Were you in a construction accident in Creve Coeur, MO? If you’ve been injured in a construction-related accident, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries.
Construction sites can be dangerous places for workers, visitors, and even people who are just passing by the site. Many people, however, are not sure what to do in the aftermath of an accident. Don’t let your uncertainty stop you from taking action.
Our experienced legal team at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to review your claim. We’re here to guide you through the legal issues related to your construction accident. We have 100+ years of combined experience and have recovered over $100 million in compensation.
Contact our Creve Coeur construction accident lawyers at (314) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation.
How Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Construction Accident in Creve Coeur, MO
If you are injured as a result of a construction accident in Creve Coeur, Missouri, you have many options when it comes to choosing a lawyer. Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers has the resources and experience to give you leverage in your case. Among other awards and distinctions, members of our legal team have received an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell, been inducted to the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and been recognized by Super Lawyers.
We are committed to working on behalf of our clients to get fair compensation for injuries resulting from construction accidents. As part of this work, our Creve Coeur personal injury attorneys will:
- Investigate the circumstances of the accident
- Determine the responsible party or parties
- Gather evidence from police reports, witness statements, and medical records
- Consult with experts as appropriate
- Negotiate with insurance companies and other involved parties
- Represent you in court if the parties cannot reach a settlement
Call us today to schedule a free consultation. Our Creve Coeur workers’ compensation lawyers can answer your questions and help you understand the legal implications of your case.
What Is My Construction Accident Case Worth?
If you were injured while working at a construction site in Missouri, you have two primary avenues for recovering damages: a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim. If you are injured while visiting or passing by a construction site, you may be able to recover damages through a personal injury claim.
Workers’ Compensation
In Missouri, all employers in the construction industry are required to provide protection for their employees under the state’s workers’ compensation law. You have 30 days to report an injury to your employer, but you should do so as soon as possible after the accident. You will then have two years from the date of the accident to file a workers’ compensation claim.
If your injuries prevent you from working, workers’ compensation will provide you with wage replacement up to a certain amount, regardless of fault. The value of your workers’ compensation benefits will depend on:
- Your income and wages prior to the accident
- The duration of your recovery
- Whether you’re totally or partially disabled
Note that if you’re able to work in some capacity, the amount you receive will be reduced accordingly.
Personal Injury Claims
If you’re a construction worker injured by a third party, or if you’re a visitor or passerby, you might have rights under Missouri personal injury laws. For example, you may be able to bring a third-party claim against the manufacturer of a defective product or against the property owner for a hazardous condition.
With a personal injury claim, you need to prove that someone else was negligent to recover compensation. There are four parts to a negligence claim. You must show: (1) the defendant owed you a duty of care; (2) the defendant breached this duty of care (i.e., they did not act in a reasonable manner); (3) you were injured because the defendant breached their duty of care; and (4) you suffered damages as a result of your injuries.
There are a number of factors that influence the amount of money that you may recover as a result of your injuries. One key factor that will impact your compensation is whether or not there is evidence establishing the other party’s fault.
Other factors relate to the injury itself:
- How severe is your injury?
- How has it impacted your daily life?
- What type of treatment are you receiving?
- How long is your recovery expected to take?
It’s important to remember that you may not know the true “cost” of the accident right away. For example, you may need to make many visits to one or more doctors as you recover. Your treatment may also include different medications and types of therapy. And, if you begin to experience trauma from the accident, it can take some time to get appropriate mental health treatment.
We know that sorting through your options can be stressful, but we will gather all of the information necessary to assess your claim. Our goal is to make sure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Construction Accident Victims?
Damages are the losses you have experienced due to the construction accident. Under Missouri’s workers’ compensation law. injured workers may be eligible for three main categories of benefits under workers’ compensation law:
- Medical benefits (including doctors’ visits, hospitalization, and prescription drugs)
- Lost wages and other monetary compensation
- Death benefits (for survivors of fatal accident victims)
If you file a third-party personal injury claim, you may be eligible for additional economic damages. This includes medical care that workers’ compensation does not cover. You may also be able to receive non-economic damages related to intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
If the party at fault was engaging in extremely negligent or reckless behavior, you may also be able to receive “extra” – often referred to as punitive – damages. In every case, our legal team will consider all of the different ways your injuries have impacted you as they build your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer?
Perhaps you’re hesitating to contact a lawyer after a construction accident because you think it’s too expensive. You have enough on your mind after an accident, but whether you file a workers’ compensation claim or pursue a personal injury claim against a third party, one thing that you don’t have to worry about is hourly fees.
Under Missouri law, in workers’ compensation cases, an attorney is paid a percentage of the benefits secured for the client. And, if you file a personal injury claim against a third party, we will work on a contingency fee basis. In either case, we will receive a percentage of the compensation you recover only if we settle or win the lawsuit on your behalf.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Construction Accident in Missouri?
Under Missouri’s pure comparative negligence standard, you can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault. Your share of responsibility, however, will limit the amount of damages you can collect.
For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 25%. In fact, even if you are found to be 99% at fault for your pedestrian accident, you can claim damages for the other 1%. Let us evaluate the facts of your case, determine whether there is comparative negligence, and advise you on your options.
What Are Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Creve Coeur?
Human error or mechanical failure often causes or contributes to construction accidents. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are four main causes of construction accidents:
- Falls, slips, and trips
- Electrocution (due to exposed wiring, poorly maintained power tools, and other hazardous conditions)
- Struck by hazards (e.g., flying or falling objects)
- Caught-in or -between hazards (e.g., being pulled into machinery or compressed by shifting objects).
We can help you assess the cause of your accident and hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All Your Construction Accident Injuries
In 2024, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported over 3,600 injury incidents in the construction industry.
Construction accidents can result in a wide range of both minor and significant injuries. Common workplace injuries include strains, sprains, lacerations, and burns. Injuries to the head, neck, and back are also common. In fact, according to research published in 2016, a large percentage of fatal traumatic brain injuries in the construction industry were due to falls.
Whether your injuries are minor or significant, receiving prompt medical attention and treatment is important if you’ve been injured in a construction accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Construction Accident in Missouri?
Missouri law generally gives you five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are, however, certain exceptions that may or may not apply to your particular case. If you miss the deadline, you may not be able to receive compensation for your injuries, so it’s best not to wait too long.
Contact Our Creve Coeur Construction Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Figuring out what to do after a construction accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to deal with everything on your own. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Creve Coeur, Missouri, Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We will evaluate your case and advise you on what to do next. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Creve Coeur construction accident lawyer to learn more about your options.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office In Creve Coeur, MO
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 444-4444
