Construction worker injured at mini golf site settles personal injury suit

A South Carolina contractor injured in a 2022 construction site accident at a St. Louis County miniature golf course has settled a personal injury lawsuit against a Texas contractor for $750,000.

Austin McDaniel sued Crete Builders, LLC, following an Oct. 18, 2022, workplace accident that left him with injuries to his shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist and hand, including complex lacerations to his left hand.

According to the complaint, a Crete Builders employee was operating a power saw that cut the hand of McDaniel as he was holding a 10-foot board at Aloha Mini Golf and Shave Ice in Valley Park.

The lawsuit alleged negligence on the part of the contractor for failing to properly train its employees in the use of the portable circular saw that damaged McDaniel, along with negligent supervision, among other shortcomings.

Records provided by lead plaintiff’s attorney show that the lawsuit, which was filed in 2023, was settled in early June, with the defendant’s insurer Liberty Mutual paying the injured contractor.

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$750,000 settlement

Personal Injury

Venue: St. Louis County Circuit Court

Case Number/Date: 23SL-CC00850, June 25, 2025

Plaintiff’s experts: Dr. Patterson Owings, North Charleston, S.C. (orthopedic medicine);

Sandor Nagyszalansczy, Santa Cruz, California (carpentry/woodwork)

Injuries: shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, hand

Injuries detail: complex lacerations to his left hand.

Special damages: $57,992.95

Insurer: Liberty Mutual (for defendant)

Caption: Austin McDaniel v. Crete Builders. LLC

Plaintiff’s attorney: Ryan Krupp; Krupp & Raboin Law Firm, St. Louis

Defendant’s attorney: Kevin Myers, Law Office of Kevin Myers, Fairview Heights, Illinois