If you’ve been injured at work in Missouri and your employer is delaying or refusing to report your injury, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann.
The time frame for reporting a workplace injury to an employer’s insurance company can vary depending on the jurisdiction, the insurance policy’s specific terms, and the injury’s nature. Generally, employers must report any workplace injuries or illnesses as soon as possible.
Failure to report an injury promptly could result in employer penalties and complications in the worker’s compensation claim for the employee. It could also impact the insurance coverage itself.
Here are some general guidelines:
- Immediate Report: In many cases, the employer must report severe injuries immediately — often within 24 hours. These could include fatal injuries, hospitalizations, amputations, etc.
- Less Serious Injuries: The employer typically has more time for less severe injuries but should report the incident promptly. Often, employers have a few days to a week to report the injury.
- Record-keeping: Even if an injury seems minor, it’s often legally required for the employer to record it. This can be important if complications related to the injury arise later.
- Employee Notification: Employees usually have the responsibility to report the injury to their employer as soon as possible, generally within a day or two of the incident, to ensure the claim can be processed promptly.
- Insurance Policy Terms: The terms of the employer’s insurance policy may also outline specific reporting requirements, which could affect the validity of a claim or even result in the cancellation of coverage if the report is not made promptly.
- State or Regional Laws: It’s essential to consult state or regional laws that apply to your jurisdiction, as reporting requirements can differ.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Requirements: In the United States, OSHA mandates reporting time frames for certain types of injuries, often requiring reports within 8–24 hours for severe incidents.
At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, our attorneys will work with you, regardless of where you are in the process. Attorney James M. Hoffmann has spent the majority of his more than 25-year legal career dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers. Our Missouri Workers’ Compensation Attorneys can provide you with the necessary information to make the right choices to receive the best medical care, benefits, and income.