Missouri Workers Compensation Lawyer

Missouri Workers Compensation Law Changes

The Missouri Workers Compensation Laws were substantially changed effective August 28, 2005. This is a brief summary of the new workers compensation laws. Please do not hesitate to contact attorney James M. Hoffmann for any questions regarding the workers compensation laws.

Injured on the Job

A work-related injury is a traumatic experience. If you or a loved one is injured on the job or become ill as a result of your employment, the Missouri Workers’ Compensation laws can provide some relief from the worry and financial strain of being injured and possibly off work due to an injury.

Missouri law requires most employers to carry insurance, which pays for medical treatment and lost time benefits for employees who are injured on the job. The law requires prompt payment of benefits at no cost to you if you sustain a work-related injury covered under the law.

Who is Covered Under Missouri Workers Compensation Laws

If you are employed in the construction industry, your employer must have workers’ compensation insurance, if the employer has one or more employees. Employers in other types of business must carry insurance if they have five or more employees. Railroad, postal, and maritime workers are covered by federal laws.

The Missouri Workers’ Compensation Law does not apply to employment of farm labor, domestic servants in private homes, occasional labor performed for a private household, qualified real estate agents and direct sellers, certain unpaid volunteers, certain inmates, and certain individuals working for amateur youth programs.

What is Covered Under Missouri Workers Compensation Laws

All injuries and occupational diseases must meet the standard of work being “the prevailing factor” in causing the injury or disease and the injury must arise out of and in the course of employment. Idiopathic injuries that result from an unknown cause are not covered. Certain injuries that occur when the employee is going to and from work are excluded.

What to Do if Injured at Work

Report the injury immediately to your employer or supervisor and provide information about the injury – what, where, when and how it happened. Your employer or supervisor should arrange medical treatment and file the necessary reports with the Division. Prompt reporting is the key. Insure your right to benefits by a written notice of every injury, no matter how slight.

Failure to report your injury to your employer may jeopardize your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits. To assure your right to benefits for which you may be eligible, notify your employer of the injury in writing within 30 days.

Time for Filing a Missouri Workers Compensation Claim

If you decide to file a claim with the Division of Workers’ Compensation (Form WC-21) must be used. The Division must receive the claim:

• Within two years after the date of the injury or, if payment was made on account f your workers compensation injury, within two years after the last benefit payment made; or
• If the employer does not timely file a report of injury with the Division, within three (3) years from the date of injury or death, or last payment was made on account of the injury or death.

Where to Get More Information

Contact attorney James M. Hoffmann for any of your Missouri Workers Compensation questions. With over 15 years of experience handling workers compensation cases, Mr. Hoffmann can answer your work comp questions.

Free Missouri Workers Compensation Case Evaluation

Our legal team has a strong history of helping injured workers get the medical attention and financial compensation that they need. Contact our St. Louis, Missouri workers compensation law firm to ensure that your rights are protected. Please call (314) 361-4300 or toll free at (888) 872-6795. You can also complete our Online Case Evaluation Form. All communications are returned promptly.