Sioux Falls Construction Accident Attorney
Your Trusted Advocates for Construction Accident Cases
Beardsley, Jensen & Lee represent injured workers and families in Sioux Falls construction accident cases involving work-related injuries. The firm investigates how the incident happened, identifies every liable party, and pursues compensation through settlement negotiations or trial.
Construction accident claims often involve multiple employers, subcontractors, safety rules, and catastrophic injuries. A complete case review can include jobsite records, incident reports, witness statements, equipment maintenance history, and safety compliance issues.
If a construction accident has disrupted your life, legal guidance can help clarify your options and protect your rights. Speak with a Sioux Falls construction accident attorney at Beardsley, Jensen & Lee by calling (605) 777-7466 for a free consultation.
Construction Accident Cases Often Involve More Than Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation may cover medical treatment and a portion of lost wages, but it does not always address the full impact of a life-changing injury, including total disability. Many construction accidents also involve potential third-party liability, such as a negligent subcontractor, a property owner, or an equipment manufacturer.
When a third party caused or contributed to the incident, a personal injury claim can pursue broader damages than workers’ compensation alone may provide. Coordinating the timing and documentation for both paths is often critical to protecting the overall recovery strategy, especially after a wrongful denial of claims under workers' compensation.
Common Causes Of Construction Accidents In Sioux Falls
Construction sites are high-risk environments with moving equipment, work at height, energized systems, and multiple trades working at once, which increases the risk of workplace accidents.
Common causes include:
- Falls from scaffolds, ladders, roofs, or elevated platforms
- Struck-by incidents involving vehicles, falling tools, or materials
- Caught-in/between events such as trench cave-ins, crush injuries, or pinch points
- Equipment failures involving forklift accidents and crane accidents at jobsites
- Electrical injuries from exposed wiring, lockout/tagout failures, or overhead lines
Common Construction Accident Injuries
Construction accidents frequently result in injuries that require extended treatment and time away from work, including:
A strong claim connects the incident to the medical records, the work restrictions, and the long-term impact on earning capacity.
Who May Be Liable In A Construction Accident Claim
Liability can involve multiple entities depending on job-site control, safety responsibilities, and how the incident occurred, including construction and professional liability issues.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- General contractors and subcontractors
- Property owners or site managers
- Equipment rental companies or maintenance vendors
- Product manufacturers (defective tools, lifts, harnesses, components)
- Third-party drivers or delivery crews
A proper investigation focuses on who controlled the hazard, who created the hazard, and who failed to correct it.
What Beardsley, Jensen & Lee do In Construction Accident Cases
Construction accident claims are evidence-driven. Casework commonly includes:
- Securing incident reports, jobsite logs, and witness statements
- Reviewing safety policies, training records, and compliance documents
- Identifying equipment issues, maintenance gaps, or product defects
- Working with qualified professionals when necessary
- Documenting full damages (medical costs, wage loss, future care needs)
- Handling insurance defense tactics in negotiations and litigation strategy
Step-By-Step Legal Process
1. Consultation and case evaluation
A structured intake reviews the incident, injuries, and available insurance coverage.
2. Investigation and preservation of evidence
Records are requested and preserved early so critical documentation is not lost.
3. Liability analysis and claim strategy
The legal theory is built around how the injury occurred and which parties are responsible.
4. Negotiation and settlement efforts
Settlement demands are backed by thorough documentation and, when needed, input from qualified professionals.
5. Litigation and trial preparation when needed
If insurers refuse fair value, the case is prepared for court with a trial-ready posture.
South Dakota Deadlines and Fault Rules
South Dakota generally allows three years to file many personal injury lawsuits, including injury claims under SDCL § 15-2-14(3). South Dakota also applies a comparative fault framework under SDCL § 20-9-2, which can reduce recovery if the injured party is found partially at fault. Because deadlines and fault arguments can vary by case details, early case evaluation helps prevent avoidable procedural issues.
