The Benefits Available Under Missouri's Worker's Compensation System

By: lawfirm articles Click author's name for more of his/her articles

It is common knowledge among workers in the state of Missouri that if they are injured at work, they are entitled to some benefits under the state's Worker's Compensation system. However, few workers really understand what their rights are. Missouri's Worker's Compensation system is very complicated, and no one should attempt to conquer it without the help of qualified Worker's Compensation attorney.

There are three major benefits afforded by the Missouri Worker's Compensation system. Benefit number one is medical treatment. Employees injured on the job get free medical care for their work-related injuries. However, the law gives the employer, and more practically their Workers' Compensation insurance carrier, the right to choose which doctor will provide the treatment.

Injured workers will sometimes choose to visit their normal doctor and then submit payment to their private insurance carrier. This is a problem because most health insurance policy includes an exclusion freeing them from paying for injuries suffered on the job. Employees often learn about this too late – after they have racked up high medical bills. Thus, if you are hurt at work, you should notify your employer immediately and request that they provide you with a doctor.

Payment for time off from work is the second major benefit. Temporary Total Disability is the official title for this type of compensation. Generally, an insurance company will not pay for time off work unless a doctor informs it in writing that an employee is completely unable to work. Yet, Missouri's Workers' Compensation law states that the injured employee is not eligible for this payment until they miss more than three days of work.

The third main benefit under the system is a lump sum settlement called Permanent Partial Disability. Permanent partial disability is compensation for remaining symptoms after the worker has been released by the doctor. Most employees who receive more than a few treatment sessions with a doctor should be eligible for payment in some amount.

An injured worker has to make the decision of getting an attorney or taking care of his own Worker's Compensation claim. A report recently released by Missouri Lawyers Weekly indicated that non-represented injured workers usually receive half of what workers with legal representation receive. This disparity is growing even wider thanks to a major change in the law in 2005.

Previously, a Worker's Compensation judge had to approve the settlement in a case involving workers without legal representation. The employee could receive advice from the judge. Now, even if it is clear to the judge that an employee is making a terrible decision, he is not allowed to say a word. So if you are injured at work, don't take chances. Get a lawyer.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Josh Myers Law specializes in cases involving people who have been injured, including auto accident victims. Don't accept any insurance company settlement offer until you talk to a lawyer. If you have been injured in the state of Missouri, you should speak to a St. Louis injury attorney. To talk to a lawyer about your case with no obligation, visit www.joshmyerslaw.com today.