Law Office of James M. Hoffmann 
Missouri workers’ comp claim denied? Here are the most common reasons for denial, why a denial is not final, and the steps to challenge it. Here is the most important thing to understand before anything else: a denial is not a verdict. It is the insurance company’s opening position, written by the party that saves … Read more
Your doctor released you, but your employer won’t let you return to work. So, what happens to your Missouri workers’ comp benefits? In Missouri, the frustrating answer is that an employer can generally refuse to bring you back because workers’ comp does not require them to hold your job or create light duty. But that … Read more
Wondering whether to settle your Missouri workers’ comp case before or after MMI? Learn how MMI affects your settlement value, future medical care, and timing. If you were hurt on the job in Missouri, you may already be feeling pressure to settle. The insurance company may have floated a number. Your employer may be hinting … Read more
Worried about losing your job while on workers’ comp in Missouri? Learn what protection you have, when a firing is unlawful, and what happens to your benefits. You can be fired WHILE on workers’ comp in Missouri because Missouri is an at-will employment state, and a comp claim does not freeze your employment. But no, … Read more
Your doctor says you’ve reached MMI, but you’re still hurting. Learn what MMI really means, how to challenge it, and how pain affects your Missouri settlement. MMI does not mean you are better. It is not a finding that you are pain-free, healed, or ready for full duty. It is a medical opinion that your … Read more
Fired after filing a workers’ comp claim in Missouri? Learn what counts as retaliation, how to prove these cases, and what to do next. You did what the law told you to do. You reported your injury, you filed your claim, and then the schedule changes started, or the write-ups appeared, or the termination letter … Read more