Does Your Missouri Employer Have Workers Compensation Insurance?

Missouri employers with more than five employees are required to have a workers’ compensation insurance plan.

This also applies to any employer in the construction field regardless of size. These plans provide payments to workers who are injured on the job. Sometimes, however, employers fail to obtain the correct insurance. As a result, when their employees are injured on the job, the injured worker may not be able to get the benefits they deserve. If you were injured on the job and your employer did not have the required insurance, contact a St. Louis workers compensation attorney for help. Here are some things you should know.

Check If Your Employer Has Insurance

All employers with more than five employees or who work in the construction industry must obtain workers’ compensation insurance and also register with the state of Missouri. Before you face a potential injury, you should visit the state of Missouri’s Division of Workers’ Compensation database and search for your employer.

If your employer does not have valid insurance, they are breaking the law. This comes along with significant punishments because of the potential dangers to their employers.

Options If You Are Injured

If you are unable to return to work due to an on-the-job injury and your employer did not have valid insurance, you are not out of options. However, contacting a St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyer is your best option instead of trying to go at it alone.

Second Injury Fund:

The Second Injury Fund was initially created to provide benefits for workers with pre-existing injuries. It also exists, however, to provide benefits for injured employees whose employers did not have the statutorily required workers’ compensation insurance. Unfortunately, an injured worker will only be able to recover medical compensation from the fund. The injured employee may also file a simultaneous claim against the employer. While the Second Injury Fund was empty for a number of years, it is now funded and operating.

Your Employer:

Your employer may also be liable for compensation for medical reimbursement and benefits. However to do this, you, as the employee, will have to file a civil lawsuit against your employer. Our attorneys can assist you with this.