When you work on a construction site, dealing with environmental dangers can be a daily reality. While not all hazards are avoidable in these areas, there are important steps construction companies can take to make the work sites as safe as possible.
Unfortunately, St. Louis construction site slip and fall accidents are some of the most commonly reported causes of serious injuries in these work zones. You may be dealing with tremendous pain and suffering if you are a construction worker who was recently harmed in this type of incident.
Our skilled construction injury attorneys at OnderLaw can help you file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits and advise you as to whether you might be eligible to seek other forms of compensation. We will be on and by your side every step of the way.
Slip and falls can happen in any work setting, but construction sites present some unique risks that magnify the possibility of these types of incidents and the danger of the injuries that can occur. Possible hazards on a construction site that could lead to a slip and fall accident include:
Construction site slip and fall accidents in St. Louis could leave workers grappling with profound pain and long-lasting injuries. Broken bones, head injuries, and back injuries are often reported in these cases. In more severe circumstances, paralysis, nerve damage, brain damage, and internal bleeding can result from a serious slip and fall on a construction site. Some of these injuries can even be deadly.
When it comes to recovering compensation when you or a loved one are injured in a St. Louis slip and fall accident on a construction site, there are two types of claims you may be able to pursue. The first of these claims is a workers’ compensation case.
If a construction worker suffers an injury on the job, they can typically collect workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are awarded on a no-fault basis, which means you generally just need to prove that you sustained your injury in the course of your employment to recover compensation.
Workers’ compensation benefits could cover your medical expenses, as well as disability benefits if your injury keeps you from working for a short or long-term period. You could also collect vocational rehabilitation benefits if your injury prevents you from returning to your former job, but you can still work to some extent.
While workers’ compensation can cover many of the costs associated with your slip and fall construction accident injury, these benefits may not include the full value of your losses. In situations where your injury was caused in part or whole by a negligent third party—such as a property owner or subcontractor—you could file a personal injury lawsuit to collect additional damages.
Recoverable damages in a personal injury lawsuit can include your past and future medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic losses like pain and suffering. Family members who lose a loved one in a fatal construction slip and fall accident may be entitled to claim survival benefits or file a wrongful death claim.
The aftermath of St. Louis construction site slip and fall accidents can leave construction employees facing serious injuries that impact their quality of life and ability to work. If you are in this situation, you don’t have to prove that anyone was at fault to collect workers’ compensation benefits.
Still, the insurance carriers that handle these claims will often try to pay as little compensation as possible. Our OnderLaw attorneys can proactively manage your claim. A diligent lawyer can help you collect all available workers’ compensation benefits for any temporary or permanent disability you might be facing, along with payment for your medical costs.
When someone other than your employer was partially or fully at fault for your slip and fall accident, you may have legal grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. Contact us to learn more about protecting your legal rights and receive a free, comprehensive case evaluation with one of our knowledgeable legal professionals.
