Scaffolding accidents can result in serious injuries — from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries — and may have long-term consequences for your health and ability to work. After a scaffolding accident, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention: not only to document your injuries for your workers' compensation claim, but also so that medical professionals can provide treatment for any injuries sustained.
Chris Miller at Bur Oak Injury Law served as a government attorney in the Missouri Department of Labor and administered the Division of Workers' Compensation before representing injured workers in court. He knows exactly how the system works — and what steps to take immediately after a scaffolding accident to protect your claim and your future.
(573) 499-0200 — free consultationAccording to OSHA, scaffolding accidents cause approximately 10,000 injuries and 80 fatalities nationwide each year. In Missouri, construction workers face a higher risk of falls and injuries due to the frequent use of scaffolding on job sites. These accidents can lead to lost wages, medical expenses, and long-term health issues.
Scaffolding accidents are among the most serious workplace injury cases construction workers face in Missouri. Falls from several stories, collapsing platforms, missing guardrails, defective planks, and unsafe fall protection can cause broken bones, neck and back injuries, hearing loss, and even death. See our common scaffolding injuries page for a full breakdown.
Missouri workers' compensation is a no-fault system that covers medical care and lost wages without requiring you to prove employer fault. Most employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees injured on the job — including medical expenses, temporary disability benefits, and compensation for permanent impairments.
As a worker in Missouri, you are entitled to a safe workplace, and your employer is required by law to carry workers' compensation insurance. Missouri workers' compensation is governed by Chapter 287 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, which establishes the rights and obligations of both employers and injured employees.
If you are injured in an on-the-job accident such as a scaffolding fall, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits including medical treatment, lost wages, and compensation for permanent injuries. The insurance company may try to minimize your pain, dispute your claim, argue that you can return to light duty too soon, or challenge the need for future medical care. Professional legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of a workers' compensation claim.
Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, determine your eligibility, and ensure you receive the full compensation and benefits you deserve. At Bur Oak Injury Law, Chris Miller personally handles every workers' compensation case — no handoffs to associates or paralegals.
Missouri law requires employers to provide all reasonable and necessary medical care for work-related injuries — doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and medical equipment — at no cost to you when the claim is accepted.
If you cannot work while recovering from a scaffolding injury, you may receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage (subject to Missouri's maximum rate) until you reach maximum medical improvement. See our benefits overview for details.
A permanent partial disability (PPD) rating determines the final compensation amount for lasting impairment. The rating is based on the body part affected and the degree of functional loss.
If a defective scaffold, negligent contractor, or equipment manufacturer contributed to your accident, a personal injury claim may be available in addition to workers' compensation — covering pain and suffering beyond what WC provides.
After a scaffolding accident, it is crucial to report the incident to your employer within 30 days to avoid denial of your workers' compensation claim. Missouri law requires written notice including the date, time, location, and a brief description of how the injury occurred. Missing this deadline can result in your claim being denied outright.
To formally request benefits, you must file a Claim for Compensation (Form 21) with the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation within two years of the accident or the last benefit payment. You can file online through the Missouri DWC Online Portal or by mailing a physical form to the Division. If your employer fails to file their required First Report of Injury (FROI) within 30 days, your deadline to file a Claim for Compensation is extended to three years.
Fast action can protect your workers' compensation claim, preserve evidence, and help secure medical treatment, lost wages, and disability benefits. Evidence disappears quickly — scaffolding is repaired or replaced, witnesses move on, and records become harder to obtain. Speaking with an attorney immediately after a scaffolding accident in Missouri gives you the best chance at a full recovery. If your claim has already been denied, that's not the end — contact us to discuss your options.
If you are injured in a scaffolding accident, it is essential to report the injury to your employer and seek medical attention immediately. Missouri law requires that employers provide medical treatment for work-related injuries, and prompt medical care is critical — both for your health and for supporting your workers' compensation claim.
Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, including medical bills, receipts, and any correspondence with your healthcare provider. Medical records, treatment notes, and documentation of the accident scene are the foundation of a strong workers' compensation claim.
The actions you take in the hours and days after a scaffolding accident directly affect the strength of your workers' compensation claim. Follow these steps to protect your rights and your recovery.
Bur Oak Injury Law helps injured employees with every stage of a Missouri workers' compensation claim after a scaffolding work accident. That includes preparing the written report, organizing medical records, documenting lost income, and making sure all deadlines are met with the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation.
We review how the accident happened, what treatment you have received, and whether your employer or insurance company has accepted or denied the claim. We assess your eligibility for Missouri workers' compensation benefits including medical expenses, temporary disability benefits, and possible third-party recovery.
We gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements, photos, wage records, and employer and insurer correspondence. We review whether scaffold safety rules were violated, whether equipment failed, and whether another contractor or equipment provider may bear responsibility.
We file and manage the Missouri workers' compensation claim, communicate with all parties, and help prevent missed deadlines. Temporary total disability benefits are often based on two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to Missouri limits.
We fight for full medical treatment, payment of medical expenses, wage benefits, disability compensation, and support for future medical needs. If the insurance company tries to push you back to light duty before you are ready, we protect your recovery and your financial security.
Workers' compensation may cover medical bills and wage replacement, but it usually does not compensate injured workers for all physical pain, suffering, and life disruption. If a scaffolding accident occurs because of defective equipment, negligent maintenance, an unsafe general contractor, a careless scaffold rental company, or a manufacturer defect, personal injury claims may be available in addition to Missouri workers' compensation benefits.
Third-party claims allow injured workers to pursue compensation for pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and other damages that workers' compensation does not cover. Chris Miller evaluates every scaffolding accident case for potential third-party liability — ensuring injured workers in Columbia, Jefferson City, Rolla, and across central Missouri receive every available source of compensation. Learn more about how these cases settle.
Read what our clients say on our testimonials page.
No fee unless we win. One attorney handles your case from the first call through resolution. Serving Columbia, Jefferson City, and all of central Missouri.