ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWYERS

Even if you follow safety protocols at your job, there’s still a chance you can get hurt. Workplace injuries can cause pain and leave you unable to do your job for long periods. And when you’re not working, you’re not getting the paycheck you depend on to provide for your family.

Workers’ compensation benefits can help you get the money you and your family need during this time, but your employer and their insurance company may try to deny you benefits.

At Cofman Townsley, we are your advocates for getting the benefits you deserve. We’ll stand up to the insurance company and work harder than they do to help you win your case. Fill out a contact form to get started with a free consultation.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BASICS

Missouri law requires all employers with five or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The insurance must cover both full and part-time employees. In addition, all construction companies must carry workers’ compensation insurance, regardless of the number of employees.
Workers’ compensation benefits can help pay for your medical bills and up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage if your injury causes you to miss more than three days of work. You also may be eligible for additional payments if your injury causes a permanent impairment or disability.
It’s important to note that it’s illegal for employers in Missouri to retaliate against workers for filing workers’ compensation claims. That means if you suffer an on-the-job injury, you don’t have to feel worried or hesitant to file a claim or report the injury to your employer, as the law protects you throughout the process.

However, it’s important to tell your employer about your injury within 30 days. If you wait longer than that, you may be ineligible to file a claim.

If you feel that your employer treated you unfairly after you filed a claim, or if they’re being uncooperative after you reported your injury, a workers’ compensation lawyer can protect your rights.

COMMON CAUSES OF WORKPLACE INJURIES

Workplace injuries can happen in any industry, from construction sites to office buildings. Understanding the most common causes of these injuries can help you determine whether you’re eligible for workers’ compensation.

Here are some of the most frequent causes of workplace injuries:

• Construction or Industrial Accidents: These types of jobs come with high risk. Falls from heights, heavy machinery malfunctions, electrocution, and being struck by objects are just a few of the hazards workers face daily on construction sites or in industrial environments.
• Slip-and-Fall Injuries: Slippery floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, and poor lighting can all lead to dangerous slip-and-fall accidents. These incidents can cause serious injuries like broken bones, back injuries, and head trauma.
• Repetitive Stress and Manual Labor Injuries: Tasks that require repeated motion—such as typing, lifting, or working on an assembly line—can lead to repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back pain. These injuries often develop over time and can significantly impact your ability to work.
• Toxic Exposure and Occupational Diseases: Exposure to hazardous chemicals, fumes, or dust can cause long-term health problems, including respiratory issues, skin conditions, or even cancer. Workers in factories, laboratories, and certain healthcare roles are especially vulnerable.
• Defective Equipment: When machinery or tools malfunction due to poor design, lack of maintenance, or manufacturer errors, workers can suffer serious injuries. These incidents often involve crushing injuries, amputations, or electric shocks.

If you’ve been injured on the job due to any of these causes, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Our legal team is here to help you understand your options and protect your rights.

WHY YOUR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIM MAY BE DENIED

Unfortunately, many valid workers’ compensation claims are denied due to minor errors. Understanding why these denials happen can help you avoid common pitfalls and improve your chances of approval.

Here are some of the most common reasons workers’ compensation claims are denied:

• Paperwork Errors: Even small mistakes on your claim forms, such as incorrect dates, missing details, or incomplete fields, can delay or derail your claim entirely.
• Missed Deadlines: Missouri law has strict time limits for reporting a workplace injury (30 days) and filing a workers’ compensation claim (two years after the date of the injury). If you miss any of these deadlines, your claim could be rejected automatically.
• Insufficient Medical Evidence: If your injury isn’t thoroughly documented by a healthcare provider, or if your medical records don’t clearly connect your injury to your job, the insurance company may deny your claim.
• Disputes Over Whether the Injury Is Work-Related: Employers or insurers may argue that your injury occurred outside of work, during your commute, or due to a pre-existing condition rather than a work-related task. These disputes often lead to claim denials without additional evidence or legal help.

A denied claim doesn’t mean the end of the road. Our team can help you gather the right documentation, meet crucial deadlines, and make a strong case for the compensation you’re owed.

OUR ST. LOUIS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWYERS CAN HELP

Navigating the workers’ compensation application process and system can be confusing. There are many requirements to fulfill and deadlines to meet, and it’s easy for important details to get lost in the shuffle, putting your application and benefits in jeopardy.

Having an experienced legal team on your side can make the process smoother and give you peace of mind. With Cofman Townsley on your side, you’ll get St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyers who will:

• Help you navigate complex paperwork to ensure no details are missed
• Gather evidence of your injury, including the accident report, witness testimony, and medical documentation
• Fight for you every step of the way, including the appeals process if necessary

HURT AT WORK? CONTACT COFMAN TOWNSLEY

When you get injured at work, you deserve an experienced and caring law firm on your side. Cofman Townsley has been helping injured people throughout Missouri and Southern Illinois since 1973, no matter how big or small their cases are.

We treat our clients like people, not like case numbers. Get in touch with us today and speak to our team about your legal options.