Construction Accident Attorney in Kansas City, Missouri

Construction accidents are some of the most devastating incidents workers face. Construction sites are inherently dangerous places, with heavy machinery, elevated work areas, electrical systems, and hazardous materials all creating a heightened risk of injury. 

When accidents occur, the consequences can be life-changing, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. 

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC understands the legal and personal challenges victims face after construction accidents. Their focus is on applying Missouri personal injury law to help workers and their families pursue compensation.

The scale of injuries in construction accidents ranges from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. In many cases, workers can’t return to their jobs, which places enormous strain on their households. 

While safety regulations exist to minimize risks, accidents remain a persistent issue across Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri. Understanding the causes, the laws that apply, and the remedies available under personal injury law is crucial for victims.

If you’re in need of qualified legal representation following a construction accident, contact Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC today.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction accidents happen for many reasons, and Missouri law provides avenues for accountability when negligence plays a part. Some of the most common causes include:

• Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops.

• Being struck by falling tools, materials, or equipment.

• Electrocution from exposed wires or faulty equipment.

• Machinery accidents involving forklifts, cranes, or heavy vehicles.

• Trench collapses or structural failures.

• Exposure to toxic chemicals or unsafe environments.

Each of these causes can trigger personal injury claims when the negligence of an employer, contractor, or third party is involved. Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC stresses that construction accidents aren’t just unfortunate incidents—they’re often preventable events that occur when safety standards are ignored.

Missouri Personal Injury Law and Construction Accidents

Under Missouri personal injury law, victims of construction accidents have the right to pursue compensation if their injuries result from someone else’s negligence. This may include employers, property owners, subcontractors, or equipment manufacturers. 

While workers’ compensation typically covers medical bills and partial lost wages, it doesn’t always provide the full measure of damages needed to address the long-term impact of an injury.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC helps victims evaluate whether they have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. 

A personal injury claim can seek damages for pain and suffering, full lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and other losses not covered by workers’ compensation. This dual approach is often critical for construction accident victims who face long recoveries and permanent disabilities.

Injuries in Construction Accidents

Construction accidents can cause some of the most severe injuries due to the dangerous environment of worksites. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, severe burns, amputations, or internal organ damage. 

Even less catastrophic injuries, such as fractures and deep lacerations, can prevent workers from returning to their jobs for months or years.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC works with clients to build claims that fully reflect the seriousness of these injuries. 

Personal injury law in Missouri allows victims to seek damages not only for immediate medical expenses but also for future care needs, rehabilitation, and emotional trauma. Construction accidents often leave a lifelong mark, and claims must account for the lasting effects.

Liability in Construction Accidents

Determining liability in construction accidents can be challenging because multiple parties are often involved in a project. Liability may rest with the employer, property owner, contractors, subcontractors, or manufacturers of defective equipment. 

Missouri’s comparative fault system also plays a role, as compensation can be reduced if the injured worker is found partially responsible.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC carefully investigates construction accidents to determine who is legally responsible. 

They collect evidence from safety records, witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony to support personal injury claims. Their goal is to hold negligent parties accountable and secure full compensation for their clients.

Compensation Available Under Missouri Law

Victims of construction accidents may be entitled to recover compensation through personal injury claims. This compensation may include:

• Medical expenses, both immediate and long-term.

• Lost wages from missed work.

• Loss of future earning potential.

• Pain and suffering.

• Emotional distress.

• Costs of rehabilitation and assistive care.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC emphasizes that compensation must reflect the true scope of harm caused by construction accidents. Missouri law doesn’t cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases, which allows victims to seek full financial recovery for their losses.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury

While workers’ compensation is an important safety net for injured construction workers, it has limitations. Workers’ compensation doesn’t cover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, nor does it fully replace lost wages. 

For this reason, pursuing a personal injury claim alongside a workers’ compensation claim can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC helps clients determine when a personal injury lawsuit is possible. For example, if a subcontractor’s negligence causes an accident, or if equipment malfunctions due to a design defect, the injured worker may have grounds for a separate lawsuit. 

These cases allow for broader compensation, which can be essential in construction accidents that cause long-term or permanent disabilities.

The Impact of Construction Accidents on Families

Construction accidents affect more than just the injured worker. Families often bear the burden of lost income, medical costs, and emotional strain. 

Spouses may need to become caregivers, and children may lose the financial support they depend on. The ripple effects of construction accidents extend far beyond the job site, reshaping entire households.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC recognizes this reality and works to recover compensation that addresses not only the injured worker’s needs but also the broader impact on families. 

Personal injury law in Missouri allows claims to reflect these wide-ranging losses, giving families a chance to regain stability after devastating construction accidents.

Insurance Companies and Construction Accidents

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts in construction accident cases. Adjusters may argue that injuries are less severe than claimed or attempt to place blame on the worker. 

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC advises clients not to accept initial settlement offers without legal guidance, as these offers are frequently far lower than what victims deserve.

Personal injury law provides victims with the right to challenge insurance companies and demand compensation. Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC takes on insurers directly, using evidence and strong advocacy to push back against attempts to undervalue claims.

Preventing Construction Accidents

Prevention is critical in reducing the number of construction accidents in Missouri. Employers and contractors are legally obligated to provide safe working conditions, comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, and train workers in safety protocols. 

Regular inspections, maintenance of equipment, and proper supervision are essential to reducing risks.

While prevention can’t undo past harm, emphasizing safety helps reduce future construction accidents. Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC supports initiatives that strengthen workplace safety, knowing that fewer accidents mean fewer workers and families forced to endure the pain and disruption caused by these incidents.

Why Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC Handles Construction Accidents

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC has a long history of representing clients in construction accident cases under Missouri personal injury law. Their work is centered on protecting the rights of injured workers and their families, pursuing full compensation, and holding negligent parties accountable.

They approach construction accident claims with careful attention to detail and a commitment to securing results that truly reflect the harm suffered. Construction accidents can permanently alter lives, but with strong legal representation, victims have the opportunity to rebuild and recover.

Your Kansas City Construction Accident Lawyers

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC stands ready to assist those injured in construction accidents. They’re proud to serve Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri. Call today to begin working with an experienced personal injury attorney.