Missouri Workers’ Compensation Rules

Workers in Missouri can face unexpected injuries at any given moment. A serious construction site fall, factory work-related repetitive stress injury, or an unexpected office accident can result in workers facing financial hardship from medical expenses, lost wages, and uncertain futures. Missouri workers’ compensation rules deliver medical benefits and financial support to injured employees.

Missouri Workers’ Compensation Laws

Missouri workers’ compensation laws exist to deliver medical and financial support to employees experiencing work-related injuries or illnesses. Chapter 287 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri contains the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Law, which establishes these legal provisions. The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) manages the application of these laws while making sure injured workers receive the benefits they deserve.

Missouri law requires employers who have five or more employees to obtain workers’ compensation insurance. Construction industry employers must comply with this rule if they employ one or more workers.

Employee Benefits

Missouri workers’ compensation provides different benefits for employees who experience workplace injuries or health problems. Some of these benefits include:

• Medical care. The system covers all essential medical treatments that address the injury or illness.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD). Employees who cannot work due to complete work restrictions during their recovery period can receive compensation for lost wages.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD). PPD benefits are available to employees who sustain permanent impairments yet retain the ability to work in limited roles.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD). Employees who cannot permanently work in any capacity can receive compensation for PTD.
• Death benefits. Dependents can receive financial assistance when workers die due to work-related injuries or illnesses.

Workplace Injuries in Missouri

Missouri’s private industry employers recorded about 52,000 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses during 2023, which concluded in a total recordable case incidence rate of 2.6 cases for every 100 full-time equivalent workers. The national average stands at 2.4, meaning this rate surpasses it slightly. In 2020, the state experienced 105 fatal work injuries.

Local Resources for Missouri Workers

Missouri residents who need help or details about workers’ compensation can access various resources. Some of these include the following:

• Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC): The DWC helps workers who have sustained job-related injuries obtain their legal benefits. The organization provides details about employer duties and explains how to resolve disputes.
• Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. This department collects and shares data regarding workplace injuries and unemployment rates, among other labor-related information, to help analyze the state’s labor conditions.
• Legal Aid of Western Missouri. The organization extends legal support to low-income individuals by offering advice on workers’ compensation claims as well as dispute management.

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Missouri

Workers often lose access to their benefits because they fail to follow proper documentation procedures. To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, employees need to inform their employer about a workplace injury.

The employer must submit a claim to the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). In cases where the employer neglects to report the injury or contests the claim, the worker should proceed with a direct DWC filing or obtain legal support.

Seeking medical treatment immediately and following all prescribed care is essential. Missouri law allows employers to select medical providers. Workers have the option to obtain a second opinion if they cover the costs themselves. Maintaining detailed records of medical appointments and treatment plans can strengthen a claim.

What to Do If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied

The denial of workers’ compensation claims often results from missed deadlines, insufficient medical documentation, or disagreements about the work-related nature of the injury. You can challenge the denial of your claim by appealing through the Missouri Labor and Industrial Relations Commission. During this process, you will need to attend hearings and undergo medical evaluations while also having legal representation.

Assemble all pertinent documents, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to bolster your appeal. Maintaining a comprehensive journal about your symptoms and treatments alongside your daily life impact can be helpful. Don’t assume your claim denial is the last word, since numerous denied claims get approved through further examination or legal support.

FAQs

How Does Missouri Workers’ Comp Work?

The workers’ compensation program in Missouri delivers benefits to employees who sustain injuries or illnesses during work. The law requires businesses that employ five or more workers to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage.

Workers who get injured receive medical care, compensation for lost wages, and disability payments as needed. The Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) handles claim processing while providing an appeal option for disputes when required.

Can an Employer Fire You While on Workers’ Comp in Missouri?

Missouri law prevents employers from terminating workers or taking retaliatory actions against them just because they filed workers’ compensation claims. Employers are allowed to end an employee’s contract for reasons not related to a workers’ compensation claim, like layoffs or business restructuring.

Should you believe your termination resulted from retaliation, you can pursue a wrongful termination case with the assistance of a Missouri workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights.

What Is the Workers’ Compensation Act in Missouri?

Chapter 287 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri describes the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Act, which sets out the rules for managing workplace injuries. Under this law, employers must offer workers’ compensation insurance while specifying the medical care and financial benefits injured employees can receive. The Act details the responsibilities of employers and the procedures for filing claims and resolving disputes.

What Is the Minimum Payroll for Workers’ Comp in Missouri?

Workers’ compensation coverage in Missouri lacks a minimum payroll requirement. Instead, coverage is based on the number of employees: Most businesses need at least five employees, while construction companies require at least one employee to qualify for workers’ compensation coverage.

Businesses that meet minimum employee criteria need workers’ comp insurance regardless of their payroll size. Companies that fail to provide workers’ compensation coverage can face substantial penalty fees.

Contact Northland Injury Law Today

If you have questions about your workers’ compensation, Northland Injury Law can help you understand your legal options. Contact us today to get started.