Skip to content
Cape Girardeau Construction Accident Lawyer
At NST Law, we are dedicated to helping injured individuals and their families get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Expertise
Mr. Trotz has handled injury cases involving auto accidents, slip and fall, premises liability, and negligent security. Every day, Mr. Trotz represents those who have been injured and many of his clients have sustained traumatic and life-altering injuries.
The construction industry is an integral player in city development and innovation. However, working on construction job sites can be especially dangerous, putting workers at risk of serious harm.
Missouri has experienced a notable increase in workplace injuries over the past decade. Between 2012 and 2021, the state saw a 64% rise in fatal workplace injuries, going from 88 deaths in 2012 to 147 in 2021.
In Cape Girardeau specifically, two workplace fatalities, 1049 injury incidents, and 76 lost time injuries took place in 2024. If you or your loved one was injured in a construction accident, do not hesitate to contact our seasoned personal injury attorneys today. An experienced Cape Girardeau construction accident lawyer can help pursue the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in Cape Girardeau
After being in a construction accident, take the following precautions to ensure your safety and secure your right to compensation.
Seek Medical Attention
In the moments following an accident, it is essential to check for injuries. If you or someone else is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Even if an injury seems minor, it is always a good idea to seek medical evaluation to document the extent of your injuries and ensure any worsening symptoms are treated.
Follow all medical advice and keep records of doctor visits, treatments, and prescriptions. This supports your recovery and also collects evidence of your injuries to assist you in seeking compensation.
Report the Accident to Your Employer
Notify your employer or supervisor as soon as possible. Under Missouri law, workplace injuries must be reported within 30 days to be eligible for workers’ compensation. Failure to do so could result in losing out on the ability to secure a financial award. Once you have provided written notice of your injury, make sure to keep a copy for your records.
Gather Evidence from the Accident Scene
If you are able to, at the time of the accident, take photos and videos of the scene, including the following:
- The hazardous condition that caused the accident (e.g., unsafe scaffolding, exposed wires, lack of protective equipment).
- Your injuries.
- Any warning signs (or lack thereof).
Obtain the contact information of witnesses who saw the accident. These can be useful for determining fault and securing compensation. In addition, make a personal written record of what happened, including the time, location, and circumstances.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim (If Applicable)
Missouri law requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance. After you report your injury, your employer should file a First Report of Injury with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. If your claim is approved, your employer’s insurance should cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Keep in mind that you have two years from the date of your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim if your employer fails to report it. You can file a claim with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation:
- Website: https://labor.mo.gov/DWC
- Phone: (800) 775-2667
Determine If You Have a Third-Party Lawsuit
Workers’ compensation typically prevents employees from suing their employers. However, you may have a personal injury claim against a third party who is not your employer if the following conditions are met:
- A contractor, property owner, equipment manufacturer, or another party was responsible for your accident.
- The accident resulted from a defective product, an unsafe worksite, or negligence by someone other than your employer.
If you believe a third party is responsible, consult a construction accident lawyer to explore your legal options.
Follow Medical Treatment and Keep Records
Continue with any prescribed treatment, physical therapy, or follow-up appointments. Additionally, maintain detailed records of all medical bills, treatment summaries, and any time missed from work. It is important to request copies of accident reports, medical records, and workers’ compensation filings. All of this documentation will assist in your pursuit of compensation.
Consult a Missouri Construction Accident Lawyer
A Cape Girardeau construction accident attorney can help with your claim in several essential ways. They can:
- File a workers’ compensation appeal if your claim is denied.
- Pursue a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
Many personal injury lawyers in Missouri offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. Call NST Law for more information today.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Injury Cases
In the aftermath of a job site accident, it is important to remember the following:
- Do not delay reporting the accident to your employer.
- Do not sign any settlement or legal document without consulting a lawyer.
- Do not post details of your accident or injuries on social media. Insurance companies may use this against you.
By being aware of what to avoid in a personal injury or workers’ compensation case, you can maximize your ability to recover compensation.
Missouri Deadlines to Remember
Keep in mind the following state deadlines when filing a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim:
- Workers’ Compensation Report: 30 days to notify your employer.
- Workers’ Compensation Claim: 2 years to file if your employer doesn’t report it on time.
- Personal Injury Lawsuit: 5 years from the accident date to file a claim against a third party.
To learn more about these deadlines and for legal assistance with filing, do not hesitate to call a construction accident lawyer in Cape Girardeau today.
How Our Cape Girardeau Construction Accident Attorneys Can Help
Our Cape Girardeau construction accident injury lawyers at NST Law have over 30 years of experience and a track record of winning compensation for injured workers. We are here to guide you through the complex legal process.
What distinguishes us is our dedication to client-centered service and mastery of local laws. With our no-win, no-fee policy, you pay only if we successfully obtain compensation for your case.
Our team comprises attorneys who are members of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association and several who have been recognized among the top 50 by Super Lawyers. In some of our most prominent cases, we achieved significant compensation such as:
- $970,200 for a logistics worker who sustained a severe ankle injury at work
- $950,000 for a man who fell from a catwalk during work hours
- $925,000 for an ethanol plant worker hit by a locomotive engine at work
We have secured over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of thousands of injured clients and their loved ones. We will fight for fair compensation in the form of economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Common Types of Construction Accidents in Cape Girardeau
Several accidents can happen at a construction site due to the various tools, landscapes, and mechanisms taking place. Some of the most common include the following:
- Falls from Heights
- Example: Falling from a ladder
- Being Struck by Objects
- Example: Hit by falling tool
- Electrocution
- Example: Contact with exposed wire
- Trenching and Excavation Accidents
- Example: Trench collapse injury
- Lifting and Material Handling Injuries
- Example: Back strain from lifting
- Slips, Trips, and Falls
- Example: Slip on wet surface
- Scaffold Accidents
- Example: Fall from unstable scaffold
- Cranes and Heavy Machinery Accidents
- Example: Crane tipping over
- Forklift Accidents
- Example: Hit by forklift
- Tool and Equipment Malfunctions
- Example: Saw malfunction injury
- Chemical Exposure and Burns
- Example: Chemical burn from solvent
- Hearing Loss
- Example: Prolonged loud noise exposure
Our dedicated personal injury attorneys can help navigate the legal process following a construction site accident. Several parties may be found liable for a workplace incident, such as:
- Drivers of motor vehicles (e.g., trucks or tractors)
- Defective product manufacturers
- Contractors
- Mechanics
- Premises owners
Champions for the Injured: Dedicated to Pursuing Justice for Our Clients
We are passionate about our clients and the communities we serve. If you or a loved one has been injured at a construction site in Cape Girardeau, contact NST Law today at 800-529-4004 for a free consultation.
Construction Accident FAQs
Am I covered by OSHA?
As explained on its official government website, OSHA “covers most private sector employers and their workers, in addition to some public sector employers and workers in the 50 states and certain territories and jurisdictions under federal authority.”
Can someone file a complaint on my behalf?
Yes, our construction accident attorneys are ready to file the strongest claim possible on your behalf. Among other things, we will:
- Gather vital information to build a strong case
- File all of your paperwork on time
- Negotiate with the opposing party for full and fair compensation
- Represent you in a trial if needed
What is the difference between a construction lawsuit and workers’ compensation?
In workers’ compensation, fault is not a factor, and benefits are provided regardless of who caused the injury. Compensation typically covers medical expenses and lost wages but does not include damages for pain and suffering. Employees generally cannot sue their employers for negligence if covered by workers’ compensation, but they may be able to sue a third party in a personal injury lawsuit to seek additional damages.
In personal injury lawsuits, plaintiffs must prove negligence by a preponderance of the evidence and can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Workers’ compensation claims are typically processed faster, while personal injury lawsuits can be more time-consuming due to legal proceedings.
Talk to an NST Law construction accident attorney in Cape Girardeau, MO, to learn about the best option for you.
Contact us for a free consultation now so that we can review your case and decide how we can best help you.
“CALL THE CHAMPS!” | AVAILABLE 24/7
"*" indicates required fields