Representation for Injured Workers In Missouri and Illinois
If you were injured while on the job or exposed to an occupational disease, you likely are covered for workers’ compensation benefits under Missouri law. The law requires that employers with five or more employees have workers’ compensation insurance coverage. This coverage provides financial benefits to help you at a time when you are under stress from your injury or disease and unable to work. It allows you to collect these benefits without having to prove negligence on the part of your employer.
Filing for workers’ compensation can be a complicated process. To avoid any pitfalls, delays, or denials, consult with a workers’ compensation attorney at The Law Offices of Justin L. Mason, LLC. We can advise and guide you in filing your claim, oversee the process, and handle any problems that may arise to help smooth the way. Our firm is dedicated to providing effective representation for the injured throughout the greater St. Louis area and Illinois.
Our firm can help you with car accidents involving:
Workers’ Compensation Cases in Missouri
In Missouri, employers with at least five employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. When it comes to the construction industry, employers with only one employee need to carry such insurance.
The only time employers do not need to carry workers’ compensation insurance is if the business owners are either sole proprietors, partners in a partnership, or companies with only two owners where the owners are the corporation’s only employees. Furthermore, recognized religious institutions may also be exempt from carrying workers’ comp insurance.
If you suffer an injury or get sick while performing your job duties, you must provide a written notice to your employer or supervisor as soon as possible. Failure to provide such notice within 30 days may result in losing your right to compensation.
Common Types of Injuries That May Be Eligible for Workers’ Compensation
Common types of work-related injuries include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Arm and shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Broken bones
- Pulled, sprained, or strained muscles
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Electrocution
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Burns
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Respiratory issues
Remember, employers have the right to choose a doctor for you, but it will be at your own expense (which is later reimbursed). Once they receive the notice of your injury or illness, they must set up the required medical treatment and file a report to the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
The Law Offices of Justin L. Mason, LLC handles all types of issues and concerns related to workers’ compensation including:
- Appeals
- Benefits
- Denials
Seeking workers’ compensation is an administrative process mandated under Missouri law. It can be difficult to obtain full benefits due to an employer’s insurer working to minimize your claim. Insurance companies are generally not interested in your best interests—they only want to preserve their profitability, which is why it is important to learn your legal rights and work with an attorney who will fight for you.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Under workers’ compensation, benefits include reimbursement for:
- All the medical bills related to your injury or illness – If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, your employer and its insurer must pay for all your medical expenses related to the work injury or occupational illness (e.g., hospitalization, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, medical devices, physical therapy, etc.)
- A portion of your lost wages – If you cannot return to work because of your work injury or illness for some time, you may be eligible to receive temporary total disability benefits, which are two-thirds of your gross average weekly wage. On the other hand, if you return to work on a light-duty basis or for fewer hours, you may be eligible for temporary partial disability benefits. You will receive these benefits until you can earn your normal income.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement – If a doctor determines you have attained maximum medical improvement (MMI), even if you have not fully recovered from the injury or illness, the doctor will then assess if you suffered any permanent disability. If you are permanently disabled and unable to work in any capacity, you may still receive temporary total disability benefits. Permanent partial disability is determined based on the injured body part, the seriousness of the injury, and your average weekly wage.
In order to prevail in any workers’ compensation claim, you must comply with certain deadlines, and the injury or illness must have occurred due to performing work duties, not in some other capacity, during meals, or at a time when you were not working.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Workers’ Comp Attorney
Whether you are interested in filing a claim or appealing a denial, look no further than The Law Offices of Justin L. Mason, LLC to protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process. Do not hesitate to let our St. Louis and Illinois workers’ compensation lawyer help you obtain the benefits you deserve!
To learn more about how we can help with your workers’ compensation claim, contact us at 314-200-0723.
