Springfield Construction Accident Attorney
Construction Accident Claims in Missouri
Many people go to work every day, but few face as high of risk of danger in their daily jobs as construction workers. Data from the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) shows that of the 3,929 workers killed on the job in 2013, approximately 796 were construction workers. This means that out of all industries in the United States, construction causes more than 20%, or one in five, of all worker deaths.
There are many reasons to hire an attorney after a construction accident. Often, it’s beneficial to discuss your options with a professional who can help protect your rights and interests as you move forward. Our team at Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. has over *200 years of collective legal experience. We understand the world of workers’ compensation: contact us today to find out if we can help you.
To schedule a complimentary consultation at our firm, or to learn more about how we may be able to defend your rights and interests after a construction accident, contact Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
Construction sites expose workers to a wide range of hazards. Some of the most frequent construction accidents in Springfield and throughout Missouri include:
- Falls from Heights: Falls from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, platforms, or other elevated surfaces are among the most common and most dangerous job-site accidents. These incidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other catastrophic harm.
- Struck-By Accidents: Workers are often struck by falling tools, swinging equipment, moving vehicles, or collapsing materials. Even a small object falling from a height can cause severe injuries.
- Caught-In or Caught-Between Accidents: These occur when a worker becomes trapped between machinery, walls, vehicles, or heavy materials. Crushing injuries and amputations are common outcomes.
- Electrical Accidents: Exposed wiring, power lines, malfunctioning tools, and improper grounding can result in burns, electrocution, or fatal shock injuries.
- Heavy Machinery Accidents: Bulldozers, forklifts, cranes, excavators, and other large equipment pose significant risks when improperly operated, maintained, or supervised.
- Trench & Excavation Collapses: Improper trench reinforcement can lead to cave-ins, burying workers under thousands of pounds of soil within seconds.
- Slip & Trip Accidents: Uneven surfaces, debris, holes, and wet or oily floors cause frequent slip and trip injuries on construction sites.
No matter how your accident happened, our Springfield construction accident lawyer at Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. can help you understand your rights and what compensation may be available.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can occur due to a variety of preventable safety failures. Some of the most common causes include:
- Inadequate Safety Training: Workers may not receive proper instruction on equipment operation, fall protection, or hazard recognition.
- Failure to Follow OSHA Standards: Ignoring federal and state safety regulations is a leading cause of construction injuries.
- Defective Equipment: Tools, ladders, scaffolding, and machinery can fail due to manufacturing defects or poor maintenance.
- Improper Supervision: Lack of oversight and failure to enforce safety protocols often result in avoidable accidents.
- Unsafe Job-Site Conditions: Unsecured materials, unstable structures, insufficient lighting, and cluttered walkways all increase the risk of injury.
- Human Error & Negligence: Mistakes by co-workers, subcontractors, or third parties can have devastating consequences.
When negligence plays a role in your accident, the law may allow you to pursue compensation in addition to standard workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ Compensation & Third-Party Claims in Missouri
Missouri law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you are injured on the job, you may be entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the accident. These benefits typically include:
- Medical treatment
- Temporary total disability benefits (lost wages)
- Permanent partial or total disability benefits
However, workers’ compensation does not provide compensation for pain and suffering, and it limits the amount you can recover. However, if someone other than your employer or a co-worker contributed to your injury, you may also be able to pursue a third-party claim. This can significantly increase your compensation.
Examples of potential third-party liability include:
- Negligent subcontractors
- Property owners
- Engineers or architects
- Equipment manufacturers
- Drivers on or near the job site
- Outside maintenance or inspection companies
A successful third-party claim may allow you to recover damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Full lost wages and future income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Additional out-of-pocket costs
Construction Accident FAQs
What should I do after a construction accident in Springfield?
Report the accident immediately, seek medical attention, document the scene if possible, and contact a construction accident attorney as soon as you can.
Can I sue my employer for a construction accident?
Generally, no. Missouri workers’ compensation law protects employers from being sued directly. However, you may still have a third-party claim against other responsible parties.
What if I am an independent contractor?
You may not qualify for workers’ compensation, but you can often pursue a personal injury claim for full damages.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Missouri workers’ compensation claims must typically be filed within two years, while personal injury claims generally have a five-year statute of limitations. Your timeline may vary based on your case.
How much does it cost to hire a construction accident lawyer?
Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. handles construction accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we win.
Why Choose Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C.?
- We have recovered over $400 million in compensation on behalf of our clients.
- We thoroughly investigate job-site accidents to determine all sources of liability.
- We fight to maximize your financial recovery, including pursuing both workers’ compensation and third-party claims when applicable.
- We treat you with respect, compassion, and transparency from the moment you call us.
- We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Contact us today at (888) 287-1046 to schedule a free consultation with our team.
Our Testimonials
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