Construction can be a dangerous business. If you were hurt on a construction site in Richmond Heights, MO, you may have legal options. A Richmond Heights construction accident lawyer can help you understand those options and get damages.
At Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we are familiar with construction accidents. Our attorneys always take the time to listen to your story and understand your needs. We know that construction accidents are often catastrophic, and injuries may change your life forever.
In our 30 years of combined experience, we have collectively helped our clients recover over $70 million. We’re passionate about helping accident victims in the area, and we’re confident we can help you achieve a successful result.
Contact our law office at (314) 207-4399 to set up a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.
Table of Contents
How Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Construction Accident in Richmond Heights, MO
Hiring a lawyer may be the last thing on your mind after a construction accident in Richmond Heights, Missouri. However, it might be the best decision that you make for your case.
The law can be confusing when it comes to construction accidents. An experienced Richmond Heights personal injury lawyer can help you understand the law and decide on a strategy to maximize your recovery. This means getting payments for lost wages, medical bills, and potentially other expenses caused by the accident.
Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers has been named a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in America, and has an A+ rating by the BBB.
When you hire us to handle your case, we will:
- Find out the cause of the accident
- Identify who is responsible
- Explain your legal options
- File a workers’ compensation claim and negotiate on your behalf
- Request and review your medical records
- Consult with expert witnesses
- File a third-party lawsuit when applicable
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you after a Richmond Heights construction accident.
Common Types of Construction Accident Cases
Every construction site and every construction project is different. That means that the types of construction accidents can significantly vary depending on the specifics of the job.
Most construction accidents happen to employees, like construction workers. However, some construction accidents happen to others who may be visiting or passing by the construction site.
The most common types of construction accident cases in Richmond Heights include:
- Falling off of ladders or scaffolding
- Slipping, tripping, or falling on site
- Heavy machinery accidents
- Electrocution
- Building collapse
- Struck by falling objects
- Fires or explosions
- Defective tools and machinery
- Crane accidents
- Retaining wall collapse
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Repetitive injuries
- Overexertion
Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers know the different types of construction accidents in this area. We have seen it all. Our lawyers can help you investigate the cause of the accident, collect evidence, and create a strategy to get paid by the right parties.
Why Do Construction Accidents Happen in Richmond Heights, MO?
Construction is a dangerous industry. It makes sense that there would be accidents from time to time. Most often, construction accidents happen because of negligence. Yet sometimes, they may be completely unexpected and random.
Many construction accidents in Richmond Heights, MO, are caused by:
- Inadequate safety training
- Lack of safety protocols on the construction site
- Failure to maintain heavy machinery and dangerous tools
- Lack of protective gear
- Lack of guardrails or safety netting
- Improper or outdated training in using dangerous machinery or tools
- Lack of oversight by managers
- Defective equipment
- Disorganization within the construction site
- Inadequate signage
- Lack of communication on the construction site
Even though construction is dangerous, it doesn’t give construction companies a free pass to ignore safety measures. Construction companies should be careful to protect their workers from foreseeable risks. If they don’t, tragic accidents will happen.
We Handle All Types of Construction Accident Injury Cases in Richmond Heights
Our Richmond Heights construction accident attorneys have represented clients suffering from:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Severe burns
- Illness caused by toxic chemicals
- Amputation
- Loss of eyesight and hearing
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal bleeding and crush injuries
This list is not exhaustive. We can help you no matter your injury or set of injuries. Our lawyers will take the time to learn about your injury and prognosis. This includes reviewing medical records, talking with doctors, and consulting with experts.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Construction Accident in Richmond Heights, MO?
There are usually two different types of claims that can happen after a construction accident. Your damages will vary depending on the type of claim that you pursue. A lawyer can help you understand what claims are available in your case and which will benefit you the most.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
A Missouri workers’ compensation claim is insurance-based. Most employers are required to have an insurance policy that pays their employees after getting hurt at work, regardless of who is at fault. Employees generally must use this insurance policy instead of filing a lawsuit.
In a workers’ compensation claim, you can ask for money for medical expenses and lost wages. However, you don’t always recover dollar for dollar. Your benefits depend on how your disability is classified.
If you have a permanent partial disability, this means that you can still work, but can’t perform certain jobs or tasks that you could before. Perhaps you are moved to a different department or given fewer hours. In this situation, you can recover 66 ⅔% of your average weekly earnings at the time of your injury. However, there is a maximum allowed.
If you have a permanent total disability, you are completely unable to work at any job. Perhaps you have become completely paralyzed or suffered a traumatic brain injury. In this case, you can recover 66 ⅔% of your average weekly earnings at the time of injury for life. There is also a maximum allowed in this case, but it is higher than if you were partially disabled.
Third-Party Lawsuits
A third-party lawsuit is less common in a construction accident. This is where you file a lawsuit against someone other than your employer for negligently causing the accident. Generally speaking, workers’ compensation precludes you from filing a lawsuit directly against your employer.
For example, depending on the circumstances, you might be able to recover money from:
- The owner of the property
- A subcontractor
- A product manufacturer
- An engineer
- The city or state
When you file a third-party lawsuit, you can recover more damages than through a workers’ compensation claim. Usually, this includes:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Lost future earning capacity
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of enjoyment or quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement
You may also recover punitive damages if you prove that the defendant intentionally caused the accident or acted with a flagrant disregard for the safety of others. Punitive damages are only awarded in rare cases.
Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand the types of damages that are available in your case.
How Long Do I Have To File a Construction Accident Lawsuit in Richmond Heights, MO?
If you are pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident or learning of your injury. If you don’t tell them about the injury on time, you can’t recover money through the insurance policy.
If you are filing a personal injury lawsuit in court, you have five years from the date of the accident or discovering your injury. This is a longer deadline than most states, but if you miss it, you will lose your right to compensation.
What Happens if I Am at Fault for Causing the Construction Accident?
Your case is not hopeless just because you are responsible for causing the construction accident.
If you are filing a workers’ compensation claim, then who is at fault usually doesn’t matter. You can make a claim even if it was 100% your fault. The only major exception is if you were using drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident.
If you are filing a personal injury lawsuit through court, your percentage of fault can impact how much money you recover. Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence law. Under this rule, you can recover damages proportionate to the defendant’s share of responsibility.
So, for example, if you are 30% responsible for causing the accident, you can recover only 70% of your damages.
Contact a Richmond Heights Construction Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Consultation
The good news is that you have legal options after a Richmond Heights construction accident. The bad news is that the law can be complicated. A Richmond Heights construction accident lawyer will explain your rights and help you maximize your recovery.
There is no downside to hiring a lawyer in a construction accident case. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means that unless we win compensation for your case, we don’t get paid. Instead of paying us hourly, we take our fee from your final settlement or award. Our fee arrangement allows more people to access high-quality legal advice because it removes a financial barrier.
Contact Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (314) 207-4399 to set up a free consultation and discuss your case.
