St. Louis
Construction Site Injury
Attorneys

Yes. In a situation where the injury was the fault of someone other than the employer, both a workers’ compensation claim and a civil claim may be filed. 

Typically, multiple trades are involved on a job site. You can pursue a claim laterally against another trade, such as suing the roofer on a project where you were the painter. This is referred to as a third party claim. 

Ideally, workers’ compensation should be settled first, but in some cases, the claims may occur simultaneously. This approach allows for broader recovery, beyond the limitations of workers’ compensation laws.

Our firm does not need to manage your workers’ compensation case in order to pursue a third-party liability claim on your behalf, but we are happy to handle both claims. 

After a St. Louis construction site accident lawyer has investigated your claim and determined there is a case, they will work towards reaching a fair settlement with the responsible parties and their insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to a workers’ compensation hearing or a jury trial, depending on the type of claim that is filed.

At Padberg Appelbaum Knepper, it has been our experience that in a civil case, once a lawsuit is filed, a jury trial is scheduled within 18 to 24 months; however, a settlement can take place at any time throughout the litigation process.

First and foremost, seek medical attention right away if you or a loved one is seriously injured at a business or on someone else’s property. Then, contact an attorney as soon as you suspect the injury was caused by the negligence of the property owner or occupant. An attorney will not only be able to start collecting evidence, but they can also serve as a liaison with insurance companies and other attorneys. Missouri premises liability cases generally have a five-year statute of limitations; however, this can change depending on the specific facts of the case, so consult with an experienced premises liability lawyer early on to determine a filing deadline.

The following account for some of the many causes of construction site injuries and fatalities:

• Falls
  Property Owners’ Negligence
• Falling Objects
• Crushing incidents
• Fires and Explosions
• Chemical Exposure
  Repetitive Motion
• Scaffold Related Incidents
• Crane Accidents

These are serious work accidents, which commonly involve:  

• Spinal cord or back injury
• Broken bones
• Loss of a limb
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) 
• Hearing loss
  Death

If your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance and you are injured on the job, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer in civil court to recover medical expenses and lost wages related to your injury.

Some employers are exempt from providing workers’ compensation. Farm workers, for example, are generally not covered by workers’ compensation because farm property owners are not required to have this insurance. That said, the property owner could still be held responsible if they fail to provide a safe workplace. A lawyer experienced in Employer Negligence Claims can help determine your legal options after reviewing the details of your case. Schedule a complimentary consultation for more information.

Numerous parties can be responsible for a job site injury, including another subcontractor, site owner, tool manufacturer or other third party. Several tort theories of liability, or causes of action, may also apply, including negligence and strict product liability.

Padberg Appelbaum Knepper is an experienced St. Louis construction site injury law firm that handles cases in Missouri and Illinois. We work on a contingency basis. Our clients do not pay anything unless we successfully recover compensation for them. We also pay the upfront costs to litigate and take a case to trial, including experts and depositions. If the case is successful, the client is responsible for paying a set percentage of the settlement or judgment, plus reimbursement for the costs incurred.

Our team is prepared to go the distance for our clients, and we fight on their behalf to collect maximum compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one have been hurt on a construction site, contact our St. Louis construction injury lawyers for a free and confidential consultation.