ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWYERS

You weren’t supposed to get hurt at work. It’s a situation no one prepares for, and our St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyers understand just how overwhelming it can be.

Workplace injuries affect every industry in St. Louis. Construction workers on downtown high-rises face serious fall risks, while warehouse employees in South County often suffer injuries from slips or heavy lifting. St. Louis automobile industry employees and manufacturing workers near the riverfront deal with dangerous machinery daily.

What makes it worse is how difficult it can be to get the workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to. That’s why having a lawyer matters. Our workers’ compensation lawyers have helped countless St. Louis workers secure the benefits they need to heal and move forward.

What Our Clients Say

“Cofman Townsley and their staff are like family. They met every need, answered every question, called us after hours, etc. They went above and beyond and made sure that we got our settlement to the fullest amount.” Jill C.

“Cofman Townsley was persistent, professional, and did an excellent job at keeping me informed all the time.”

Ashanti M.

“The Cofman Townsley team was awesome through the entire process.”

Darlana J.

“Cofman Townsley was great at helping me. They were always on time and answered any questions I had. They were very nice and patient with everything.”

ReJeane T.

“The attorneys were very responsive to my needs. Every time I called, someone got right back to me right away. I always knew what was going on because I was kept very informed about my case. I would recommend Cofman Townsley to anyone. I feel that Cofman Townsley did a wonderful job with my case. Everything was done in a professional manner. Everyone is really nice. ”

LaDawn H.

“Cofman Townsley are like family to me. They explain things thoroughly, make sure that I understand, and that I am taken care of. David Nissenholtz and Paula were super to me, and helped me through a long and difficult process where I had years of medical treatment and much stress. They care about people and take time to listen. I would refer my friends and family members to them because I trust they will take good care of them.”

William V.

“Cofman Townsley treats you like family and like you are the only client. They answered all of my questions and took time to make sure I understood. I wouldn’t change to another attorney. They have done a good job for me and I trust them, which is very important. The whole office of people is friendly. They make me feel like I am number one, and they will do the same for you.”

Darlene W.

“Cofman Townsley diligently represented me in my personal injury work comp claim and got me a fair settlement in a timely manner.”

Jeff R.

“It was a great experience. Cofman Townsley handled all the leg work for me. I appreciate all the help.”

Chris S.

“I was very pleased with the way in which my case was handled. I was treated with great respect and care. I have never had to have legal services in my life, so for a first time event this has been very easy. I would like to say that the work ethic and determination of this company was the greatest thing that I will be left with. I thank you all very much!”

Johnny M.

“David did an amazing job with my case and communicating with me. His professionalism and concern with my progress meant a lot to me. I really appreciate everything he and his staff did for me. Thank you all.”

Carey G.

“Cofman Townsley are a great team of lawyers who go out of their way to do the BEST for their clients. They stay on you and get you the largest settlement they can.”

Peggy T.

“I really appreciate what they have done for me. I was treated excellently and if something ever happens again, they would be the first people I would call.”

Amber A.

“They have great attention to detail and [provide] a wonderful level of comfort during tough times.”

Matt C.

“Thank you. You guys were very fast, considerate, and friendly. I really appreciate it.”

Michael S.

3 Frequently Asked Workers’ Compensation Questions

When you have questions about workers’ compensation, our attorneys are here to help.

Who is required to carry workers’ compensation coverage?

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. Additionally, all construction companies must carry workers’ compensation insurance, regardless of the number of employees.

What benefits can I receive through workers’ compensation?

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 may also be eligible for additional payments if your injury causes a permanent impairment or disability.

Can my employer fire me for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

It’s illegal for employers in Missouri to retaliate against workers for filing workers’ compensation claims.

If you feel that your employer treated you unfairly after you filed a claim, a St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyer can protect your rights.

How Workplace Injuries Happen in St. Louis

Workplace injuries strike without warning.

All it takes is one careless moment or a faulty piece of equipment. And suddenly, you’re facing months of recovery, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future.

Here’s how most workplace injuries occur:

Slip-and-Fall Injuries

Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered walkways cause more workplace injuries in St. Louis than most people realize. You might slip on a freshly mopped floor during a busy shift. Or you could trip over a stray piece of equipment left in a walkway. While these may sound like minor incidents, the consequences can be anything but.

Falls from Height

Construction workers, warehouse staff, and maintenance crews regularly face the risk of falling from elevated workspaces. The high-rise construction projects transforming the St. Louis skyline create daily risks for workers. One momentary loss of balance can result in devastating injuries or death. Even a fall from just a few feet can result in life-altering injuries, including traumatic brain damage or multiple fractures.

Defective Equipment and Machinery Accidents

When equipment malfunctions, it’s the workers who suffer the consequences. Manufacturing plants along the Mississippi River operate complex machinery that can crush, cut, or trap workers in seconds. Additionally, poorly maintained equipment at food processing facilities can cause severe burns, cuts, and amputations.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Some workplace injuries develop quietly over time. Many St. Louis workers, from assembly line employees at automotive plants to office workers, face serious health issues simply because they perform the same motion over and over again. Simple tasks like typing, lifting, or even holding objects become difficult. Though employers may dismiss these injuries as normal, they frequently require extensive medical treatment.

Occupational Diseases

Long-term exposure to harmful substances can lead to serious illnesses that may not appear for years, or even decades. Workers at chemical plants along the Missouri River face exposure to toxic substances that can cause cancer, lung disease, or other life-threatening conditions. For instance, asbestos in older buildings continues to threaten maintenance workers, plumbers, and construction crews. The problem with these illnesses is that they often go undiagnosed until it’s too late, and the connection between workplace exposure and disease can be difficult to prove.

Motor Vehicle Accidents While Working

St. Louis workers who drive for their jobs face constant danger on busy highways. Delivery drivers, service technicians, and other employees who have to take to the road all risk car accidents. The congested interchanges around I-44, I-55, I-64, I-70 and I-270 see frequent crashes, as well as certain dangerous St. Louis roads. Yet when a crash happens, recovering compensation isn’t straightforward. Workers often find themselves stuck between workers’ compensation and auto insurance systems, unsure which one applies or who’s responsible.

What to Do When You’re Hurt at Work

The moments after a workplace injury can feel overwhelming and confusing. Your mind races due to the shock of what just happened and the fear of what comes next.But the steps you take immediately after the injury are critical. They can determine whether you receive the benefits you could be entitled to—or face delays and denials.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from the beginning:

Report Your Injury Immediately

Under Missouri law, you technically have up to 30 days to report a workplace injury. But don’t let that timeline give you a false sense of security. The sooner you report the injury, the stronger your claim becomes. Waiting even a few days may lead to your story being questioned, or your employer arguing the injury happened elsewhere or is not as serious as you say.

Ask your employer to fill out an incident report immediately, and make sure you get a copy. If they refuse or say they’ll do it later, send them an email or text describing your injury and asking them to confirm they received your report. This simple step creates a written record that protects your right to benefits.

Get Medical Treatment, But Understand the System

If your injury is serious, get emergency medical care immediately, whether it’s at Barnes-Jewish, Mercy, or any other hospital that can treat your condition properly. However, in general, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance will get to choose which doctors you can see for treatment.

Be honest with your doctors about your pain levels and limitations. If something hurts, say so. If you can’t perform certain movements, demonstrate that clearly. Document these appointments and request copies of all your medical records.

Document Everything Like Your Financial Future Depends on It

From the moment you get hurt, start building your case. If it’s safe to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Capture anything that contributed to the injury, whether it’s a wet floor at a Hazelwood plant or lack of lighting around a downtown office.

Keep detailed records of every medical appointment, every test, and every treatment. Save every receipt, every prescription, and every medical report. Track how your injury affects your daily life. Write down what activities you can’t do anymore, what causes you pain, and how your injury impacts your family life.

Understand What Benefits You’re Fighting For

St. Louis workers’ compensation benefits are designed to cover a range of losses tied to your injury, including medical expenses, two-thirds of your average weekly wage if you miss more than three days of work, and disability benefits.

However, these benefits can be difficult to collect.

We’ve seen too many hardworking people lose out simply because they didn’t know the rules. They missed key deadlines or couldn’t collect enough medical evidence.

That’s where we come in.

What Our St. Louis Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Do for You

The Missouri workers’ compensation system is more complicated than most people expect. It involves countless forms and strict deadlines—any of which can derail a claim, even for the most organized person. We can navigate the process on your behalf, including:

Handling Complex Paperwork: We know which forms need to be filed with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation and when. Each form comes with its own technical requirements, and a single oversight could delay or derail your claim.
Meeting Critical Deadlines: Missouri law sets unforgiving deadlines throughout the workers’ compensation process. We track every important date in your case and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Ensuring Proper Documentation: Claims are often denied over insufficient medical documentation. That’s why we work closely with your healthcare providers to make sure all records are complete and compliant.
Fighting Back if Your Claim Is Denied: When your claim gets denied, we can move to the next step—a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. If the judge’s decision doesn’t go in your favor, we can appeal to the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission.

After a Workplace Injury, Contact Cofman Townsley

When you get injured at work, you deserve an experienced and caring law firm on your side.

Cofman Townsley has more than 40 years of experience helping workers throughout Missouri and Southern Illinois, no matter how big or small their cases are. We treat our clients like people—not like case numbers.

Get in touch today, and see how we can help.

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