The Missouri Worker’s Compensation Law is the law that controls the rights and obligations of employees and employers when employees are injured on the job.

Any employer with five (5) or more employees, and all employers in the construction industry, are required to provide protection for their employees under the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Law.

What To Do If You Are Injured At Work?

FIRST, Report your Injury: If you have been injured at work, the first thing you should do is report your injury to your supervisor. Missouri Worker’s Compensation Law requires employees to provide prompt notice of any injury or accident to their employer.

SECOND, Seek Medical Treatment: The employer has the right to select the treating doctor in workers’ compensation cases. If you need to see a doctor for medical treatment as the result of an injury on the job, you should tell your employer you want to see a doctor. If your employer does not refer you to any particular physician, you should ask your employer which physician your employer want you to see. Because your employer has the option and right to select your treating physician, the employer may not have to pay for your medical bills if you choose to go to your own physician rather than your employers authorized treating physician.

Being Paid While Off of Work

If the treating physician certifies that you are unable to work, you should be entitled to temporary total disability benefits when you are off of work. The amount of these benefits is two-thirds (2/3) of your gross average weekly wage, with some exceptions and maximums. Your “average weekly wage” is calculated by averaging your gross wages earned over the thirteen (13) weeks prior to the accident.

What about a Settlement?

You may be entitled to a settlement or payment for your disability if you have permanent disability as a result of a covered work related accident or injury. The amount that you will receive for your injury depends on the extent of your disability and likely you will be required to be evaluated by doctors, or other experts, to make certain determinations about your injury. Each case is unique and the settlement will vary depending upon several factors and ultimately calculated using formulas contained in the workers’ compensation statutes.  You should consult an experienced attorney before accepting a settlement of your claim to ensure you are receiving fair compensation for your work related injury.

Do I need an Attorney?

Not every work related injury requires an attorney. However, an attorney can answer your questions and represent your interest in your workers’ compensation claim.

Being injured on the job can be a difficult process both personally and professionally.  Let Rouner Law Office help you through this difficult time by assisting you through the procedure and optimizing your recovery.

Your treatment, medical appointments, communications with medical providers and your rating examination(s) are all critical components of your workers compensation claim and proper council can assist you in these important matters.  So whether you have medical bills, are temporary disabled, temporary totally disabled or totally disabled from a work related accident, call Rouner Law Office to help you through the process.

Rouner Law Office can assist with all of your Workers Comp needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.