Vigorous Representation From Our Burnsville Construction Accident Attorney
Last updated on October 27, 2025
An accident at a construction site can instantly shatter a life. We see the fear and worry in the eyes of injured clients. We understand the financial strain that comes with lost wages and overwhelming medical bills. We are Otten Law Offices, and we can help you.
Since 1990, we have provided legal help to the injured in Burnsville and the entire Southern Metro area. Paul Otten is a preeminent attorney with over 30 years of experience. He offers assertive representation against large construction companies and their insurance carriers. We are selective with our cases, which guarantees that every client receives the direct attention of a highly respected lawyer. We focus on success for you.
Issues And Hazards In Construction Zones
Many accidents are not just unavoidable risks: they happen because of negligence. Whether you are a worker or a civilian passing by, you have the right to a safe environment. Some common issues and hazards on a construction site can include, but are not limited to:
- Construction equipment left out
- Construction vehicles hitting people or other cars
- Falling debris
- Malfunctioning equipment
- Lack of signage
- Improperly marked zones
- Failure to follow safety guidelines
- Slippery surfaces
- Leaks of toxic substances
These hazards can cause severe injuries, including debilitating back and neck injuries, fractured bones, and even wrongful deaths. If an accident injured you, you need a powerful construction accident attorney to hold the responsible party accountable.
What To Do After A Construction Accident
The moments following a construction accident are confusing and painful. Taking these steps when you can will help protect your future legal claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the incident to a a supervisor, site foreman or the property owner.
- Document the scene. If possible, take photographs and videos of the accident scene.
- Get witness information.
- Contact a construction accident lawyer. Do not talk to the construction company’s representatives or their insurance adjusters.
After suffering a catastrophic injury, it is nearly impossible to handle this process alone. We are ready to take these complex steps for you.
How Long Does A Construction Lawsuit Take?
Construction accident lawsuits vary in length based on their complexity. Generally, the process includes investigation, filing a claim, the discovery phase and settlement negotiations. Because these cases often involve multiple contractors and multiple insurance companies, they can be lengthy.
Simple cases with clear liability may settle in a few months. Complex construction accident cases often take a few months to one or one year to resolve. However, others can stretch for two years or more.
What Are The Four Elements To A Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Construction workers injured on the job are typically covered by workers’ compensation. This is a no-fault system; you usually do not have to prove that your employer acted negligently.
The four basic elements necessary for a workers’ compensation claim are:
- Have an injury or illness incurred because of job duties
- Have an injury or illness incurred because of job duties
- Notify your employer of the incident within 30 days
- Require medical treatment for your injury or illness
However, a personal injury claim against a negligent third party, which is separate from workers’ compensation, must prove four elements: duty, breach, causation and damages.
How Long After An Accident Can I Get A Lawyer?
You should hire a construction accident lawyer immediately. Every personal injury case, including a claim for wrongful death, has a statute of limitations. In Minnesota, the deadline for most construction accident and personal injury claims is six years from the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, you forever lose your right to file a lawsuit and seek compensation.
However, many other deadlines are much shorter. Claims against government entities, which are common in road construction zones, often require formal notice within 180 days of the injury. Claims involving defective design or construction have a two-year deadline.
Why Construction Accidents Are So Complex
Construction accident claims are more complex than typical car crash or slip-and-fall cases. There are often multiple parties who share responsibility. The general contractor, various subcontractors, equipment manufacturers and property owners may all be at fault. Every party involved will fight vigorously to deny your claim and blame someone else.
For injured workers, combining a no-fault workers’ compensation claim with a third-party personal injury lawsuit requires significant legal skill. It is hard to gather evidence because construction sites change daily. Documentation, safety protocols, and contracts between all parties require meticulous review. You need a confident and aggressive lawyer who knows how to hold these powerful entities accountable.
Why Hire Our Law Firm?
For more than three decades, we have successfully represented injured clients in the Southern Metro area. Our results include significant six-figure and seven-figure settlements and awards for clients. Attorney Paul Otten was named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, recognizing his preeminent standing among trial lawyers. He has the trial experience and history of winning to take on the largest construction firms and their insurers.
We believe in providing the best client service possible. You will meet with the actual attorney, not a case manager. Paul Otten will handle every detail of your claim, from securing medical records to fighting in court. We offer free consultations so you can discuss your accident with us at no financial risk.
Consult A Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyer For Free
You deserve compensation for your back and neck injuries, lost income and suffering. Let our construction accident lawyer fight for you. Please contact us for a free consultation: call 952-303-0702 or send us an email to schedule your free consultation today.