It’s important to understand how workers’ compensation works in the state of Missouri. Many injured employees are worried about what will happen to their jobs and income while they’re healing. They often ask, “Are part-time employees covered under workers’ comp in Missouri?” With some minor exceptions, Missouri workers’ compensation law provides coverage for all workers injured on the job while working within Missouri.
The Workers’ Compensation Division of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations administers Missouri workers’ compensation law. The most important thing you can do is talk to a Missouri Workers’ Compensation attorney call Northland Injury Law at 816-400-4878.
In 2025, there were 88,575 workplace injury incidents throughout Missouri. The largest job industries in 2023 in Missouri were elementary and secondary schools, with 178,010 workers, construction, with 174,170 workers, and restaurant and food services, with 165,080 workers. Certain careers have a higher risk of injury, but all employees can get hurt while in the workplace.
Knowing your rights after being injured is key to staying legally compliant throughout the workers’ compensation process.
As a general rule, firms with five or more employees must be covered, although contractors with even one employee must also buy coverage. It is important to note that Missouri law does not distinguish between employees of different employment statuses. The statutory definition of “employee” includes both full- and part-time employees, seasonal and even temporary employees.
The Workers’ Compensation Act does exempt a very small, specific group of employees, which includes farm laborers, domestic servants, certain real estate agents and direct sellers and commercial motor-carrier owner-operators.
Sole proprietors and partners are not themselves covered unless they elect to be covered. On the other hand, close family member-employees and members of limited liability companies are presumed to be covered unless they opt out.
Employers that don’t have the required number of employees or who have employees in the exempt categories may nevertheless “elect” to come under the law. Exempt employers that decide not to buy workers’ comp insurance or to self-insure remain exposed to civil cases brought by employees who are injured during work.
In Missouri, workers’ compensation isn’t determined by your job title. Instead, workers’ compensation coverage depends on the actual working relationship. When deciding whether to classify you as an employee or an independent contractor, courts in Missouri will look at:
Even if you’re labeled as an independent contractor, you may still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits based on the answers to the above factors.
A: In Missouri, injured employees have 30 days from the date of the workplace incident to start the process of workers’ compensation. This begins with informing your employer of the injury, both verbally and in writing. If the incident involves an occupational disease or repetitive trauma injury, such as tendonitis, you must inform your employer in writing within 30 days of being diagnosed. If you don’t inform within the proper deadline, you may not be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
A: Missouri employees can receive multiple workers’ compensation benefits. This includes medical treatment, such as doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, chiropractic care, ambulance services, medications and medical supplies, travel costs, and nursing care. You’ll also be paid partial wages, which are two-thirds of your average weekly wage, regardless of whether you’re able to work in a diminished capacity while healing. You may also be eligible for permanent total disability payments, depending on your medical state at the end of your claim.
A: If your workers’ compensation claim is denied in Missouri, you have the right to file an appeal. Employers or their insurers deny claims if they believe the injury wasn’t associated with the workplace or if you failed to inform them within the 30-day deadline. Your case will be assigned to a judge, and before your hearing, you’ll attend mediation with the insurance company to work towards an agreement. If you can’t agree, the case will be decided by the judge.
A: In Missouri, you cannot be fired for filing for workers’ compensation. This includes filing a claim, reporting a work injury, seeking the benefits you deserve, or participating in a workers’ compensation case. If you are fired, the act is considered retaliation and is illegal. You’ll want to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you understand your legal rights and options under Missouri law. They’ll be able to help you navigate a legal case against your employer.
A Missouri attorney experienced in workers’ compensation can be an invaluable asset to your case, especially if you were seriously injured and cannot go back to work. You should strongly consider talking to a worker’s comp attorney if you need to appeal a denial of your claim and/or your injuries are severe or complex.
For a more comprehensive list of all the questions you might have about workers’ compensation, and for a free consultation, please call (816)-400-4878. If you have further questions about your case, do not hesitate to reach out to us by the phone number, through the contact form, or even with the live chat option listed on our site!
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