We’ve helped thousands of injured Missouri workers stand up to employer pushback and secure the benefits they’re legally entitled to.
If you’ve been injured on the job in Missouri and your employer is disputing your workers’ compensation claim, you’re not alone—and you have rights.
With over $100,000,000 recovered for injured workers across Missouri, our St. Louis-based firm is committed to protecting your rights when your employer or their insurance carrier refuses to play fair.
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Why Would an Employer Fight a Valid Claim?
Missouri employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Still, some employers attempt to dispute claims to:
- Avoid insurance premium increases
- Deny the extent of your injury
- Claim the injury didn’t happen at work
- Accuse you of misconduct or drug use
- Retaliate against you for reporting the injury
In some cases, employers fail to report the injury to their insurance carrier at all—delaying or denying your access to treatment and wage replacement.
Missouri law is clear: If you were injured while performing your job duties, you likely qualify for benefits—even if your employer disagrees.
Your Rights Under Missouri Workers’ Compensation Law
Here’s what you need to know if your employer is fighting your claim:
✅ You Have the Right to File a Claim
Even if your employer disputes the injury or refuses to report it, you can file a claim directly with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. You do not need your employer’s permission to pursue benefits.
✅ You Have the Right to Medical Treatment
Under Missouri law, your employer (through their insurer) is required to cover authorized medical care related to your work injury. If they’re delaying approval or denying care, it may be time to involve an attorney.
✅ You Have the Right to Wage Replacement
If your injury prevents you from working for more than three days, you may be eligible for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments—equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
✅ You Have the Right to Legal Representation
If your employer or their insurer is denying your claim, you have the right to speak with an attorney—and you should. At our firm, we provide free consultations and handle workers’ comp claims on a contingency basis, meaning there’s no fee unless we recover for you.
Warning Signs of Retaliation
In addition to disputing your claim, some employers retaliate against injured workers by:
- Reducing hours or demoting you
- Harassing or isolating you at work
- Firing or threatening to fire you
Retaliation is illegal. If you’re experiencing any of these behaviors after reporting an injury, contact our office immediately.
How the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann Can Help
At our firm, we don’t let employers or insurance companies intimidate injured workers. We’ll help you:
- File your claim and protect your legal rights
- Fight claim denials or delays
- Pursue full medical and wage replacement benefits
- Navigate the workers’ compensation process with confidence
With over 30 years of experience and more than $100 million in benefits recovered, we know what it takes to win these disputes—and we treat every case like it’s our only one.