Do I Have To Report A Workplace Injury To My Employer in Missouri?

If you’re injured on the job in Missouri, you may be wondering if you really have to report it to your employer, particularly if it’s just a minor injury.

If you’ve been injured at work, you may be wondering if it is really a requirement to report any injury, no matter how minor. Here’s what you need to know.

You Should Report Every Workplace Injury To Your Employer

As any work injury lawyer in Missouri will tell you, Missouri law requires you to promptly report any workplace injury to your employer in Missouri. Even if you suffer a very minor workplace injury, you need to report it to your supervisor so that they can make a note of it, and arrange for you to get the medical attention you need.

You Could Miss Out On Benefits If You Don’t Report An Injury

The law is clear – if you’re injured at work, it’s your responsibility to tell your employer. If you don’t, you may not be unable to get compensation if your injury turns out to be more serious than you expected.

For example, let’s say that you cut your finger when opening a box with a box cutter. You don’t report the injury or get medical attention, because the wound seems minor. Then, it becomes infected, and a week later, after you get medical attention, you learn that you shouldn’t work for several weeks to let your hand heal.

If you had reported the injury right away and gotten medical attention, you would easily have been able to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, if you did not file a report, you may be denied, and it will be much more difficult to prove your case.

Always Report Every Injury Right Away

If you don’t report an injury, you may be denied if you file a workers’ compensation case related to that injury in the future. Even if you have only a very minor wound or injury, it’s better to be safe than sorry! 

So report the injury, speak with a Kansas City, Missouri Workers Compensation Attorney, and file your claim immediately to get the benefits you deserve.