What You Need to Know About Filing A Missouri Workers’ Compensation Claim

Each year, thousands of Missouri workers are injured or killed as a result of on-the-job accidents. Luckily, most businesses in our state are required to carry insurance policies that cover employees’ medical expenses and lost wages related to work accidents. However, getting these claims approved isn’t always a simple process.

Injured employees are required to report accidents to their employers in a timely manner. If a dispute over compensation arises, the victim has two years to file a claim with the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Division of Workers’ Compensation. If the employer doesn’t report the incident, the victim has three years to file a Missouri workers’ compensation claim.
It’s also important that the accident and your medical treatment be properly documented through evidence. Your claim may be denied if you cannot prove the costs or severity of your injury.

Understanding Missouri Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Understanding what benefits are available under workers’ compensation is crucial for injured workers, who may need substantial financial support to get better and rebuild their lives after a debilitating workplace accident. Here are some of the key components of workers’ compensation benefits:

• Medical Benefits: Workers’ compensation typically covers all medical expenses related to the work injury or illness, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
• Wage Replacement: When a work-related injury prevents an employee from working, workers’ compensation provides partial wage replacement to help cover lost income.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: If a work injury results in permanent disability or a significant change in the employee’s capabilities, workers’ compensation may offer vocational rehabilitation to help the employee acquire new skills or find alternative work.
• Death Benefits: In the tragic event of a work-related death, workers’ compensation provides death benefits to the employee’s dependents to assist with funeral expenses and loss of household income.

The process of accessing these benefits can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re still trying to recover from a job injury. It’s always advisable to consult with a Missouri workers’ compensation attorney for personalized guidance on your specific situation and benefits eligibility.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Workplace Injury

Taking the proper steps after a workplace injury will maximize your chances of a successful workers’ compensation claim. These steps include reporting the injury, seeking medical attention, and documenting the incident.

Report the Injury

It’s essential that you report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. Prompt reporting is important for several reasons:

• Timely Processing: Reporting the injury immediately ensures that your employer can start the workers’ compensation process without delay, which can expedite your benefits.
• Legal Requirement: Missouri has a 30-day deadline for reporting workplace injuries to their employer, and failing to report within this timeframe could jeopardize your ability to receive compensation later via a workers’ compensation claim. Even though workers have 30 days, it’s advisable to report your injury as soon as possible.
• Accurate Documentation: Early reporting helps create a clear record of the incident, making it easier to prove the circumstances of the injury if your claim is disputed.

Seek Medical Attention

After reporting your injury, seeking medical attention should be your next priority. This step is vital for several reasons:

• Health and Safety: Ensuring that you receive appropriate medical care immediately can prevent complications and promote faster recovery.
• Medical Documentation: A medical evaluation provides critical documentation of your injuries, which is necessary for your workers’ compensation claim. Detailed medical records will establish the extent of your injuries and the necessary treatment.
• Continuous Care: Following up with medical care and adhering to your doctor’s recommendations is critical for your health and for supporting your workers’ compensation case.

Document the Incident

Thorough documentation of the workplace incident and your injuries can significantly strengthen your workers’ compensation claim. Here are some tips for effective documentation:

• Take Photographs: If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, any equipment involved, and your injuries. Visual evidence can be compelling in supporting your claim.
• Write a Detailed Account: As soon as you can, write a detailed account of the incident, including the date, time, location, and names of any witnesses. Be specific about how the injury occurred and the conditions that contributed to it.
• Keep Medical Records: Maintain copies of all medical reports, treatment plans, prescriptions, and bills. These documents will be essential for proving the severity of your injury and the costs associated with it.
• Record Communication: Keep a record of all communications with your employer, insurance companies, and healthcare providers regarding your injury. This includes emails, letters, and notes from phone calls.

Contact Cofman Townsley Today

If a dispute arises from your claim, the DOL suggests obtaining a lawyer. An experienced St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure your claim is filed promptly and properly, and even help you appeal if your claim for compensation is initially denied.

If you have questions about getting compensation after a work injury, our St. Louis personal injury lawyers are here to help. Contact us anytime to schedule a free consultation. 

Originally published June 2, 2015. Updated August 5, 2024.