Construction sites can be dangerous places. If you were injured on a job site anywhere in St. Louis 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 St. Louis construction accident attorneys at Buchanan Williams & O’Brien to discuss your rights and next steps.
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Construction Accident Lawyers in St. Louis
The St. Louis skyline is constantly evolving — a testament to the hard work and dedication of the region’s construction professionals. Yet, this vital industry remains one of the most hazardous in the nation. When a serious accident occurs on a construction site, the physical pain is often just the beginning. Victims and their families face mounting medical expenses, lost income, and the added stress of navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation and potential third-party liability claims.
At Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, P.C., we provide results-driven legal representation for injured construction workers in St.Louis. We are known for aggressive, zealous advocacy for our clients’ rights. You can rest assured that when you choose a BWO lawyer, you have the support of our entire team of lawyers.
Whether you’re pursuing a workers’ compensation claim or also have grounds for a third-party liability lawsuit, we manage the legal process efficiently so you can focus on your recovery. Schedule a free consultation today.
Your Legal Options After a Construction Accident
Construction accidents frequently lead to catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, severe fractures, electrocution, and, in some cases, wrongful death. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and rehabilitation, resulting in significant financial strain.
In Missouri, pursuing compensation after a construction accident involves understanding two distinct legal pathways: workers’ compensation and third-party liability claims.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Under Missouri law, nearly all construction companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This system operates on a no-fault basis, meaning that if you are injured while performing your job duties, you are entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault.
These benefits typically include:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury, including hospital care, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and medical devices.
- Wage replacement: Partial reimbursement of lost income, typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, if your injury prevents you from working.
- Compensation for permanent disability: Financial compensation for lasting physical impairments or functional limitations resulting from the injury.
- Vocational rehabilitation: Assistance with job retraining or placement if you are unable to return to your previous position.
- Death benefits: Financial support for surviving dependents in the event of a fatal workplace accident, including funeral costs and weekly benefits.
The main limitation of workers’ compensation is the “exclusive remedy” rule, which usually prevents injured workers from suing their employer for negligence.
Confused about construction accident liability in St. Louis? We are here to answer your questions.
Third-Party Liability Claims
In addition to pursuing workers’ compensation, some construction accident cases may involve third-party liability if a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer was negligent and contributed to the injury. When applicable, these claims can provide access to additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation covers:
- Past and future medical expenses not fully covered by workers’ compensation.
- Full reimbursement for lost wages, including future loss of earning capacity
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages, in rare cases involving willful misconduct or gross negligence
Potential Third Parties
Third parties may include:
- General Contractors: They may be liable if they failed to enforce safety protocols, supervise subcontractors, or correct known hazards.
- Equipment Manufacturers or Distributors: If a defective or dangerously designed tool, machine, or safety device contributed to the injury, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable under product liability laws.
- Property Owners: If the property owner retained control over the jobsite and failed to address or warn about known dangerous conditions, they may bear legal responsibility.
- Subcontractors or Other On-Site Entities: If another trade contractor or vendor created a hazardous condition or violated safety standards, they may be liable for resulting injuries, even if they were not directly supervising your work
Our firm carefully investigates each case to identify any third parties who may be legally responsible, ensuring that no potential avenue for recovery is overlooked.
Common Accidents on St. Louis Construction Sites
Construction work is a constant presence in St. Louis, spanning commercial developments, residential projects, and public infrastructure upgrades. With so many job sites across the city, workers are regularly exposed to dangerous conditions.
The most common types of construction accidents in St. Louis include the following:
- Slip and Falls. Slip and falls are often caused by wet or uneven surfaces, misplaced tools, or poor housekeeping on-site.
- Falls from Heights. Including accidents involving ladders, rooftops, open-sided floors, or improperly secured scaffolding.
- Struck by Objects. Such as falling tools, debris, construction materials, or swinging loads, including those from crane operations.
- Caught-In/Between Incidents. Involving workers trapped between machinery, materials, or in trench collapses.
- Electrocutions. Resulting from contact with exposed wiring, energized equipment, or overhead power lines.
- Machinery Accidents. Including incidents with forklifts, bulldozers, or other heavy equipment.
- Scaffolding Accidents. Often caused by unstable platforms, missing guardrails, or improper assembly.
- Crane Accidents. May involve load drops, equipment failure, or unsafe operation in active work zones.
Why You Need a St. Louis Construction Accident Lawyer
We work to ensure you receive every benefit you’re entitled to under Missouri workers’ compensation law. Our focus is on protecting your interests:
- Ensure all authorized medical treatment is approved and properly covered under Missouri workers’ compensation law.
- Pursue temporary total, temporary partial, or permanent disability benefits appropriate to the extent of your injury.
- Evaluate long-term wage loss and future medical needs within the scope of permanent partial or total disability benefits and continuing medical care.
- Challenge benefit denials, delays, or disputes, and represent you in all proceedings before the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation
- Pursue third-party liability claims when another individual or company, not your employer, contributed to your injury.
We’re here to guide you through every step of the workers’ compensation process and make sure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Construction Accident Attorney in St. Louis
Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien are the St. Louis personal injury and accident attorneys with the experience you need to get the results you want.
A serious construction accident can have a lasting impact on your health, livelihood, and future. Missouri’s workers’ compensation system provides access to critical medical care and wage replacement benefits after a work-related injury. Navigating that system can be complex, particularly in cases involving severe injuries or when a potential third-party claim is involved. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.
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