People who suffer injuries at work in Missouri may obtain compensation through the state’s workers’ compensation program. Benefits typically include coverage for medical expenses as well as lost wages. To be sure you get the full range of benefits your injury entitles you to, you will need to meet deadlines and submit paperwork. An attorney can help you with this process and make sure your submissions are correct.
One of the top reasons people delay filing their workers’ comp claim is the mistaken belief that the employer must be at fault for them to get compensation. As long as you got hurt while performing work duties, with few exceptions, you can get benefits. This can be true even if the injury happened because you were not as careful as you should have been.
Reporting your injury
The first step in your workers’ compensation claim is to let your employer know about your injury. You can submit this written notice via a form your employer should provide. You need to get the completed form to your employer within 30 days after your injury happens. Sometimes, you develop a condition gradually rather than due to one traumatic incident. In such a case, you should report to your employer within 30 days of discovering you have the condition.
Evaluation process
Once you file your report, your employer will refer you to a doctor for medical evaluation and treatment. You must use the physician your insurance company tells you to, otherwise you risk having to pay for treatment yourself. The insurance company will conduct an evaluation process to determine what benefits you should get. They will look at your medical records, order a medical examination and conduct an evaluation of your functional capacity.
Range of benefits
Depending on the severity and type of injury, your benefits may cover medical treatment, lost earnings and vocational training if your injury makes it impossible for you to continue in your previous occupation. Speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible to get the ball rolling on your workers’ compensation claim.