Workers comp laws award benefits to workers in order for them to receive adequate medical treatment, but only for work-related injuries.
Though it’s not as common as other injuries, some workers can sustain certain types of dental injuries as a result of their job. This may include damage to the teeth, mouth, and jaw. Immediate medical attention may be required.
While a workers compensation claim for a dental injury is similar to other types of work comp claims, it may be very expensive and you will likely need help to recover all your benefits.
Getting Benefits for Dental Injury
Missouri worker’s compensation does not exclude dental work as possible necessary treatment of a work accident. The issue here isn’t whether dental needs are covered, but whether the dental problems are related to your job or not.
Workers comp laws award benefits to workers in order for them to receive adequate medical treatment, but only for work-related injuries. As a result, only certain types of dental work can qualify.
For instance, cavities will be excluded from worker’s comp, as this problem is related to the worker’s personal dental hygiene, not his job. Other similar issues that are either connected with hygiene or pre-existing dental problems are also excluded.
But dental issues can sometimes be very complex and are rarely caused by just one thing. As a result, it’s likely that most of your dental needs to be excluded from worker’s comp.
What Can You Do?
When filing a worker’s comp claim for dental work, you will most likely need to prove the dental issues are indeed caused by your job. If you’ve suffered an accident at work, and as a result chip or lose a tooth, then you are eligible for compensation. You can ask a few co-workers who were present to testify on your behalf to have a stronger case.
To make sure your dental work is covered, you essentially have to bring enough evidence that can prove your dental problems are connected to your job. This can be:
- A statement from your dentists
- Witness testimony
- Medical records that show you did not have any major issues before
With such evidence, you have higher chances of receiving compensation for dental work. The insurance company may still try to prove the dental issue isn’t 100% work-related, but if you also work with a St. Louis worker’s compensation lawyer you have a better chance of protecting your rights and being compensated.
Contact a Work Injury Attorney
If you’ve sustained a dental injury at work, and as a result need expensive dental work, you may be eligible for compensation. Reach out to a St. Louis work injury lawyer for additional legal advice on how to proceed in your case. Your lawyer can also help acquire strong evidence to increase your likelihood of getting the claim approved.