Negligence in Missouri Construction Accidents
Missouri’s workers’ compensation laws offer support for construction workers injured on the job without requiring proof of fault. Construction workers can receive benefits for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the accident.
However, to seek full compensation, construction workers may need to pursue third-party claims. These claims involve proving negligence on the part of a contractor, co-worker, manufacturer, or other party involved in the accident.
Missouri law also requires landowners to address hazardous conditions on their property. If you have been injured due to negligence at a construction site, you might be eligible for compensation through a workers’ comp or premises liability claim.
Consulting with an experienced St. Louis construction accident attorney can help you prove negligence and hold the responsible parties accountable. Schedule a free case evaluation with our skilled attorneys today.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Construction Accident Claim in Missouri?
If you have experienced serious injuries from a construction accident in Missouri, it’s essential to know your claim’s statute of limitations. In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the accident or from the construction injury diagnosis to file a claim, as outlined in Missouri Civil Procedure and Limitations 516.120.
Missing this deadline could lead to a dismissal of your construction accident case, preventing you from seeking maximum compensation. Consult a Missouri construction accident lawyer to understand the specific statute of limitations law applicable to your situation and to take timely legal action.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive in a Missouri Construction Accident Claim?
Compensation for a construction accident in Missouri varies based on factors such as the severity of your injuries, recovery prospects, and how your injuries affect your ability to work. Here’s what you can expect:
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
A workers’ compensation claim may cover medical bills like hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy with two-thirds of average weekly wages while construction workers recover. Additionally, workers’ compensation benefits may also include:
- Partial Disability Payments: If the injured construction worker can work in a reduced capacity, they may receive partial disability payments temporarily.
- Permanent Partial Disability: Benefits are paid up to a set maximum for permanent partial disabilities.
- Permanent Total Disability: If the construction accident victim is permanently disabled, benefits are paid for life.
Compensation in a Personal Injury Claim
If a third party’s negligence caused your accident, you may pursue a construction accident lawsuit for:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
- Lost Income: Recovery for lost wages and loss of future earning potential.
- Other Damages: Potential recovery for additional damages such as loss of enjoyment of life, and other financial losses not covered by workers’ compensation.
St. Louis construction accident attorneys can assess your case, determine your eligibility for different compensation options, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.
Hire an Experienced Construction Accident Attorney in Missouri
Missouri law empowers construction accident victims with legal options for holding responsible parties liable and seeking maximum compensation. An experienced construction accident attorney can help victims navigate the process of a workers’ compensation claim and third-party claims.
Skilled construction accident lawyers at the Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, can guide victims in filing personal injury claims, ensuring that their rights are protected. We help them recover fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages incurred by the construction site accident.
If you have been fatally injured or your loved one lost their life on construction sites, schedule a free case evaluation today at (888) 424-5757 with our St. Louis construction accident lawyer. All confidential or sensitive information you share with your construction accident lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.