Construction sites are some of the most dangerous workplaces in the United States. The construction industry accounts for roughly 21% of all worker deaths and full-time workers missed over 24.2 million hours of work in 2022 due to injury or illness [1].
If you get hurt in a construction accident, a Columbia construction accident lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can guide you through the claims process.
Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
When facing the aftermath of a construction accident, hiring Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can be a critical step toward recovering the compensation you deserve. By choosing Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, you benefit from our proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for injured workers, ensuring you receive the financial support needed for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Fatal fall injuries
Fatal crush injuries
Fatal roof fall
Fatal skylight fall
Electrical burn injuries
Ladder fall injuries
Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of construction accident claims, including navigating the intricate laws and regulations that govern workplace injuries. We are dedicated to thoroughly investigating each case, identifying liable parties, and advocating fiercely on your behalf.
Cases Our Columbia Construction Accident Lawyers Handle
The unfortunate reality is that construction sites are dangerous as they can lead to all kinds of accidents. Columbia construction accident lawyers from our firm have handled many cases in the past from construction sites, so we have the experience needed to support your claim and increase your chances of recovering compensation. The more severe your injuries, the more likely it is that you can pursue compensation at a higher level.
Some of the most common causes of construction accidents include:
- Slips and falls
- Falling objects
- Electrocution
- Scaffolding or ladder accidents
- Chemical spills
- Fires
- Heavy equipment malfunctions
- Tool accidents
- Caught-between accidents
- Forklift accidents
- Collapsing structures
- Struck by an object
Most Common Construction Site Injuries
Getting injured in a construction accident can have a significant impact on your life. Not only could you miss work while you recover, but you could also have a very different lifestyle if the injuries were severe.
It is important to seek medical attention for treatment, as this will provide additional evidence to support your legal claim, whether it is for workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit. Some of the most common types of serious injuries in construction accident cases include:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Hernias
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Neck injuries
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Chemical illnesses
- Visual impairment
- Disabilities
Your Legal Options Following a Construction Accident
Getting injured in a construction accident does not always mean filing a personal injury claim against another party, so it is important to understand the various legal options you have for a workplace injury.
- Workers’ compensation claim – Workers’ compensation is insurance employers pay to cover employees who miss time due to an injury or illness they acquired while working. Fault does not play a role in a workers’ compensation claim, and eligible part-time and full-time employees can apply. Benefits are typically 80% of an employee’s wages.
- Employer personal injury claim – If the firm you work for is responsible for the accident, you can pursue an injury claim against them, even if you already receive workers’ compensation benefits. For example, if the employer is not following OSHA regulations and you get hurt as a result, the company is liable for your injury. Compensation can include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
- Third-party personal injury claim – If someone other than your employer is involved, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them in a third-party legal action. A coworker who knocks over a tool that lands on your head could result in a lawsuit, or a property owner who fails to maintain the property, endangering construction workers.
- Wrongful death claim – In some cases, construction workers could die because of the accident. In this case, an employer or negligent third party could be held liable by the deceased individual’s surviving family members. Damages in a wrongful death claim can include funeral costs, burial expenses, loss of companionship, or loss of financial support.
Determining Liability for Construction Accidents in Columbia, MO
A personal injury lawsuit is designed to recover damages for the victim or the deceased individual’s family members. To determine what level of compensation a claimant could be eligible for, it is important to speak with a Columbia construction injury attorney. Personal injury claims must have a negligent party involved to establish liability.
Liable parties in a construction accident could include one or more of the following:
Employers
Many construction accident claims are the fault of the employers. Perhaps the construction firm you work for is not enforcing safety standards or asking employees to do things that involve needless risk. If your construction accident injury is the result of employer negligence, you can hold them accountable with a personal injury claim.
General, Prime, and Sub-Contractors
A construction site could involve multiple general contractors, prime contractors, and subcontractors all working on the same project. If one of these entities is responsible for your injuries and they are not your employer, they can still be liable for legal damages like medical costs or lost wages. If they are your employer, then you may need to weigh your options to file a personal injury case or a workers’ comp claim.
Third Parties
If the construction accident is caused by anyone other than your employer, then you may have a third-party claim. Third-party claims can involve other construction workers, the property owner of the construction site, a product manufacturer who created a faulty piece of equipment, or even passersby on the construction site.
A personal injury lawsuit is based on fault, so it may be more advantageous to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party rather than worry about workers’ comp. Injury claims cover far more damages than workers’ comp does, so you will receive greater benefits if you win.
Damages a Columbia Construction Injury Lawyer Can Help Recover
Your Columbia construction accident lawyers will help you assess legal damages in your case. These damages will determine what you can win as you seek compensation for your claim. There are three types of damages in personal injury claims for which you can recover compensation, including economic, non-economic, and punitive.
The types of damages you can pursue will depend on the impact of the construction accident on your life and the circumstances of the incident. Working with a construction accident attorney is crucial to level the playing field against the defendant, their lawyers, and their insurance company.
The following damages may be applicable after construction accidents:
- Economic damages – Medical expenses, costs of future medical care, lost wages, property damage, loss of financial support, funeral costs in the event of wrongful death
- Non-economic damages – Emotional suffering, physical pain, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of companionship in the event of wrongful death
- Punitive damages – If the defendant behaved with particular intent, punitive damages may be used to further punish them, though these are typically reserved for large entities or companies
You Have a Limited Time to File a Construction Accident Claim in Columbia, Missouri
The statute of limitations refers to the time limit claimants have to file their lawsuits and recover compensation. If you wait beyond this period, you will not be able to recover anything. Whatever legal action you are pursuing, it is always better to act quickly. For this reason, you should contact a Columbia construction accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident to initiate the process and receive your free consultation.
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is five years from the date of discovering the injury. For wrongful death, the surviving family members have three years to file their claim from the date of death. If you are pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, then you have two years to file. However, you must have reported the incident within 30 days to your employer.
Contact Our Columbia Construction Accident Attorneys Today!
A bad construction accident can change the course of your life, putting you out of work and potentially affecting your lifestyle for years to come. Holding the at-fault party responsible and seeking maximum compensation for damages suffered can at least keep you financially supported during this time. When workplace accidents happen, a Columbia Missouri construction accident lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is ready to guide you through the claims process.
Call us at our toll-free number 888-424-5757 for your free consultation, or fill out the contact form online and we will reach out to you quickly to discuss your personal injury lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim.
Resource: [1] ProCore – Construction Safety,