When Does Workers Comp Start Paying in Missouri? 2024

If you are facing a workplace injury and have questions like, “When does workers comp start paying in Missouri?”, it is essential that you receive accurate and prompt information to plan accordingly. The workers’ comp lawyers from Northland Injury Law understand that the workers’ compensation system can be very complex and may require guidance to navigate and use this benefit to its full potential.

Understanding the Workers’ Compensation Waiting Period in Missouri

The workers’ compensation waiting period in Missouri is a crucial aspect of the benefits system that determines when wage replacement payment begins. In Missouri, the waiting period for temporary disability benefits is three calendar days. During these three days, you will not be eligible for wage replacement benefits, even if you are unable to work, although you are entitled to medical treatment from the moment your claim is approved, even during the waiting period.

In the event that your disability lasts longer than 14 calendar days, you may become eligible for retroactive wage replacement for those first three days of the waiting period. It is important to keep in mind that the waiting period includes all calendar days, not just workdays, so if your injury happens on a Friday, the waiting period will include Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and the wage replacement can begin on Monday if you are unable to work.

When You Should Pursue Workers’ Compensation

There are several scenarios that trigger a need for workers’ compensation benefits that every employee should be aware of if they are facing a work-related injury or illness that prevents them from working, requires medical treatment, or causes long-term health issues. More details about workers’ compensation benefits include.

• After a Workplace Injury: If you experience an injury during the course of your work, whether minor or severe, it may be time to pursue workers’ compensation. Examples can include slips, trips, and falls in the workplace, injuries from equipment, or repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
• After a Work-Related Illness: If your work environment contributes to or leads to an illness, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. A work-related illness can include respiratory issues caused by toxic fumes or dust, occupational diseases like hearing loss, or stress-related injuries like heart conditions that were caused by job strain.
• If Medical Treatment Is Needed: If you need medical treatment for an injury or illness from work, workers’ compensation may be able to help cover the costs of medical bills. This can include doctor visits, hospital stays, and physical therapy.
• Missing Work Due to Injury: When you are not able to perform necessary job duties because of your injury, it may be possible to receive workers’ compensation. This can include both Temporary Total Disability (TTD) and Temporary Partial Disability (TPD).
• Development of Permanent Disability: In the event that your injury leads to a partial disability or total disability, workers’ compensation can give long-term benefits.
• After a Workplace Fatality: If a worker dies because of a workplace illness or accident, their dependents can pursue a workers’ compensation claim to recover death benefits like compensation for funeral expenses.

If you find yourself facing any of the above scenarios, it is vital that you report the injury to your employer or supervisor as soon as possible. The success of a workers’ compensation claim is often through the level of compelling evidence of your injury or disability and its connection with your work.

You may need legal support with your claim if you are unsure of the process, want support defending your rights, or receive a workers’ compensation rejection. While the workers’ compensation process can be navigated without legal support, it may be in your ideal interests to get the support of a legal advocate who understands the process and can help you make informed decisions that are in alignment with your end goals.

FAQs

When Do You Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

You can qualify for workers’ compensation when you meet specific criteria related to your employment and injury. Workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses related to their job duties, regardless of fault. Generally, you need to prove you are an employee, that your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, and that your injury or illness was work-related.

Does Workers’ Compensation Pay for Time Off in Missouri?

Yes, workers’ compensation in Missouri can pay for time off if you are unable to work due to a workplace injury or illness. This compensation is considered temporary disability benefits, which can help to replace lost wages during an employee’s recovery. The duration of these benefits can vary but generally will continue until you are medically cleared to continue working or when you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).

How Much Does Workers’ Comp Pay?

How much workers’ compensation pays depends on the specific type of benefit you are seeking and state laws, but it can typically provide partial wage replacement and coverage for medical expenses. A major consideration that impacts how much you may receive through workers’ compensation is your average weekly salary, which is typically reviewed to determine the partial wage replacement amount.

Are There Alternatives to Worker’s Compensation?

Yes, there are alternatives to workers’ compensation, but they can vary depending on the specific situation you are facing, your employment type, and state laws. Workers’ compensation is generally the primary path for handling workplace injuries, but it may be possible to pursue a personal injury legal claim, use a federal employee program to access care or rely on union or trade associations if available.

Get in Touch With a Trusted Worker’s Compensation Attorney in Missouri Today

As you are navigating the workers’ compensation process in Missouri, it is important that you partner with a lawyer who can help walk you through the process and ensure that you are accessing the full extent of the benefits and care available to you as you work to recover from an injury. Reach out to the workers’ compensation lawyers at Northland Injury Law today to set up an initial consultation and get insight into the process and how you can navigate it.