What Injuries and Illnesses in Missouri Are Covered by Missouri Workers’ Comp?

Understand how workers’ compensation works in the state of Missouri.

It’s important to understand how workers’ compensation works in the state of Missouri. Many injured workers wonder, “What injuries and illnesses in Missouri are covered by Missouri workers’ comp?” 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 Workers’ Compensation attorney call Northland Injury Law at 816-400-4878 to speak with a professional and hire a workers’ compensation lawyer.

Incidents Covered By Workers’ Compensation in Missouri

A workers’ compensation claim can be for an injury, occupational disease, or illness. Common forms of industrial (work-related) injuries are:

1. Falls, including slips, trips, falls from ladders and scaffolds, and same-level falls
2. Shoulder, elbow, and knee conditions
3. Struck-by or caught-in injuries. This includes being hit by falling objects, and pinch-point or crush injuries
4. Conveyor and forklift incidents
5. Overexertion from lifting injuries
6. Low back injuries, which may include acute strains or sprains and hernias
7. Equipment and tool injuries. This can lead to lacerations that require stitches, fractures, or even amputations
8. Work vehicle crashes during delivery, travel between job sites, or any other driving as part of your work
9. Burns and electrical injuries, such as chemical burns, arc flash, and fire-related burns
10. Head, brain, or spinal injuries. This can vary widely, from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries requiring lifelong care. It may include incidents that lead to a spinal cord injury or whiplash-type injuries
11. Occupational diseases, including toxin exposure and carpal tunnel syndrome
12. Neck strains and sprains

Cuts and scrapes are usually insufficient for a workers’ compensation claim unless you require treatment beyond simple first aid.

To have a work-related injury for purposes of Missouri workers’ compensation, the incident causing the injury must be “the prevailing factor” resulting in the medical condition and/or disability. Further, the injury must “arise out of and in the course of employment,” meaning it must have occurred while you were working, not during your commute or lunch hour.

Missouri treats occupational diseases similarly. The occupational environmental conditions or toxic exposure must be the “prevailing factor” that caused the disease or illness.

FAQs

Q: Can I Choose My Own Doctor After a Workplace Injury?

A: After a workplace injury, employees generally can’t choose their doctor. The employer and their insurer will be in charge of providing medical care, which includes selecting the doctor you see. However, if traveling to the doctor is outside of your normal travel scope, your workers’ compensation benefits will provide travel costs. If you want a second medical opinion or to change your doctor, you can request to do so. You can also seek immediate medical attention after the initial incident.

Q: What Do I Do After Being Injured at Work in Missouri?

A: After experiencing an injury at work, Missouri employees will need to inform their employer of the incident within 30 days, both verbally and in writing. This starts the workers’ compensation claim process. You’ll want to keep copies of all your medical records throughout your recovery process, and organize evidence just in case. This can include photos and videos of your injuries, the site of the incident, surveillance footage, and eyewitness testimony of what happened.

Q: What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Will I Get in Missouri?

A: Injured employees in Missouri are eligible to receive a variety of workers’ compensation benefits, depending on the severity of their injuries. The two main benefits include partial wages, which are two-thirds of your average weekly wage and are paid if you have to take time off work to recover or are able to work in diminished capacity while healing. You’ll also receive medical treatment. This covers doctor and hospital visits, chiropractic care, nursing care, medical and medical supplies, and surgeries.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Permanent Partial Disability and Permanent Total Disability in a Missouri Workers’ Comp Case?

A: In a Missouri workers’ compensation case, permanent partial disability and permanent total disability are two different classifications used to determine the medical status of an injured employee.

If you’re considered permanently partially disabled, you can still go back to work, potentially in an alternative work role. If you’re considered permanently totally disabled, you’re unable to return to work and are eligible to receive payments. These payments are based on the average amount of wages you made before the incident occurred.

Talk to an Attorney and Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Represent Your Legal Rights

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!