A crash, a scream, or a surprise accident on your property during work—it’s the type of moment that scares any homeowner half to death. When you hire someone to build, repair, or renovate and he gets injured, you’re left thinking, What do I do now? Will I be held liable?
At Rah Law, we understand just how stressful this experience can be. We’ve assisted numerous Springfield homeowners in similar positions and are here to walk you through the steps you must take immediately, clearly, and soothingly.
What to Do When a Contractor Becomes Injured on Your Home or Business Property in Missouri
Whatever you engage them for, whether home renovations or a neighborhood business venture, the most critical first step is to take them to a doctor. Even if they tell you it’s not serious, it is always better to be safe than sorry—call 911 or urge them to get to the doctor.
Second, take a detailed picture of the scene and whatever might have contributed to the injury—tools, materials, slippery floors, loose boards. If there are witnesses who saw what transpired, obtain their names and phone numbers. All these records can be crucial if a claim is lodged in the future.
Do I Call My Insurer First After a Construction Accident on My Property in MO?
This is a common question—and a tricky one. While it’s a good idea to notify your homeowner’s insurance provider early, be very careful with what you say. Insurance companies are often more interested in protecting their bottom line than in protecting you.
Before making a detailed report or accepting blame, it’s wise to speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer Springfield residents rely on. We can advise you on how to navigate your insurance company while protecting your rights. This step will empower you to make informed decisions.
Do I Need a Lawyer if a Contractor is Injured on My Property in Springfield, MO?
If the injury is severe—or if there’s a doubt about who’s liable—then yes, you should. A skilled Construction Site Accidents Lawyer will assess if the worker’s claim has merit, if you’re liable, and how insurance legislation pertains to your case.
At Rah Law, we’ll dissect your exposure to legal liability, guide you through the process, and handle insurers or opposing counsel directly—so you don’t have to. Our expertise and support will provide you with a sense of relief in this challenging situation.
Landowner Liability for Independent Contractor Accidents
Missouri does not hold owners liable for independent contractor accidents per se. But here’s the caveat: if your negligence caused an unsafe situation, you’re still on the hook. For instance, if a worker falls over crumbling steps you didn’t repair or slips and falls because there isn’t enough light, the fault could be yours.
A Near 65806 Construction Site Accidents Lawyer can evaluate if your landowner’s duty of care was satisfied or violated under Springfield local conditions.
Independent Contractor vs. Employee
Who the victim works for makes a significant difference in how events go down. Was the person:
- Working for a licensed business?
- Self-employed as an independent contractor?
- A day laborer directly hired by you?
Employees are usually covered by workers’ compensation, which often shields homeowners from liability. However, independent contractors may not have the same protection, which means they could pursue a personal injury claim directly against you.
This distinction makes it all the more important to seek help from a personal injury attorney in Springfield, MO, who understands these nuances.
Missouri Premises Liability Law and Construction Accidents
In Missouri, premises liability laws generally hold landowners responsible for making their property safe for legal visitors—such as contractors. But the extent of the responsibility depends upon the kind of danger and whether you knew (or should have known) of it.
Missouri is a comparative fault state, and this implies that you and the contractor can both be at fault. Even if you’re only 20% at fault, and they’re 80%, a court might still give partial damages. Here, every little bit counts, and that’s why having an attorney like Rah Law on your side is essential.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claim
If the injured party is an employee, they can claim workers’ compensation, which usually bars them from suing you directly. But if they’re an uninsured contractor or sub, they could bring a personal injury suit against you instead.
This is where we come in. We assist clients in establishing whether the injury falls under the insurance of the contractor, your home insurance policy, or if there is a separate likelihood of litigation. Rah Law has extensive experience in handling both workers’ compensation disputes and defense of premises liability in the courts of Springfield.
Navigating a Construction Injury Claim
Construction injury claims are not usually straightforward. Insurers may accuse each other of finger-pointing, with you in the middle. You can have differing opinions on whether or not the injury was brought on by your property’s condition, defective equipment, or the contractor’s negligence.
As your local advocate, we:
- Go over contracts or deals you had with the contractor.
- Look into who had control of the worksite.
- See if any building codes or rules of safety were disregarded.
Let us remove that legal worry from your shoulders. We work on behalf of homeowners in Springfield like you when an accident on a construction site suddenly becomes your issue. Our experienced team will guide you through the legal process, alleviating any anxiety you may have.
When Is A Property Owner NOT Responsible For A Contractor’s Accident in Missouri?
In certain situations, you’re not liable for injuries occurring on your property. Those situations usually involve:
- The contractor was injured performing tasks that he had complete control over
- Their equipment or carelessness inflicted the harm.
- You didn’t know—and couldn’t have known—about a hazard.
For instance, if a roofer falls on his misplaced ladder, and your property was not involved in the accident, Missouri law is unlikely to blame you. But it doesn’t hurt to have a Construction Site Accidents Lawyer Near 65806 review your situation before assuming you’re home-free.
Need Assistance in Understanding Your Rights as a Springfield Homeowner?
Handling a contractor accident on your property is stressful—but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Rah Law, we’ve helped Springfield homeowners navigate thousands of construction site accident cases and premises liability claims. We know where to look, how to safeguard your rights, and how to keep the legal process from getting in your way.
If you’re looking for an experienced Springfield Personal Injury Lawyer, let’s discuss it. Your consultation is complimentary, and your peace of mind is invaluable.
A building injury doesn’t need to become a nightmare in court. Call 417-512-2333 Rah Law now to arrange your free consultation and receive the clarity that you deserve.
