Are My Injuries Compensable Under Missouri Workers Compensation?

Workers’ compensation helps injured workers recover medical expenses and lost wages.

The injuries that are covered by workers compensation include the ones that are sustained in the course and scope of work. In other words, injuries that can be connected in some way to the work conditions or requirements are generally covered under workers compensation. Examples of injuries covered under workers compensation include carpal tunnel syndrome caused by repeated motion f the same set of muscles and mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure at work.

Is your injury work-related?

Work-related injuries are those that occur in the course of employment or while you are doing something on behalf of your employer. Work-related injuries do not necessarily occur at the workplace, they can occur outside of the workplace at various locations such as on commercial trucks or other places where an employee was doing something related to the job. The injuries sustained at company-sponsored parties and events may also be covered under Missouri workers compensation even if they occur at a venue outside of the workplace.

There are, however, some injuries that may not be compensable even if they occur at your place of work. This includes the injuries that resulted from horseplay or other similar situations wherein the worker clearly disregards the safety rules and indulges in something that he/she knows can cause injury.

Am I covered?

Any employer who employs more than 5 workers is required by law to carry workers compensation insurance. If you are classified as an employee, then you will be eligible to receive workers compensation benefits for your work-related injury. There are some classes of workers that are not covered under the workers’ compensation program in most states. These include agricultural workers, undocumented workers, sub-contractors, seasonal workers, and domestic workers such as nannies, housekeepers, and babysitters. Because each case is unique, it is important to speak with an experienced workers compensation attorney to understand if you are eligible for workers comp benefits.