Springfield Construction Workers’ Accident Lawyers

Construction sites are inherently dangerous places, and those who work in them face significant risks for serious on-the-job injuries. These sites are frequently littered with debris and machinery that can make on-the-job accidents more likely to occur. As part of their daily routine, construction workers are frequently required to perform tasks that put them at risk.

When injuries or illnesses do happen, they can end up causing disabilities that prevent these employees from returning to work, either on a temporary or permanent basis. At Webster & Carlton, our workers' compensation attorneys have nearly 50 years of combined experience in helping workers statewide in these situations. We provide professional legal representation you can depend on to help you seek rightful benefits. 

Overview of Construction Worker Accidents 

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction workers are among those most at risk for serious and potentially life-threatening on-the-job accidents. More than 600 of these workers are killed each year, while thousands more suffer serious and potentially disabling illnesses and injuries.

The National Safety Council ranks construction as among the most dangerous of U.S. industries with the most workplace fatalities. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Construction Accidents?

The most frequent causes of construction accidents are often closely tied to both the nature of the work and the conditions in which it is performed. Tight deadlines and high-pressure environments can lead to oversights and mistakes that jeopardize worker safety.

The majority of injuries and fatalities result from:

• Falls: Occur due to slippery surfaces, uneven ground, or lack of fall protection.
• Being struck by or against objects: Can happen in busy work environments where objects are not secured properly.
• Electrocutions, fires, and explosions: Result from faulty wiring, improper handling of flammable materials, or inadequate safety measures.
• Being caught in or between equipment or objects: Common in workplaces with heavy machinery or moving parts without proper guards.
• Exposure to hazardous fumes or toxic substances: Can occur in poorly ventilated areas or when handling chemicals without protective gear.
• Physical overexertion or overuse: Happens when tasks exceed physical capabilities or when proper ergonomics are not followed.

All of these can result in temporary or permanent health conditions requiring ongoing medical treatment while impairing your ability to work or provide for yourself and your family. These accidents not only highlight the dangers inherent in construction work but also underscore the importance of stringent safety protocols and training.

What Are the Most Common Construction Accident Injuries?

Construction accident injuries cover a wide spectrum of severity, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to major injuries that can result in permanent disability.

Common injuries include:

• Head trauma: Head trauma can occur on a construction site due to incidents like falling objects, slips, trips, or falls from heights.
• Back injuries: Back injuries may result from heavy lifting, awkward postures, or repetitive movements while working with construction materials or machinery.
• Crush injuries: Crush injuries can happen when workers are caught between heavy machinery or materials, leading to severe compression of body parts.
• Chemical exposure: Construction workers may face chemical exposure through contact with hazardous substances like paints, solvents, or cleaning agents, causing skin irritation or respiratory issues.
• Broken bones: Broken bones can occur from falls, being struck by objects, or accidents involving heavy equipment or vehicles on the construction site.
• Forklift accident injuries: Forklift accidents can cause injuries such as fractures, crush injuries, or even fatalities due to overturning, collisions, or improper handling.
• Power tools and machinery injuries: Injuries from power tools and machinery can happen due to misuse, lack of proper training, or malfunctioning equipment, leading to cuts, lacerations, or amputations.
• Repetitive stress injuries: Repetitive stress injuries like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome can develop from continuous tasks such as hammering, drilling, or using vibrating tools.
• Shoulder injuries: Shoulder injuries may occur from lifting heavy loads, repetitive overhead work, or sudden impacts during construction activities.
• Burns: Burns can result from contact with hot surfaces, electrical malfunctions, or exposure to chemicals, causing varying degrees of skin damage on the construction site.
• Lifting injuries: Lifting injuries can happen when improper techniques are used, leading to strains, sprains, or herniated discs while moving heavy objects or materials.
• Eye injuries: Eye injuries can be caused by flying debris, dust, chemicals, or welding arcs, emphasizing the need for proper eye protection on construction sites.
• Occupational diseases: Workers on construction sites may develop occupational diseases like asbestos-related illnesses, hearing loss, or respiratory conditions from prolonged exposure to harmful substances or environmental factors.

Such injuries not only cause immediate physical pain and suffering but also have long-lasting effects on a worker's life. Beyond the immediate medical bills, injured workers may face extensive rehabilitation, inability to return to work, loss of income, and the need for long-term care. The emotional and psychological toll of adjusting to life after a severe injury can be just as challenging as the physical recovery process, impacting not only the injured worker but also their families.

What Does Workers' Compensation Cover?

In Missouri, workers' compensation serves as a critical safety net for individuals injured on the job, offering various types of compensation to mitigate the financial and personal hardships that follow workplace accidents.

An injured worker can recover medical expenses for treatments directly related to the injury, ensuring they receive necessary medical care without shouldering the cost. Additionally, workers are entitled to disability benefits, which compensate for lost wages due to temporary or permanent disability. Specifically, temporary total disability benefits are available for those who cannot work while they heal, whereas permanent total disability benefits support those unable to return to any employment.

For workers who can return to work but not in the same capacity or at the same pay, temporary partial disability benefits help bridge the wage gap. Lastly, in the tragic event of fatal workplace accidents, Missouri's workers' compensation law provides death benefits to dependents, covering funeral expenses and providing financial support to the deceased worker's family, acknowledging the irreplaceable loss suffered.

How Can a Construction Workers' Compensation Attorney Help?

Navigating the aftermath of a construction accident can be overwhelming for injured workers, as they face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the complexity of workers' compensation claims. A Springfield workers' compensation lawyer advocates for the rights of these individuals, ensuring they receive the full benefits they're entitled to under the law. With an in-depth understanding of legal procedures and workers' compensation law, these attorneys stand as vital allies, offering support and guidance through each step of the claims process.

Services Provided by Springfield Construction Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Include:

• Case Evaluation: Offering a comprehensive evaluation of the construction accident to determine the validity and potential value of the claim.
• Claim Filing Assistance: Guiding clients through the process of filing a workers' compensation claim accurately and within statutory deadlines.
• Representation at Hearings: Acting as the injured worker's representative in hearings or appeals, if the claim is denied or disputed by the employer or their insurance company.
• Medical Documentation Collection: Assisting in gathering and organizing medical records and evidence to support the claim for benefits.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Negotiating with insurers on behalf of the client to secure a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
• Disability Evaluation: Helping the client obtain evaluations to determine the extent of temporary or permanent disabilities resulting from the accident.
• Death Benefits Claims: For families of construction workers who have suffered fatal injuries, assisting in filing for death benefits to provide financial support.

By enlisting the help of a skilled Springfield construction workers' compensation attorney, injured workers can focus on their recovery, confident that their legal and financial interests are being vigorously defended.

Schedule a no-fee consultation with a Springfield construction worker accident attorney for worker’s compensation at (417) 545-3775or submit our contact form.