You can see construction projects almost year-round in the Creve Coeur area. Heavy equipment and workers are a common sight, whether crews are working on I-64, putting up new commercial development, or building new homes. We don’t often see the aftermath of a serious construction accident. You know that serious construction site injuries can immediately turn your life upside-down and result in extensive losses. At least you have legal recourse to improve your future. Bruning Law Firm represents both construction workers and bystanders who suffer injuries in accidents. We know how to protect your rights, whether you are filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits or seeking a settlement through third-party liability litigation. Reach out to our Creve Coeur construction accident lawyer today for a free case evaluation. We conveniently have an office at 1 Cityplace to best serve the Creve Coeur community. [lwptoc]
Why Choose Bruning Law Firm?
Construction accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and overwhelming losses. You need a heavy-hitting firm that knows how to pursue multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts when necessary. Some of our notable case results include:- $50 million for a family that lost two children due to a defective smoke detector
- $15.5 million for fire-related injuries because the defendant failed to follow safety protocols
- $4.5 million for a birth injury and lifelong disabilities due to medical malpractice
- $2.5 million for injuries due to a faulty airbag
- $2.41 million when defective polystyrene foam insulation caused a warehouse fire
- $1.4 million for spinal injuries from a large truck accident
How Much Can I Get for a Construction Injury?
Naturally, you want to know how much your construction accident claim is worth so you know what you might expect down the road. However, this is a complex question we cannot answer without evaluating the facts of your specific case.
Depending on your circumstances, there are generally two avenues for compensation after a construction accident. We can advise which compensation is available to you, and some people can pursue both avenues. Our construction accident attorneys in Creve Coeur can handle all aspects of your case, no matter the source of compensation.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you suffered injuries as a construction worker in Creve Coeur, you can seek benefits from workers’ compensation. Missouri requires employers to carry workers’ comp insurance, which should provide benefits to injured workers. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so you can seek benefits without proving the cause. However, this also means you cannot sue your employer, and the benefits you qualify for might be more limited than compensation from a lawsuit. Workers’ compensation benefits you might receive include:- Medical expenses - Workers’ comp should cover all the treatment you need for your work-related injury. This coverage should continue for as long as you need treatment.
- Income replacement - When an injury keeps you out of work for some time, benefits should provide a percentage of your usual income for financial support. You can also seek income replacement benefits if you can only work part-time or in a reduced capacity while your injuries heal.
- Disability - If your construction injuries caused a permanent disability that prevents you from ever returning to work, you should qualify for permanent disability benefits. Your benefits will depend on your impairment rating under the Missouri injury and benefits schedule.
Some workers will receive weekly benefits, while others might receive an offer from the insurance company for a lump-sum settlement. While a settlement might seem favorable, remember that once you accept a settlement, you can never reopen your claim if you need additional benefits.
Never accept a settlement offer without first consulting our attorneys. We can advise whether an offer is adequate, given your situation.
There are specific procedures and deadlines to follow when filing a workers' compensation claim in Missouri, and you will likely face obstacles when seeking benefits. Consulting with an experienced attorney from Bruning Law Firm can ensure you receive all the benefits you deserve as an injured construction worker.
Third-Party Claims
Construction accidents can also give rise to third-party claims for damages in addition to workers' compensation benefits. Unlike the no-fault workers’ comp system, you must prove that someone else was to blame for your accident, and they should be liable for your losses. When you suffer injuries due to the negligence or wrongful conduct of someone other than your employer or co-worker, you can pursue a third-party personal injury claim against them. You might seek a settlement directly from the party’s insurance company or file a lawsuit in civil court. Either way, you can seek additional compensation than what is available in workers’ compensation benefits. Some damages you might seek in a third-party construction injury claim include:- Medical expenses for all past and future treatment
- The full amount of lost income you incurred or will incur in the future (workers’ compensation only replaces a portion of your lost income)
- Non-economic losses, including pain and suffering, mental trauma, permanent disability or disfigurement, and more
Construction Accidents Near Creve Coeur
Construction in Creve Coeur benefits our community but can also be a hassle. It can be a much greater inconvenience if construction results in serious accidents and injuries. It seems like there is endless road work happening on major streets in Creve Coeur, including Lindbergh, Olive Blvd, Ladue Rd, I-270, and I-64. Most of these projects require lane closures or other traffic disruptions, often causing drivers to become impatient and ignore traffic signs and laws. Further, the city is constantly approving more and more commercial developments, often replacing older shopping centers to modernize Creve Coeur. The same goes for residential neighborhoods, as many people are purchasing older ranch homes and replacing them with new-build multi-story homes. Whether construction takes place on the road, in commercial areas, or in residential neighborhoods, the risk of many types of accidents and injuries exists. Bruning Law Firm knows Creve Coeur inside and out, and we can investigate the scene of your construction accident and advise you of your rights.What Common Construction Accidents Have You Handled?
Construction sites have many inherent risks and the potential for accidents at every turn. Several common types of construction accidents can occur, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. Here are a few examples of the most common:- Falls - Falls from heights are a significant concern on many building construction sites. This includes falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated surfaces.
- Road accidents - When drivers passing by construction crews fail to slow down and use caution, they can collide with workers. On the other hand, if crews leave equipment on the road or fail to direct or warn drivers properly, people passing through work zones can crash and suffer injuries.
- Struck-by accidents - Workers can suffer serious injuries from falling objects, moving vehicles, or heavy machinery on construction sites. This includes incidents involving cranes, forklifts, trucks, or construction materials. Falling items can also injure people passing by the construction site.
- Electrocutions - Construction workers are often exposed to live wires, electrical equipment, and faulty wiring systems, increasing the risk of electrocution.
- Caught-in/between accidents - These accidents occur when a worker becomes trapped or caught between two objects, materials, or machinery. This also includes trench collapses or being caught in collapsing structures.
- Equipment or power tool malfunctions - Construction workers use many kinds of heavy machinery and equipment, such as cranes, excavators, and power tools. Malfunctions, mechanical failures, or improper use can lead to accidents and severe injuries.
Injuries from Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can result in various injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering. Here are some common injuries our Creve Coeur construction accident attorneys have seen:- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and skull fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injury (SCI)
- Burns
- Electrical injuries
- Toxic exposure
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
Fatal Construction Accidents
The most tragic situations arise from fatal construction accidents. Some families receive news that their loved one died from unexpected injuries, which is devastating. Not only is there extreme emotional loss but also financial concerns, especially if the deceased was a construction worker who provided for the family. If you are in this situation, our entire team first offers our sincere condolences. We know this is a difficult time, but we also know you have legal options to help you move forward. Following a fatal construction accident, your family might obtain:- Death benefits from workers’ compensation coverage
- Damages from a wrongful death claim if a third party was negligent and caused the fatal accident
Getting Compensation from Insurance Companies Can be Challenging
Just because you are eligible for compensation under the law does not mean it will be an easy process. You will deal with insurance companies for both workers’ comp and third-party claims. These companies want to limit their spending, which includes paying claims like yours. No one should try to deal with insurers alone following an injury. The insurance adjuster knows you are in a vulnerable position and will take full advantage if you do not have legal representation. Too many people end up accepting far less than they deserve because they don’t know the value of their claims of their rights to negotiate. Once you have our construction accident lawyers on board, the insurer will know you mean business and expect full compensation. Call today to see the difference Bruning Law Firm can make.Protect Your Rights After Your Construction Accident With Help From Our Creve Coeur Construction Accident Attorneys
