Workers’ Compensation, the form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment in exchange for mandatory relinquishment of the employee’s right to sue their employer for the tort of negligence. Workplace injuries happen in many ways and there is nothing more frustrating than being denied for a workers’ compensation claim when you know your injury is real and deserves to be paid for. Deputy and Mizell is here to explain different types of injuries that could happen on the job and what you can do if you find yourself filing for workers compensation in Missouri.
Different Examples of Workplace Injuries
Our attorneys have represented employees in many types of workplace injury claims, including the following:
• Work-related auto accidents
• Workplace slip-and-fall accidents
• Workplace explosions and fires
• Chemical exposure
• Carpal tunnel and other repetitive stress injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Permanent partial or total disability claims
• Fatal workplace injuries
What To do If You Find Yourself Filing for Workers Compensation in Missouri
Employers and their insurance companies can make the process for obtaining workers’ compensation benefits extremely difficult. Employers may attempt to argue that the injury was not work related, and the insurance company may deny a legitimate claim solely for the purpose of protecting its bottom line. Here are some actions you need to take and things you need to know if you are injured on the job.
Report your injury immediately.
You must report your injury immediately to your employer. Your injury must be reported within 30 days, failure to do so may jeopardize your ability to receive your workers compensation benefits. You need to notify your employer in writing, of your injury. Your written notice must contain the following:
• Date of injury
• Time of injury
• Where the injury took place
• The nature of the injury
• Name of person injured
• Address of person injured
Tip: Always keep a copy of your written notice and the date you mailed your notice to your employer. If you are hand delivering your notice, then keep a record the date and time of the delivery along with the full name and title of the person you handed it to.
Know Who is Covered Under the Missouri Worker’s Compensation Law
Every employer who has 5 or more employees must insure its workers compensation obligations with an insurance carrier who is authorized to write such insurance in the state of Missouri by the Department of Insurance.
According to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Missouri Worker’s Compensation Law does NOT apply to the following people:
• Employment of farm labor
• Domestic servants in a private home
• Occasional labor performed for a private household
• Qualified real estate agents and direct sellers as defined in Section 3508 of Title 26 United States Code
• Volunteers of a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) or 501(c) (19) of the Internal Revenue Code who are not paid wages, provide services purely on a charitable and voluntary basis.
• Certain inmates, patients or residents of the state, county or municipality
• Persons providing services as adjudicators, sports officials, or contest workers for interscholastic activities programs or similar amateur youth programs.
Employers that do not have the required number of employees or who have employees in the exempt categories may nevertheless “elect” to come under the law by purchasing and accepting a valid workers’ compensation insurance policy or endorsement.
Consult with An Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Camdenton and Lebanon, MO, If You Find Yourself Injured on The Job
You have been injured on the job, you are probably scared and wondering how you are going to pay for your medical care if your employer doesn’t. That’s where we come in. Deputy and Mizell has extensive experience in assisting those who have been injured on the job and denied workers’ compensation. Seek the help that you deserve and call us today.
Contact Deputy & Mizell, LLC to schedule your private (FREE) consultation today.
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