Introduction
In Missouri, employees injured on the job are entitled to certain benefits through the workers’ compensation system. Whether you’ve suffered a minor injury or a more serious one, it’s important to understand your rights and the process for obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Missouri workers’ compensation.
What is Missouri Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job.
In Missouri, most employers must have workers’ compensation insurance to provide these benefits to their employees. The benefits typically include medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for permanent injuries.
Who is Eligible for Missouri Workers’ Compensation?
In Missouri, most employees are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured on the job. This includes employees who work for companies with five (5) or more employees, independent contractors, and volunteers.
However, there are some exceptions, such as the construction industry, which requires workers’ compensation insurance if there are any employees.
What Benefits are Available through Missouri Workers’ Compensation?
The following benefits are available through Missouri workers’ compensation:
- Medical expenses: Workers’ compensation will cover the cost of medical treatment for your work-related injury or illness, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and medication.
- Lost wages: If you cannot work due to your injury or illness, workers’ compensation will provide benefits to replace a portion of your lost wages.
- Permanent injuries: If you’ve suffered a permanent injury, workers’ compensation will provide benefits to compensate you for the permanent loss of use of a body part.
- Permanent – Total Disability: If you’ve suffered a permanent injury that keeps you from returning to gainful employment, you will receive weekly payments for the rest of your life.
- Death benefits: If a worker dies due to a work-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation will provide death benefits to the worker’s surviving spouse and dependents.
- Disfigurement: If you receive an injury that disfigures your arms or face, you will be entitled to additional benefits.
How to File a Claim for Missouri Workers’ Compensation?
The following is the process for filing a claim for Missouri workers’ compensation:
- Report the injury to your employer: As soon as you’re injured, you should report the injury to your employer. Your employer should provide you with the necessary forms to file a workers’ compensation claim.
- Complete the necessary forms: Once you have the necessary documents from your employer, complete them and return them as soon as possible.
- Seek medical treatment: You should seek medical treatment for your injury as soon as possible. Your medical provider will provide you with a report of your injury and its impact on your ability to work. Under the law, the employer has the right to pick the doctor, and the insurance company must pay for all medical bills.
- Submit your claim to the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation: After you’ve completed the necessary forms and received medical treatment, you’ll need to submit your claim to the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. This will likely require the use of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What if my employer or the insurance company disputes my claim?
A: If your employer disputes your claim, you should immediately discuss your case with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
Q: What does an attorney charge on a workers’ compensation case?
In Missouri, an attorney handling a workers’ compensation case typically charges a contingency fee of 20% of the settlement or award obtained for the client. This means that the attorney only gets paid if the client receives a financial settlement or award, and the fee is a percentage of the total amount recovered.
In conclusion, Missouri workers’ compensation provides substantial benefits to employees who are injured on the job. Understanding your rights and the process for obtaining these benefits is essential to get the help you need if you’re injured at work.
Whether you’re just starting to think about workers’ compensation or already filing a claim, this guide will help you make informed decisions about your case.
Call the Attorneys at McDuffey & Medcalf, LLC
If you have been injured on the job, the experienced attorneys at McDuffey & Medcalf, LLC can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system and fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
