Sunset Hills Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workplace injuries can happen in any occupation and any industry. Some industries are more prone to on-the-job injuries due to the dangers inherent in them, such as mining, oil and natural gas production, and construction sites. However, employees in any situation, from warehouse workers to office workers, can find themselves temporarily or even permanently disabled through occupational diseases or accidents. When such a situation arises, who can you turn to so that your best interests are secured?

The insurance company and your employer may have little real interest in seeing that you get every dollar in workers’ compensation that you deserve. At Longo Biggs, Injury Law, our Sunset Hills workers’ compensation lawyers have seen this firsthand. We know how difficult it can be to obtain the benefits you are entitled to under the law. That is why our personal injury attorneys are committed to helping you recover those benefits so that you can heal and your family can move forward without financial jeopardy.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation, legally, refers to a set of laws aimed at guaranteeing compensation for employees injured at work. Unlike personal injury claims, fault is not taken into account in workers’ compensation cases. If an employee is injured while at their workplace, they can seek benefits compensated even if the employer is not directly responsible.

Requirements for Companies to Carry Workers Comp Insurance

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 287.030, any employer with five or more employees is required to obtain workers’ compensation insurance or be self-insured. However, the vast majority of construction companies must have workers’ compensation insurance even with as little as a single employee.

The workforces that are typically excluded from the workers’ compensation requirement are farmworkers, household workers, independent contractors, volunteers, and prison workers. A local attorney familiar with state laws could help an injured employee determine whether they should be covered under workers’ compensation insurance.

Common Types of On-The-Job Injuries

Injuries and illnesses obtained in the workplace can vary greatly. However, most can be placed under three primary categories: impact injuries, slips and falls, and injuries resulting from physical exertion.

Impact injuries are generally the result of an item striking on falling on an employee. In contrast, slip and fall injuries result from an employee falling on an item, the floor, or another level. Either type of injury can cause severe physical trauma, depending on the circumstances.

Perhaps the most common but understated injury is related to those resulting from physical exertion. These injuries develop over time through repetitive tasks and motions which can pull muscles or impact joints. No matter what type of injury an employee suffers, they could benefit from seeking help from a workers’ comp attorney in Sunset Hills.

Filing an Accident Report at Work

Immediately reporting an injury or illness is an essential first step. To receive workers’ compensation benefits, an injured party must report their injury within 30 days. The written report should also contain their name, the nature of their injury, and the date, time, and location of the injury.

While a workers’ comp claim can seem pretty mundane at the start, it can quickly become a delicate and complicated process if the insurance company does not provide an injured party with adequate compensation. If the insurance company refuses to cover medical bills, it may be necessary to obtain the services of an on-the-job accident attorney.

Benefits Covered Under Workers Compensation in Sunset Hills

Injured employees are entitled to compensation for lost wages and medical expenses after an on-the-job accident. During their medical treatment, injured workers are due two-thirds of their regular wages.

If an employer can supply the employee with work that can be performed while the doctor imposes restrictions, the employee must perform this new task until the constraint is lifted. It is also important to note that employers often have the right to choose the employee’s medical provider.

Unfortunately, employers and their insurers sometimes do not provide adequate compensation for their injured employees in some cases. Therefore, an injured employee may find it helpful to obtain legal counsel for their workplace injury claim.

Contact a Sunset Hills Workers Compensation Attorney Today

At our firm, we take pride in the legal services we provide to our injured clients and their families. We know that obtaining full compensation after an on-the-job injury or illness is vital. Our Sunset Hills workers’ compensation lawyers fully understand the claims process and the tactics that employers or insurance companies may use to deny or discount your claim.

We could help simplify and facilitate the claims process as well as fight denied claims through appropriate legal action. Throughout the entire process, you could have a knowledgeable, skilled, and dedicated legal representative working vigorously on your behalf.