Construction sites can be dangerous places. If you were injured on a job site anywhere in Missouri due to unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, or a contractor’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation under Missouri law. Contact the Missouri construction accident attorneys at Buchanan Williams & O’Brien to discuss your rights and next steps.
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Construction Accident Lawyers in Missouri
Construction sites are among the most hazardous work environments in the state of Missouri. Workers are routinely exposed to heavy machinery, elevated work areas, live electrical systems, and dangerous materials, which significantly increase the risk of serious injury. If you’re injured on the job, Missouri workers’ compensation laws typically cover your medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages.
However, while you generally cannot sue your employer, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against third parties whose negligence contributed to your injuries, such as subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners. A qualified construction accident attorney can help identify all potential sources of liability and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
A skilled Missouri personal injury attorney at Buchanan Williams & O’Brien, P.C. understands the complex nature of construction accident claims. We work hard to secure the compensation you need to move forward. If you or someone you know has been affected by a construction accident, we are here to offer assistance and help you seek the justice you deserve. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Construction Accident Causes in Missouri
Many construction accidents involve dangerous conditions that can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death. Some of the most common causes include:
- Caught-between accidents (workers caught in or compressed by equipment or structures)
- Collapsed scaffolding due to improper assembly or overloading
- Defective or poorly maintained equipment
- Electrocution from exposed wiring or power lines
- Falls from ladders, roofs, or scaffolding
- Being struck by falling tools, materials, or debris
- Vehicle-related accidents on active construction sites
- Slip and fall incidents caused by unsafe surfaces
- Exposure to toxic chemicals or fumes without proper protection
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes strict safety regulations for construction sites, but not everyone on the job follows them. When a contractor, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or another third party fails to comply with these safety standards and causes an accident, they may be held legally responsible.
While workers’ compensation covers basic benefits from your employer, it does not prevent you from filing a separate personal injury lawsuit against negligent third parties. An experienced construction accident attorney can investigate whether OSHA violations or other forms of third-party negligence contributed to your injury, and determine whether you may be entitled to pursue additional compensation under Missouri law.
Confused about construction accident liability in Missouri? We are here to answer your questions.
Workers’ Compensation and Construction Accidents
In Missouri, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system designed to provide benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of who caused the accident. These benefits typically include coverage for authorized medical treatment, partial wage replacement during periods of disability, and vocational rehabilitation when applicable. In exchange for these guaranteed benefits, injured workers are generally barred from filing a personal injury lawsuit against their employer, even if the employer was negligent.
Strict procedural requirements apply to workers’ compensation claims. You must report the injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident, though immediate reporting is strongly advised to avoid delays or disputes. Once notified, your employer is required to report the injury to its workers’ compensation insurance carrier within seven days. Failure to meet these deadlines may jeopardize your right to benefits.
How We Can Help
If you are pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference. Employers and insurance carriers may dispute the extent of your injuries, delay medical treatment, or offer less than you are entitled to. An attorney can help ensure your claim is filed correctly, advocate for appropriate medical care, and fight to secure the full benefits you deserve under Missouri law.
Potential Compensation in a Third-Party Claim
When a third party is responsible for a construction accident, you may be eligible for the following compensation:
- Full reimbursement for past and future lost income
- Medical expenses not fully covered by workers’ compensation
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
While workers’ compensation provides partial coverage, third-party claims can make up the difference and compensate you for losses not available through the no-fault system. Keep in mind that if your workers’ compensation insurer has already paid benefits, it may have a right to reimbursement (a lien) from any third-party recovery.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Third-Party Claim?
Depending on the facts of your case, potentially liable third parties may include:
- Property Owners: Property owners have a legal duty to maintain a reasonably safe work environment. If they are aware of hazardous conditions on the premises and fail to address them or provide adequate warnings, such as signs or barriers, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.
- General Contractors: General contractors are responsible for ensuring overall site safety, including compliance with OSHA regulations and proper maintenance of equipment. They may be liable if they fail to implement or enforce safety protocols, provide necessary training, or address known hazards.
- Subcontractors: Subcontractors may share responsibility if their negligence, unsafe work practices, or failure to follow safety standards contributed to the accident.
- Equipment or Vehicle Manufacturers: If defective or malfunctioning equipment or vehicles caused or contributed to the accident, the manufacturer, or in some cases, the distributor, may be liable under product liability law.
- Architects and Engineers: Design professionals may be held responsible if a design flaw or engineering error created unsafe conditions that directly led to the injury.
- Material Suppliers or Installers: If the accident was caused by substandard construction materials, such as defective scaffolding, or by a vendor’s improper installation of equipment, the supplier and/or installer may be held accountable.
Contact a Missouri Construction Accident Attorney
If you were seriously injured in a Missouri construction accident, whether you’re pursuing a workers’ compensation claim or a lawsuit against a negligent third party, the experienced attorneys at Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, P.C. are here to help. An experienced construction site injury lawyer can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight to secure the full compensation you need to rebuild your life. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today to discuss your options and protect your rights.
Our firm has offices in Joplin, Springfield, and St. Louis, serving clients throughout Missouri. Since we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation. While most construction accident claims are settled, we will litigate your case if the insurance company fails to offer a reasonable settlement amount.
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