Springfield, Missouri, Construction Accident Lawyers Fight for Your Right to Compensation

Serving Springfield Construction Workers Since 1975 & Both Workers’ Comp & Third-Party Claims

If you’ve been seriously injured on a construction site, you need legal representation that covers every angle of your claim. Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law, LLC has served accident victims in the Springfield area since 1975, giving us more than 50 years of familiarity with local employers, job sites, and the Greene County Circuit Court. Our team of 20 attorneys handles both the workers’ compensation and third-party personal injury sides of a construction accident claim, so you don’t have to split your case between two firms.

When you contact us after a construction site injury, we take time to understand exactly how the incident happened, what medical treatment you’re receiving, and how your injuries are affecting your ability to work and support your family. We gather records, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and help you avoid common mistakes that can reduce the value of your claim. Free initial consultations are available for construction accident matters.

Call our Springfield attorneys at (417) 557-3407 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

What to Do After a Construction Accident in Springfield

The steps you take in the hours and days after a construction accident can have a major impact on your health and on any future claim for compensation. Many injured workers feel pressure from supervisors or co-workers to keep working or to avoid making a report, especially on busy projects in the Springfield area. Taking a few practical steps early can protect both your well-being and your legal rights. Missouri law requires injured workers to report a workplace injury to their employer in writing within 30 days of the accident under RSMo Section 287.420, so prompt documentation matters from the start.

After getting emergency care, document what happened while the details are still fresh. If you’re able, write down the names of witnesses, note the exact location of the accident, and keep copies of any incident reports submitted to your employer or a general contractor. Follow up promptly with a doctor and make sure your medical records clearly reflect that your injuries occurred at work.

You’ll likely hear from an insurance adjuster or risk manager soon after the incident. They may ask for a recorded statement or ask you to sign medical releases. You don’t have to make quick decisions about either. Before you do, get guidance on how those documents could affect a future workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim against a negligent third party. We handle communications with insurers on our clients’ behalf, including responding to requests for recorded statements or medical releases, so you can focus on recovering while we protect your claim.

Construction Industry Risks

One in ten construction workers are injured on the job every year, according to OSHA. Laborers, electricians, ironworkers, plumbers, masons, and other trades workers are all at risk.

The OSHA Fatal Four

OSHA identifies four accident types as the leading causes of fatal construction injuries, collectively known as the “Fatal Four”:

• Falls — Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and unguarded openings are the leading cause of construction site fatalities.
• Struck by Object — These incidents most commonly involve falling objects and moving heavy equipment such as trucks or cranes.
• Caught-in or Caught-between — These injuries result from a person being compressed, pinched, or crushed between two or more objects or pieces of equipment.
• Electrocution — Electrocution hazards include contact with overhead power lines, energized sources, and the improper use of extension and flexible cords.

Other Common Construction Accident Causes

Beyond the Fatal Four, construction workers face risks from building collapse, fires and explosions, hazardous chemical exposure, defective equipment, trench and excavation collapses, and injuries caused by overexertion or poor supervision. Missouri construction employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance regardless of the number of employees. Unlike most other industries, the threshold is five or more workers.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Springfield Construction Accident

A construction site injury is rarely the result of a single party’s failure. Depending on how an accident occurred, responsibility may extend to the general contractor, subcontractors, the property owner, equipment manufacturers, architects, site managers, or maintenance and inspection companies. Identifying every party that may share responsibility is important to pursuing an injured worker’s total recovery.

General contractors have a duty to maintain a safe worksite under OSHA standards, and failure to do so can create liability that exists separately from any workers’ compensation claim. When an injury results from a defective tool, piece of scaffolding, or machinery, the equipment manufacturer may face product liability exposure. Missouri’s workers’ compensation exclusivity rule generally prevents employees from suing their direct employer, but third-party claims against other negligent parties aren’t barred by that rule, which means injured workers often have more options than they realize.

When we review a construction accident case, we examine contracts, safety records, and on-site activity to identify every party that may share responsibility. Our downtown Springfield location and familiarity with the Greene County Circuit Court and local building records let us access the documentation needed to establish liability without delay.

Obtaining Compensation After a Construction Accident

Construction accidents can cause a wide range of serious injuries, including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, bone fractures, amputations, digit loss, burns, and knee and lifting injuries. Many require extended hospitalization and lengthy rehabilitation and can result in long-term disabilities.

Workers’ compensation covers lost wages and medical bills tied to a work-related injury, but accepting those benefits generally waives your right to sue your employer for negligence. You can still pursue claims against other liable parties. Missouri’s statute of limitations for a workers’ compensation claim is two years from the date of injury or the last payment of benefits under RSMo Section 287.430. For a third-party personal injury claim, Missouri allows five years from the date of injury.

When we review a construction accident case, we look carefully at how the incident occurred and what insurance coverage may be available, including general liability policies, workers’ compensation coverage, and any applicable umbrella policies. For many injured workers in southwest Missouri, this is the first time they’ve had to navigate a serious legal claim. We explain each step in plain language and keep you updated as your case progresses.

Key potential sources of compensation in a Springfield construction accident case include:

• Workers’ compensation benefits that may cover medical treatment and a portion of lost wages if your injury is accepted as work-related.
• Third-party personal injury claims against negligent subcontractors, property owners, equipment suppliers, or others who contributed to unsafe conditions on the job site.
• Claims for long-term losses such as reduced future earning capacity, ongoing therapy, or permanent disability when your injuries prevent you from returning to construction work.
• Compensation for non-economic harm, including physical pain, limitations, and the impact a serious injury can have on your family life and independence.

How Our Springfield Construction Accident Lawyers Handle Your Claim

Handling a construction accident case involves more than filing paperwork. We start with a detailed review of the job site, the roles of each contractor involved, and the safety procedures that should have been in place. When appropriate, we consult industry safety standards and work with outside professionals to evaluate whether those standards were followed. Because we’ve been located in downtown Springfield for decades, we know how to obtain police reports, building records, and court filings efficiently through local offices and the Greene County Circuit Court.

As your case moves forward, we organize and present evidence in a way that clearly explains how the accident happened and how your injuries have changed your daily life. That includes collecting medical opinions from treating providers, documenting time missed from work, and gathering accounts from co-workers or foremen who witnessed unsafe conditions. Throughout the process, we handle all communications with insurance companies so you don’t have to field repeated calls while you’re trying to recover.

Many construction cases involve both a workers’ compensation claim and a separate personal injury claim against a negligent third party. We pay close attention to how these claims interact so that pursuing one doesn’t unintentionally harm the other. By coordinating deadlines, benefit payments, and negotiations across both tracks, we work to protect your overall recovery, not just one piece of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After a Construction Accident in Springfield?

Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Report the accident to your supervisor or site manager as soon as possible so an official record is created. Gather evidence from the scene if you’re able, and contact an experienced attorney to protect your right to compensation.

Can I Sue My Employer for a Construction Accident Injury?

In most cases, workers’ compensation laws prevent you from suing your direct employer for a workplace injury. However, you can file a third-party personal injury lawsuit if a negligent subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner contributed to your accident. An attorney can review your case to identify all liable parties.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Claim in Springfield?

Missouri sets specific deadlines depending on the type of claim. For a workers’ compensation claim, you generally have two years from the date of injury or the last payment of benefits under RSMo Section 287.430. For a third-party personal injury lawsuit, Missouri allows five years from the date of injury. Consulting with an attorney promptly can help you file your claim within all applicable deadlines.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Construction Site Injury?

You may be able to recover damages for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Depending on your claim, you may also be entitled to compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. A thorough legal evaluation can help determine the value of your specific damages.

Will Workers’ Compensation Cover All My Expenses After a Site Accident?

Workers’ compensation typically covers your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages, but it doesn’t compensate for pain and suffering. If a third party is responsible for your injuries, a personal injury claim can help you recover those additional damages that workers’ compensation doesn’t provide.

Do I Need a Lawyer If I’m Only Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Legal representation is strongly recommended even for standard workers’ compensation claims. Insurers often attempt to minimize or deny valid claims, and an attorney can advocate on your behalf regarding proper medical treatment and the benefits available under the law.

Contact Our Springfield Construction Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you’re facing medical bills and lost income after a serious job site injury, we’re here to help you understand your options, including both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. Our firm has represented injured workers in Springfield and southwest Missouri since 1975, and we offer free initial consultations for construction accident matters.

Call our office today at (417) 557-3407 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.