St. Louis Construction Accident Attorneys

Protecting the Rights of Injured Construction Workers in Missouri

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), construction is one of the most dangerous employment industries, accounting for the most workplace deaths in 2022. Given the inherent dangers faced by construction workers, knowing your rights after a construction injury is imperative to protect your safety and economic security. This is where an experienced construction accident attorney can make all the difference. 

If you were injured on a construction site in St. Louis, seeking sound counsel is critical to recovering compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and other losses. At Sedey Harper Westhoff, our construction accident lawyers are committed to helping construction workers get back on their feet after serious accidents by advocating for the favorable outcome they deserve. From proving liability to negotiating a fair settlement, our firm has decades of experience to aggressively pursue justice on your behalf, freeing you to focus on your recovery. 

Protect your rights after a serious jobsite injury with St. Louis construction accident attorneys focused on workers' rights. Call (314) 819-0963 or contact us online.

Construction Accident Statistics in St. Louis 

Construction accidents remain a major source of workplace injuries in Missouri, with consistently high numbers reported in recent years—91,833 injury incidents and 81 fatalities in 2025—highlighting the urgent need to understand how and why these incidents occur to improve safety and protect workers’ rights and well-being. Knowing your rights after a construction site injury is essential to protecting your health and livelihood. 

These numbers reflect the realities many workers see every day on projects along I-64, I-70, and major commercial developments throughout the St. Louis region. Despite strict federal and Missouri workplace safety regulations, deadlines, cost pressures, and inadequate oversight can all contribute to dangerous conditions on job sites. Understanding that you may have more options than workers’ compensation alone is the first step in holding negligent parties accountable and pursuing full compensation for the harm you have suffered.

Common Types of Construction Accidents

Our firm has successfully represented workers in a wide range of construction accident claims. Common types of accidents on construction sites include: 

• Struck-by objects: Falling debris, materials, and objects can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities for construction workers. 
• Falls from heights: Falls from tall heights, such as scaffolding, ladders, or roofs, can result in catastrophic injuries. 
• Electrocution: Exposure to live electrical circuits or wires can lead to electrocution and burn injuries for construction site workers. 
• Caught-in/between: These accidents occur when workers are trapped in machinery or collapsing structures, including incidents involving heavy equipment, such as forklift accidents.
• Slips, trips, or falls: Uneven surfaces, debris, and hazardous site conditions can easily lead to injuries, especially during tasks involving tools or metalwork.

Beyond the initial trauma, these accidents can lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain, reduced mobility, and an inability to return to physically demanding work. Many injured workers in the St. Louis construction industry are the primary earners for their families, so a serious fall or machinery accident can quickly create financial strain. Speaking with a construction accident lawyer in St. Louis can help you assess the full impact of your injuries, including future medical needs and the effect on your ability to work in your trade.

Third-Party Liability vs. Workers’ Compensation: Which Claim Should I File After a Construction Accident?

If you were injured on a construction site, it can be difficult to know which legal option makes the most sense. Workers’ compensation and third‑party liability claims serve different purposes, and understanding how they work can help you make informed decisions about your situation.

Two potential avenues may be available after a construction accident:

• Workers’ compensation claims: Workers’ compensation provides benefits for employees injured on the job, including coverage for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. These benefits are available without having to prove fault, but accepting workers’ compensation generally means you cannot sue your employer for the injury.
• Third‑party liability claims: If someone other than your employer caused or contributed to the accident—such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner—you may be able to file a third‑party liability lawsuit. These claims can allow recovery for damages not covered by workers’ compensation, but they require proof that the third party was negligent.

Choosing the right path often depends on the details of the accident, including where it occurred, who controlled the site, and whether multiple parties were involved. In some cases, both a workers’ compensation claim and a third‑party claim may be pursued at the same time.

Evaluating contracts, safety records, incident reports, and the roles of different contractors or property owners can clarify how Missouri law applies to your situation. Speaking with a construction accident attorney can help you understand which claims may be available and how to pursue the most complete recovery based on the facts of your case.

Who Is Liable for a Construction Accident?

Depending on the circumstances involved, various parties may be responsible for damages in a construction site accident. Common liable parties in construction accident lawsuits include: 

• Construction companies: The construction company may be liable if it fails to provide sufficient training or proper safety equipment for construction site workers. 
• Contractors/subcontractors: These parties are responsible for overseeing the safe completion of construction projects and may be liable for damages if their negligence causes an accident. 
• Manufacturers and suppliers: These entities may be responsible for construction site injuries if they cause an accident by producing or supplying a faulty part or product. 
• Property owners: The property owner may be liable for accidents if they fail to address known hazards on the construction site. 

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Construction Accident Lawsuit?

Depending on the specifics of the case, various types of compensation may be available in a construction accident claim. Common recoverable damages in these cases include:

• Economic losses: These may involve past and future medical expenses, hospital bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation and therapy, lost wages, and lost earning capacity if you cannot return to the same type of work. 
• Non-economic losses: These may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of consortium when an injury affects a marital relationship. 
• Other financial impacts: In some cases, injured workers may also face out-of-pocket costs for transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, or assistive devices necessary to maintain independence. 

In some cases involving extreme negligence, the court may also award punitive damages. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which compensate the victim directly for losses incurred in the accident, punitive damages are solely awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. Consulting your attorney is critical to accurately calculating available damages in your claim and pursuing a just outcome.

What to Do After a Construction Accident in St. Louis

The actions you take after a construction accident can affect both your health and your ability to pursue a legal claim. Focusing on safety, documentation, and protecting your rights early can make a meaningful difference.

After a construction accident, consider the following steps:

• Get medical care immediately: Move to a safe location and obtain medical treatment, whether through on‑site first aid or a nearby emergency department in the St. Louis area. Prompt medical attention creates an important record and can uncover injuries that are not immediately obvious.
• Report the incident: Notify your supervisor as soon as you are able, so there is a written record with your employer or the site’s controlling contractor.
• Document the scene: If possible, gather basic information such as the names of witnesses, the companies working on the site, and the equipment involved. Photos or videos of the area, safety conditions, and visible injuries can be helpful later.
• Be cautious with statements: Avoid posting about the accident on social media or giving detailed statements to insurance adjusters before you understand your rights, as comments can be taken out of context.
• Seek legal guidance: Speaking with a construction accident lawyer in St. Louis can help you understand the next steps, including preserving evidence and meeting legal deadlines, while you focus on recovery.

Put Over 40 Years of Experience on Your Side with Sedey Harper Westhoff

When your health and financial security are on the line, don’t settle for less than high-quality representation from a reputable law firm. When you hire Sedey Harper Westhoff, you’ll put over 40 years of experience in your corner while benefitting from compassionate counsel tailored to your specific legal needs. Our award-winning lawyers have a proven track record of results and an in-depth understanding of personal injury law to aggressively pursue justice. 

As construction accident attorneys in St. Louis, we draw on decades of representing injured workers and their families in Missouri trial courts and federal courts located in the Eastern District of Missouri. We are familiar with the tactics insurance companies and large contractors use to limit payouts, and we prepare each case as if it may go to trial so that we are ready to present your story to a judge or jury if needed. From the first consultation through resolution, we stay in close contact, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the legal process so you aren't left wondering what comes next.

Get experienced legal guidance from our St. Louis construction accident attorneys. Call (314) 819-0963 or contact us online.