Kansas City work injury lawyer James M. Hoffmann discusses why injured workers should file for workers compensation.
Under the Missouri workers compensation system, an injured worker is entitled to medical benefits, and also disability benefits if they are unable to return to work. The employer or his workers’ compensation insurance company is responsible for paying the benefits. Though workers compensation is a fairly simple system that safeguards the interests of people injured at their place of work, issues concerning liability and fault often complicate the process of filing a claim.
It is not always easy to prove that a particular health condition is a result of a workplace injury, or has occurred because of an event that occurred outside of the workplace. Quite often, we come across cases where the employees who filed a workers compensation claim are marginalized or mistreated by their employer. Many injured workers do not file a workers compensation claim, fearing that their employer will retaliate.
Work injury lawyers urge workers to shed all inhibitions and exercise their right to workers compensation. Every worker who gets injured at their workplace should report the injury to the employer without delay, and file a workers compensation claim. Workers compensation benefits injured workers in a number of ways. Consider a few reasons why you should file a claim if you are injured on the job.
- Workers compensation helps an injured worker get medical treatment for their injury, assists them with recovery, and gives a steady income even when they are unable to work. So, irrespective of whether your case is simple or complicated, filling a workers compensation claim will benefit you in the long run.
- You cannot file a lawsuit against your employer, so the only way you can get compensation is through a workers compensation claim.
- Fear of denial should not keep you from filing for workers comp. There is a dispute management system in place to resolve such issues.
- The employer or insurance company will typically be responsible for paying for your medical bills.
- If you are unable to get back to work because of an injury, you will likely get 2/3 of your weekly wages as disability benefits under the workers’ compensation system.
- If you are afraid that if you file a claim your employer will discriminate against you, or even fire you, you can rest assured that Missouri law protects you against any such actions.
- You only have a limited time to file a workers compensation claim. If you don’t act within this time, you will lose your chance forever.
Kansas City Work Injury Lawyer
The workers’ compensation claim process may seem confusing, especially if your employer or their insurance company tries minimizing your injury. At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we have over 20 years of experience helping injured workers in Kansas City and all over Missouri. We would be happy to review your claim for free and help you determine the best way to proceed with your case. To speak with a Kansas City Work Injury Lawyer call us today at (816) 399-3706 and schedule a free consultation.
photo credit: PEO, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives via Flickr
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