Trying to fight the insurance company alone may cause you to lose the benefits you are entitled to.
If you were injured on the job in St. Louis, the first thing you should do is contact a St. Louis workers compensation lawyer. Insurance companies are not on your side and will do whatever it takes to pay you less. But, before you make that call, it is important to know that you may be eligible for benefit payments in addition to medical expenses. You may be eligible for these payments even if you were only unable to work for a few days. Here is a list of the payments you may receive.
What are Benefit Payments?
If you cannot return to your job or are forced to take a lower paying job, you could receive payments for lost wages. These benefits may continue until your doctor determines you can work again. There are four type of benefit payments you could receive:
- Permanent Partial Disability – If you were permanently injured on the job, but are still able to work, you may be eligible for this benefit. Permanent partial disability is tricky, and it’s highly recommended that you contact a St. Louis workers compensation attorney. While you are recovering, you may receive two thirds of your previous pay. After that, you may be eligible for a lump sum payment for your loss. The state publishes a list of payment amounts for permanent partial disabilities that changes from time to time.
- Permanent Total Disability – This benefit payment is reserved for the most serious of workplace injuries. As the name explains, if you are permanently disabled and cannot work at all, you may be eligible for two thirds of your previous pay. If the injury is truly permanent, you may receive these payments for life.
- Temporary Total Disability – This is the simplest type of payment. This benefit is paid to those were injured on the job and are completely unable to return to work. The payments may be paid while you are recovering from your injury or surgery. You will receive two third of your weekly pay until you can return. However, there may be a maximum to the amount you can receive.
- Temporary Partial Disability – Temporary partial disability payments are paid when you are forced to take a different job due to your injury. This is sometimes called “light duty.” Under these payments, you may be eligible to receive two thirds of the difference in pay between your old job and new, lower paying job.
Remember that all of these payments are tax free and the weekly limits are capped by statute, but change from year to year. If you were injured on the job, you have rights that need protecting. It’s impossible to put a number on your pain and suffering, but you are entitled to help paying your bills. Trying to fight the insurance company alone may cause you to lose the benefits you are entitled to. Before you make a move, call a St. Louis injury lawyer who will fight alongside you.
Law Office of James M. Hoffmann
Our Missouri Workers’ Compensation Attorneys can provide you with the necessary information to make the right choices so that you can receive the best medical care, benefits and income. Missouri Workers’ Comp enables an injured worker to receive medical benefits as well as income benefits. You should be receiving treatment for ALL of your injuries, not just the ones the insurance company wants to accept. Do not let the carrier deny you benefits.
Call (314) 361-4300.
Free Missouri Workers’ Compensation Consultation!