Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Compensation in Missouri

We’ve helped countless workers get compensated for their work injuries. Here are some of the most common questions we are asked.

The worker’s compensation system was designed to help workers who have been injured on the job and provide them some financial stability during difficult times. However, filing a claim and getting the benefits you deserve is not always simple, as workers’ compensation can be a complex process with numerous legal intricacies. 

We’ve helped countless workers get compensated for their work injuries. Here are some of the most common questions we are asked.

Do I Qualify for Workers Compensation? 

Perhaps the most common question we get is people wanting to know if they qualify for workers’ compensation. The law is pretty clear: if you get injured while performing your work duties or get sick due to your work, you generally qualify to get workers’ compensation. Of course, there are nuances and exceptions. For example, if you get injured while commuting to work or out for lunch break, you generally won’t get compensated. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Report After a Work Injury?

You have 30 days to report your injury to your employer. Then you need to file a workers’ compensation claim and file it to the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation.

Keep in mind that Missouri’s work comp statute of limitations is two years, and it begins at the time your work-related injury occurred. If your employer fails to report your injury, the statute of limitation may be extended one more year. 

What Will Workers Compensation Cover? 

If you suffer a work-related injury or illness, then the workers’ compensation benefits will generally cover: 

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Ongoing care costs

Your workers’ comp claim will be denied if you were under the influence, if you started a fight or if you intentionally hurt yourself. 

How Long Will My Workers Compensation Case Take?

It could take up to a year to resolve a workers comp case. That’s why it’s important to promptly respond to every form and letter you receive about your case.  It is also why it is so important to speak with an experienced Kansas City workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible after an accident. An experienced attorney can help you fight for the full amount of compensation you are entitled to and ensure you have the proper documentation to prove your case.