When you become injured or develop an injury as a result of your job duties, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. In Missouri, businesses with more than five employees and construction firms with more than one employee must carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Explore the process of filing a claim to seek compensation for medical bills and lost wages in Missouri.
Reporting your injury
First, you must let your employer know about your work-related illness or injury as soon as possible. If you fail to make a written report within 30 days, you may be unable to collect workers’ compensation benefits. Your report should include your name and address; the date, time and place of the injury; and the type of injury or illness.
Seeking medical care
After receiving notice of your injury, your employer must send a report to both the state and the insurance company. Your employer may select your medical care provider and will cover all medical costs associated with the injury. You can select your own doctor if you prefer to do so, but will not receive compensation for your care. If the doctor selected by your employer requires you to travel outside your local area, you can request reimbursement for travel costs.
Claiming available benefits
In addition to medical costs, you may be able to claim reimbursement for other costs associated with your injury. Missouri allows injured workers to recoup temporary or permanent total or partial disability benefits if they are no longer able to work.
Appealing your case
If you believe you have not received workers’ compensation benefits for which you are eligible, you have several options for recourse. You can request assistance from a mediator through the state’s Dispute Management Unit. If this step fails to resolve your concerns, you can request a conference before an administrative law judge.
The statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims is two years in Missouri. After that date, the state or insurer may dismiss your claim.