Joplin Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in Missouri

While no one should have to fear being injured on the job or falling ill due to working conditions, the reality is that work-related injuries and illnesses occur every day in the United States. In Missouri, the workers’ compensation system is in place to provide relief to employees who are involved in serious workplace accident or suffer various medical conditions as a result of their employment.

Filing a workers’ compensation claim after a work-related injury or illness can be difficult, particularly when you are already dealing with unexpected and necessary medical treatments on top of trying to manage your day-to-day activities and expenses. That’s where Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. comes in.

Our Joplin workers’ compensation lawyers understand the challenges you are facing. We know the law, and we know how to help you navigate the system to seek the fair benefits you are owed. Our large, diverse team is ready to answer your questions and provide the dedicated, compassionate, and personalized legal representation you deserve.

Continue reading to learn more about Missouri’s workers’ compensation laws or contact us directly for a free, no-obligation consultation: (888) 287-1046.

Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in Missouri?

In Missouri, all employers with at least five part-time or full-time employees must provide workers’ compensation for their employees. Employers in the construction industry are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have just one or more employees.

In other words, if you work for an employer with at least five employees, you are likely covered. If you are a construction worker, and you are classified as an employee by your employer, you are also likely covered. You may not be covered by workers’ compensation, however, if you work for an employer with four or fewer employees, or if you are classified as an “independent contractor.”

What Types of Accidents & Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that provides monetary benefits to employees who suffer all types of work-related injuries, illnesses, and medical conditions. If you can prove that your injury or illness occurred in the workplace, due to working conditions, or in any other way related to your employment, you can likely seek benefits through the workers’ compensation system.

Some common work-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses covered by workers’ compensation include:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Accidental amputation/loss of limb
• Burn injuries
• Broken bones/fractures
• Concussions
• Head and neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Shoulder and knee injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Loss of hearing/vision
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sprains and strains
• Overexertion/overuse
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Muscle/ligament tears
• Cancer
• Asbestosis and mesothelioma

This is not an exhaustive list; if you were injured or became ill due to any activities related to your employment, you likely have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim. This often includes injuries sustained at work-related functions, such as company-sponsored events. Reach out to our Joplin workers’ compensation lawyers today to set up a free, confidential consultation to discuss the details of your situation.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available?

The Missouri workers’ compensation system offers several different types of benefits to qualifying employees:

• Medical Benefits: Workers’ compensation pays for all medical expenses related to your workplace injury or illness, such as diagnostic testing, emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, medical equipment, and more.
• Temporary Total Disability: If you are not able to return to work while recovering from your work-related injury/illness, you could be eligible for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. TTD benefits are paid on a weekly basis and are based on a percentage of your average earnings. TTD benefits are also capped at a weekly maximum rate.
• Temporary Partial Disability: If your doctor clears you to return to “light duty” or partial work while you recover from your work-related injury or illness, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability (TPD) benefits. These benefits are calculated based on a percentage of your average earnings prior to the injury and those you can earn while recovering.
• Permanent Partial Disability: If your work-related injury affects your ability to return to the type of employment you previously held or forces you to only perform light-duty activities, you could be entitled to permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. You can receive PPD payments if you are partially disabled but can still work in any capacity.
• Permanent Total Disability: If your work-related injury or illness prevents you from working at any job in any field, you may be able to receive permanent total disability (PTD) benefits. PTD benefits are paid on a weekly basis for the remainder of your life, but you can also negotiate a lump-sum settlement.
• Death Benefits: If an employee dies due to an injury or illness covered by workers’ compensation, his or her surviving dependents and loved ones (such as a spouse or child) may recover death benefits through the workers’ compensation system. This includes weekly payments, as well as up to $5,000 in funeral/burial expenses.

What to Do If You Are Injured on the Job

If you are involved in an on-the-job accident or suffer a work-related injury or illness, there are several steps you should take right away to protect your safety, well-being, and rights.

If you are injured at work or are diagnosed with a work-related injury or illness, do the following:

• First, make sure you receive appropriate medical care. If necessary, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital, urgent care center, or doctor’s office.
• Next, make sure you report your injury or illness to your employer (i.e., a manager, supervisor, etc.) within 30 days. You could lose your right to benefits if you wait too long.
• File a workers’ compensation claim (your employer or an attorney can assist you with this) within two years of the date of your injury or diagnosis.
• Contact an attorney if you need help with any aspect of your claim, from the initial filing process to issues with your employer to disputes or a denied claim.

By putting an experienced workers’ compensation attorney by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that someone is there to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests. When you work with our skilled Joplin workers’ compensation lawyers, we will be there for you every step of the way.

Fighting for the Injured Since 1991

At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., we have dedicated our practice to representing the rights of the injured throughout Missouri. We are proud to stand up for injured workers and help them seek the fair benefits they are owed. We strive to serve as a voice for the voiceless, defending their rights and navigating the complex systems that so often try to take advantage of ordinary individuals.

If you were injured on the job or if someone you love suffered a work-related illness or death, our workers’ compensation attorneys in Joplin can help. There are no costs for you unless/until we secure payments on your behalf.

Give us a call today at (888) 287-1046 to learn how our attorneys can help you get back on your feet.