YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE MISSOURI WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT
Workers Compensation is often referred to as “The Great Bargain” between workers and employers. In this “Bargain” Employers gain immunity from lawsuits when their workers are hurt on the job, even if the injuries are caused by the Employers’ negligence.
In exchange for giving up rights in civil court, Employees are guaranteed to receive medical care and compensation from the Employers’ insurance companies. The Employers are required to carry insurance in Missouri if they have 5 employees. Essentially, workers compensation is a no-fault system where workers have an opportunity to recover from their injuries and get back to work without risk to their jobs.
Unfortunately, many of the protections guaranteed to Employees in Missouri have been eroded away by constant revisions to the Missouri Workers Compensation Act. These changes consistently create more protections for Employers and can make it very difficult for Employees to recover, especially if the hurt worker is trying to navigate the Workers Compensation system without a lawyer.
Despite work comp claims becoming more difficult in Missouri, you are guaranteed 3 Benefits, so long as your injury falls under the Work Comp Act and you follow the rules.
YOU ARE GUARANTEED 3 MAIN BENEFITS
Your Employer, through its insurance company, must pay for all of your doctor’s bills and other related medical care that is necessary to treat and relieve the symptoms of the work injury. This responsibility continues until you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This is one of the most important aspects of workers compensation, and should be straight forward. Unfortunately, insurance company doctors often release injured workers from medical care and declare that employees have reached “MMI” despite pain and symptoms lingering.
BiState Lawyers closely examines your medical progress and fights to ensure you receive all of the medical that you NEED, not just the care that the insurance company wants to pay for. The distinction is important because in Missouri Workers Compensation, the “employer” selects your doctors; however, your employer’s insurance company is truly who controls your medical care. One of the stranger aspects of the work comp system is that even when your employer is supportive and eager to see you heal and back at work, insurance companies often rush you through the system.
Use our Free Work Comp Benefits Calculators to get an idea of the benefits that you will receive in your Missouri Workers Compensation claim.
Questions about your 3 Benefits? Has one of your benefits been stopped unfairly?
