A construction accident can change your life in an instant. One moment, you’re hard at work, and the next, you’re facing painful injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a construction accident in Columbia, Missouri, you don’t have to go through this alone.
At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a workplace accident can take. Our team is here to fight for your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve. With decades of experience handling construction accident claims, we know what it takes to hold negligent parties accountable.
Get in touch today at (314) 444-4444 for a free consultation with a Columbia construction accident lawyer.
How Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Columbia
Choosing the right attorney after a construction accident in Columbia, Missouri, is crucial. Since opening our doors more than a decade ago, Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers has built a reputation for aggressive advocacy and compassionate client service. With over 100 years of combined experience and more than $100 million recovered for our clients, we have the knowledge and resources to take on even the toughest cases.
Our Columbia personal injury attorneys have earned prestigious recognitions, including:
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- Membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Recognition in Best Lawyers in America
- Best Lawyers in St. Louis (St. Louis Magazine)
- Super Lawyers distinction
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating
Here’s how we can help you:
- Investigate the accident to determine liability and gather crucial evidence
- Work with medical and construction experts to build a strong case
- Negotiate with insurance companies to demand fair compensation
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement isn’t offered
- Explain your options, whether through workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact our team today for a free consultation.
What is My Construction Accident Case Worth?
Every construction accident case is different, and the value of your claim will depend on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses (both current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Whether workers’ compensation or a personal injury claim is pursued
Missouri follows a comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation could be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. Insurance companies often try to use this to minimize payouts, which is why having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Columbia, MO, you may be entitled to various types of compensation through a personal injury claim, including:
- Economic damages: Covering medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing care.
- Non-economic damages: Addressing pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence or reckless conduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish wrongdoing.
If a loved one was fatally injured in a construction accident, you may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses and lost financial support.
Workers’ Compensation and Construction Accidents in Missouri
Missouri requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits for injured workers. Workers’ comp typically covers:
- Medical treatment
- Partial wage replacement for time off work
- Disability benefits for long-term impairments
However, workers’ compensation does not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering. If a third party, such as a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, contributed to your accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover additional compensation.
Our team can help determine whether you should file a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or both.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer?
At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so there are no financial risks in seeking legal help.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Construction Accident in Missouri?
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 100% at fault for the accident. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000 in compensation. Insurance companies and employers may try to unfairly shift blame onto injured workers, which is why it’s essential to have legal representation to fight back against these tactics.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All Of Your Construction Accident Injuries
Suffering a construction accident injury can be a life-altering experience. These injuries often lead to long-term medical complications, financial strain, and emotional distress. The road to recovery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re here to provide the support and legal advocacy you need.
Some of the most common construction accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): A fall from scaffolding or being struck by heavy equipment can cause severe brain trauma, leading to memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and emotional changes.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: These injuries can result in partial or complete loss of mobility, requiring extensive medical treatment and lifelong care.
- Fractures and broken bones: Construction sites are full of hazards, from unstable structures to heavy machinery. A severe fracture may require multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation.
- Amputations and loss of limbs: Caught-in and crush accidents involving machinery can lead to devastating injuries, sometimes necessitating amputations.
- Burns and electrocution injuries: Exposed wiring, flammable materials, and explosions can result in severe burns, nerve damage, and life-threatening complications.
- Hearing and vision loss: Loud noises from heavy machinery and exposure to chemicals or debris can cause permanent sensory damage.
In the worst cases, construction accidents lead to fatal injuries, leaving families grieving an unimaginable loss. If you have lost a loved one due to a construction site accident, we can help you pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial relief for your family. No one should have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence, and we’re here to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
What Causes Most Construction Accidents in Columbia, Missouri?
Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces. While some incidents are unavoidable, many occur due to negligence, unsafe working conditions, or failure to follow proper safety protocols.
Here are some of the most frequent causes of construction accidents in Columbia, Missouri:
- Falls from scaffolding or ladders: Falls are the leading cause of construction site injuries. Without proper safety harnesses, guardrails, or secure ladders, workers risk serious head, neck, and spinal injuries.
- Electrocutions and burns: Exposed wiring, unfinished electrical systems, and high-voltage equipment can lead to severe injuries if proper precautions aren’t taken.
- Heavy machinery accidents: Forklifts, bulldozers, and cranes are essential to construction work, but when operated improperly or maintained poorly, they pose significant hazards to workers.
- Falling objects and debris: Tools, materials, and unsecured equipment can fall from high elevations, causing traumatic injuries to those below.
- Unsafe working conditions: Poorly maintained worksites, inadequate lighting, and lack of proper protective gear can all increase the likelihood of an accident.
- Negligent site management: Employers and site managers are responsible for ensuring a safe work environment. Cutting corners, failing to provide adequate training, or ignoring safety regulations can lead to preventable accidents.
Construction workers are some of the hardest-working individuals in our community, and they deserve a safe work environment. If negligence played a role in your accident, you have the right to pursue legal action. Our team is here to help you understand your options and fight for the justice you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Construction Accident in Missouri?
Missouri law gives personal injury victims five years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, workers’ compensation claims have shorter deadlines, typically requiring you to report the injury within 30 days and file a claim soon after.
Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation, so it’s critical to act quickly. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible ensures that you understand your rights, meet all necessary deadlines, and take full advantage of both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims when applicable.
An initial consultation with a lawyer comes with no obligation to hire them, but the information you receive can be invaluable. An attorney can help you navigate complex claims, gather evidence, and ensure you’re not being taken advantage of by insurance companies or employers. Consulting with legal counsel early can also improve your chances of securing maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact our Columbia Construction Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident in Columbia, Missouri, don’t wait to seek legal help. The team at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers is here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Columbia construction accident lawyer. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office In Columbia, MO
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
(314) 444-4444
