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St. Louis Construction Accident Lawyers

St. Louis is a growing city, which means there’s no shortage of construction sites. Unfortunately, construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces in America, with construction being one of the most dangerous jobs. When people are hurt on these sites, their injuries are often severe and even life-threatening—not to mention legally complex.

If you’ve been hurt on a construction site, it’s important to have experienced representation on your side. A St. Louis construction accident lawyer can help determine who was at fault, hold them accountable, and maximize your chances of getting fair compensation.

At Cofman Townsley, our experienced St. Louis construction accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the compensation injured workers and their families deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Our Clients Say

“Cofman Townsley and their staff are like family. They met every need, answered every question, called us after hours, etc. They went above and beyond and made sure that we got our settlement to the fullest amount.” Jill C.

“Cofman Townsley was persistent, professional, and did an excellent job at keeping me informed all the time.”

Ashanti M.

“The Cofman Townsley team was awesome through the entire process.”

Darlana J.

“Cofman Townsley was great at helping me. They were always on time and answered any questions I had. They were very nice and patient with everything.”

ReJeane T.

“The attorneys were very responsive to my needs. Every time I called, someone got right back to me right away. I always knew what was going on because I was kept very informed about my case. I would recommend Cofman Townsley to anyone. I feel that Cofman Townsley did a wonderful job with my case. Everything was done in a professional manner. Everyone is really nice. ”

LaDawn H.

“Cofman Townsley are like family to me. They explain things thoroughly, make sure that I understand, and that I am taken care of. David Nissenholtz and Paula were super to me, and helped me through a long and difficult process where I had years of medical treatment and much stress. They care about people and take time to listen. I would refer my friends and family members to them because I trust they will take good care of them.”

William V.

“Cofman Townsley treats you like family and like you are the only client. They answered all of my questions and took time to make sure I understood. I wouldn’t change to another attorney. They have done a good job for me and I trust them, which is very important. The whole office of people is friendly. They make me feel like I am number one, and they will do the same for you.”

Darlene W.

“Cofman Townsley diligently represented me in my personal injury work comp claim and got me a fair settlement in a timely manner.”

Jeff R.

“It was a great experience. Cofman Townsley handled all the leg work for me. I appreciate all the help.”

Chris S.

“I was very pleased with the way in which my case was handled. I was treated with great respect and care. I have never had to have legal services in my life, so for a first time event this has been very easy. I would like to say that the work ethic and determination of this company was the greatest thing that I will be left with. I thank you all very much!”

Johnny M.

“David did an amazing job with my case and communicating with me. His professionalism and concern with my progress meant a lot to me. I really appreciate everything he and his staff did for me. Thank you all.”

Carey G.

“Cofman Townsley are a great team of lawyers who go out of their way to do the BEST for their clients. They stay on you and get you the largest settlement they can.”

Peggy T.

“I really appreciate what they have done for me. I was treated excellently and if something ever happens again, they would be the first people I would call.”

Amber A.

“They have great attention to detail and [provide] a wonderful level of comfort during tough times.”

Matt C.

“Thank you. You guys were very fast, considerate, and friendly. I really appreciate it.”

Michael S.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents in St. Louis

No two construction sites are the same. However, there are a handful of common reasons for construction-related injuries that we see as construction accident lawyers.

These include:

  • Falls from Heights: Falls from heights often result from scaffolding collapses, unprotected edges, or defective safety equipment. Workers in these situations face severe risks, including broken bones, head trauma, or even fatal injuries.
  • Struck-By Accidents: Struck-by accidents occur when workers are hit by falling tools, equipment, or debris. These incidents can cause serious injuries, such as fractures, concussions, or other traumatic injuries, especially when heavy or sharp objects are involved.
  • Caught-In/Between Incidents: These accidents happen when workers become trapped in machinery or between heavy equipment. Such incidents can lead to crushing injuries, amputations, or fatalities, particularly when proper safety precautions are not followed.
  • Electrical Accidents: Electrical accidents occur when workers come into contact with live wires or improperly installed electrical systems. These incidents can result in severe burns, electrical shocks, or electrocution.
  • Trench Collapses: Trench collapses happen when excavation sites are not properly secured. Workers can become trapped under tons of soil, leading to suffocation, crushing injuries, or death. These accidents are preventable with adequate safety measures and reinforcement of trench walls.
  • Heavy Equipment Accidents: Heavy equipment accidents involve machinery such as cranes, forklifts, or bulldozers. These accidents may include crashes, rollovers, or operator errors, often causing serious injuries or fatalities to operators and nearby workers.

Common Injuries in Construction Accidents

Construction sites are also dangerous because the types of injuries that occur at them are often severe, debilitating, and long-term.

Some of the most common and devastating construction site injuries include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Construction site accidents involving falling objects, slips and falls, or vehicle collisions can result in traumatic brain injuries, causing long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Falls from heights, heavy machinery accidents, or structural collapses can lead to spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis and lifelong medical needs.
  • Fractures and Broken Bones: Workers frequently sustain fractures and broken bones due to falls, equipment malfunctions, or being struck by heavy objects, leading to extended recovery periods and potential complications.
  • Amputations Due to Machinery: Accidents involving power tools or heavy machinery, such as forklifts or saws, can cause severe injuries that result in the loss of limbs, permanently impacting a worker’s quality of life.
  • Burns from Fires, Explosions, or Chemical Exposure: Fires, explosions, or contact with hazardous chemicals on construction sites can cause severe burns, leading to significant pain, scarring, and potential long-term health complications.
  • Hearing Loss or Respiratory Issues: Prolonged exposure to loud noises or toxic substances in poorly ventilated areas can result in hearing loss, respiratory illnesses, or chronic health problems for construction workers.

Determining Liability in Construction Accidents

Finding out who’s responsible for a construction site accident can be difficult. That’s because a single construction site may have multiple teams of workers with different employers. An experienced St. Louis construction accident lawyer can collect evidence to determine who was liable.

Here’s what to know about liability in construction accidents:

  • Employer Responsibility: Construction sites are supposed to be highly regulated environments, and employers are required to ensure they and their employees adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards. When they don’t and injuries occur, they can be held liable.
  • Third-Party Liability: In addition to people actually employed at the construction site, other potentially liable parties may include contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, vendors, and more.
  • Product Liability: Construction sites use dozens of different pieces of equipment. When any of these pieces of equipment fail due to a defect, the person using it or the people nearby may be seriously injured.

Missouri uses a comparative negligence system for determining compensation after accidents and injuries. It allows people to pursue compensation for their damages, even when they’re partially at fault. However, their amount of compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault—for instance, a $10,000 settlement becomes $8,000 if a victim is found to be 20% at fault.

Compensation Available for Construction Accident Victims

People injured at construction sites are often eligible to receive compensation that covers all aspects of their damages, including:

  • Workers’ Compensation Benefits: When employees are hurt at construction sites, they can apply for Workers’ Compensation Benefits. These benefits cover medical expenses, partial lost wages, and rehabilitation. However, they don’t include compensation for pain and suffering.
  • Third-Party Claims: When victims aren’t employees or when parts of their damages fall outside the scope of workers’ compensation, they can file third-party claims to pursue money for pain and suffering, the entirety of their lost wages, and even punitive damages if their cases go to trial.
  • Wrongful Death Claims: Unfortunately, some construction site injuries are fatal. When people die in construction site accidents, their families can file wrongful death claims to receive compensation for their losses.

Why Choose Cofman Townsley for Your Construction Accident Case?

When it comes to building construction accident claims, experience matters. With a track record of helping injured victims since 1973, and more than $1 billion recovered, you can count on Cofman Townsley to build a strong construction accident claim for you. Simply put, we have the knowledge and resources to get it done.

Our compassionate and dedicated legal team will build your case with the urgency and empathy it deserves. We’ll work closely with industry experts, accident reconstruction professionals, and medical personnel to analyze evidence that proves the severity of your injuries and the at-fault party’s liability.

Worried about not being able to afford a lawyer? We believe everyone deserves access to the legal system. That’s why our consultations are free, and we don’t charge a penny for our legal services unless we get money for our clients.

Contact Our St. Louis Construction Accident Lawyers Today

You’ve been through enough already after your construction site accident. Now, it’s time to focus on getting better, while we focus on getting you paid. Contact us today and let us know what happened. We’re ready to put our experience to work for you.