Understanding The Basics Of Workers Compensation Claims In St Louis

According to the National Safety Council, about 4.26 million people had a work-related injury that needed medical attention in 2021. The brutal reality is that some employers knowingly and unknowingly put their employees’ lives at risk by subjecting them to unsafe working environments. 

 

Sadly, when this happens, workers suffer in more ways than one. For example, many workers can be left with life-altering conditions that can affect their careers alongside lost wages and the need for ongoing medical treatment leading to poor quality of life. 

 

Ultimately, getting injured at work can have physical, emotional, and financial consequences, which is why workers need to understand the basics of workers’ compensation claims in St Louis. Should you have sustained an injury at work recently, you will benefit by reading this blog and speaking with an attorney at Bruntrager & Billings, P.C. 

 

Our worker’s compensation lawyers have the skills and knowledge required to help you with a claim. 

What Exactly Is Workers Compensation? – Benefits Explained

 

What is workers’ compensation? To put it simply, workers’ compensation is an insurance program run by the state that pays benefits to employees who have incurred a work-related illness or injury. According to the Missouri worker’s compensation program, workers are guaranteed these four benefits if eligible: 

 

• Temporary Total Disability Benefits: This typically amounts to two-thirds of an employee’s average weekly wages while off work. 
• Paid Medical Care: Workers comp will pay for the medical needs of an injured or ill worker if it is a work-related injury. 
• Permanent Disability Benefits: A worker will receive a lump sum settlement for any permanent disability caused by injuries sustained in their place of work. 
• Temporary Partial Disability Benefits: An employee will receive two-thirds of the difference between wages before the injury occurred and wages while on light duty. 

 

However, to receive these benefits, you must notify your employer within 30 days of the injury or illness occurring. If they are not notified within 30 days, you could be barred from seeking and recovering workers’ compensation benefits. 

Who Is Eligible To File A Workers Compensation Claim In St Louis? 

 

Although workers’ compensation in St Louis is a no-fault system, it doesn’t mean that every individual is eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Yet, those that are eligible are covered for any illness or injury they sustain on the job regardless of if they, their employer, or o worker is to blame for their illness or injury. 

 

There are rules to this, too; for example, if roughhousing at work causes an injury, an employee cannot claim workers’ compensation. Additionally, if an employee was hurt on a lunch break, they might not be able to file a claim. 

 

Essentially, to qualify for workers’ compensation in Missouri, you must meet the following requirements: 

 

• Your injury or illness has to be related to your job and/or its duties. 
• You need to be an employer or employee that is self-insured or carries workers comp insurance.
• You must meet the state’s specified deadline (usually two years) for reporting your work-related illness or injury. 

Can You Be Fired By An Employer For Filing A Workers Compensation Claim In St Louis? 

 

In St Louis, you cannot be fired from your job for filing a worker’s compensation claim after a work-related illness or injury. According to Missouri law, an employer is strictly prohibited from harassing or firing a worker who has exercised his or her rights to a worker’s compensation claim. 

 

Unfortunately, many employers don’t follow the law and harass or fire their employees after they file a worker’s compensation claim. Since this is against the law, you can seek the services of a skilled workers’ compensation attorney who can help you preserve your rights by bringing an employer to justice and helping you with your benefits claim. 

Contact A St Louis Workers’ Compensation lawyer Today To Discuss Your Claim

 

After sustaining an injury or illness at work, it can feel as if you’re alone and without many options, but this isn’t the case. With the help of a St Louis workers’ compensation attorney, you can file a claim and easily navigate the many challenges and burdens you might face during recovery. 

 

At Bruntrager & Billings, P.C., our workers’ comp attorneys understand these claims’ many laws and regulations, so we can help you. We’re committed to protecting the rights of people injured at work, so get in touch with us here, and we’ll arrange an obligation-free consultation.