Missouri is home to thousands of working men and women who pride themselves on the work they do. Unfortunately, every year many of these workers are injured on the job. If you are injured on the job, workers’ compensation laws can help you with the financial difficulties you may face as a result of your injury.
Following are the steps of the workers’ compensation process:
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Report your injury to your employer
You must immediately report your injury to your employer. Failure to report your injury may put your right to workers’ compensation at risk. It is important that you report the injury to your boss, supervisor, or other person identified at your workplace. Reporting your injury to a co-worker will not protect you.
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Get medical attention
Your employer is required by law to provide you with the medical care and treatment you need for your injury. Either your employer or your employer’s workers’ compensation attorney must pay all of your necessary medical bills, including emergency treatment, prescriptions, and medical devices. You do not have to pay any deductibles or portion of the medical bills.
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Other benefits
In addition to medical coverage, you may be entitled to other benefits, including temporary disability payments, partial permanent disability payments, and total permanent disability benefits. These other benefits can make the difference between being able to pay your bills after an injury or living through a financial nightmare.
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File a Workers’ Compensation claim
Your attorney may be able to settle your case with your employer during a Voluntary Settlement Conference. This conference is set up so that the parties can attempt to negotiate a settlement. However, if this process fails, it is important to pursue your rights in court. You will be required to make a claim for benefits and appear before an administrative law judge. There may be an opportunity to mediate your claim to an impartial mediator who will attempt to assess the benefits to which you are entitled. It is best to be represented by attorneys who are familiar with voluntary settlements, mediation, and workers’ compensation trials.
For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Labor: Division of Workers’ Compensation website.
If you have been injured at your workplace, please do not hesitate to contact the Northland Injury Law firm for a free consultation at 816-400-4878. An attorney experienced in the field of workers’ compensation law will be ready to advise you of your options and counsel you through this difficult time.
