Workers Compensation

Springfield Workers Compensation Lawyer

Skilled & Experienced Attorneys for Your Workers Compensation Case in Missouri

The state of Missouri requires that all businesses with five or more employees carry workman’s compensation coverage. Construction businesses need only have a single employee to have the same requirement. With coverage, if you were injured on the job–or can connect your injuries to something that happened on the job, you can qualify for benefits. A Springfield, MO workers compensation lawyer can work with you to make sure you are treated fairly throughout the process.


Scott G. Taylor Attorney at Law serves the people of Greene County, Webster County and Christian County from our Springfield office. When you’ve been injured at work, let us help you. Call (417) 487-4244 or contact us here online to set up a consultation.


What are the Workers Comp Benefits in Missouri?

The benefits available to employees under workers compensation fall into three broad categories:

Lost Wages

An injured employee can collect two-thirds of their gross income, up to a maximum of a little over $900 per week. For those who work in sales or other commission-based jobs, past pay stubs can be used to set an approximate average on what they might have earned.

Different levels of compensation can apply for employees who might be able to handle partial duties. A doctor makes the determination as to when an employee is at MMI–Maximum Medical Improvement.

Permanent Disability

If an injured employee is determined to have reached their MMI status and is still not able to return to work, they can then qualify for permanent disability payments under the Missouri workers compensation program.

Calculations on the payment amount can be complex, involving a mix of the type of injury and the weekly wage that was being earned prior to injury. A Springfield, MO workers compensation lawyer must advocate for their client in these complex situations, making sure the best interests of the injured party are being heard and understood.

Medical Benefits

The workers comp program covers all medical treatment related to the injury. It’s important to note, however, that employees have to use the doctor or healthcare facility chosen by the employer (or the employer’s workers comp insurance carrier). Going to your own doctor, unless it has been pre-approved by workers comp, means out of pocket expenses. It is also an employer-chosen doctor that makes MMI assessments during the recovery process.


Getting the benefits you deserve might depend on taking the right actions in the aftermath of the injury. Scott G. Taylor Attorney at Law can help. Call today at (417) 487-4244 or contact us online to set up a consultation.


What Should I Do if I am Injured at Work?

  1. See a doctor. The first thing to do when injured is to see a doctor. It’s also strongly advised not to say anything about your injury. We know it’s human to want to reassure family and friends that you’re alright. In our day, those assurances are sometimes given on social media. But statements–especially social media posts–along these lines that get back to an insurance carrier can be used against an employee when they file their workers comp claim.
  2. Record what happened to trace back the cause of the injury. It’s also important to know that while some injuries have a clear connection to the job (i.e., falling off a ladder while at work), others may have a connection that is more tenuous–but still very real. An example here might be an employee who develops back problems they think can be traced to the chair they sit in. This is an injury that progresses over time. It can be difficult to trace directly to a job–but difficult doesn't mean impossible. A Springfield, MO workers compensation attorney can advise on steps that can be taken.
  3. Consult with a lawyer. Finally, it’s important to consult with a lawyer before filing for workers comp at all. It’s possible that an injured employee may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. The settlements in a personal injury suit can be significantly larger than in workers comp and they won’t restrict choice of doctor.

How Do I Know if My Injury is a Workers Comp Claim or a Personal Injury Claim?

Not every injury is eligible for a personal injury suit–these require someone clearly being at fault for the accident, while workers comp covers all injuries regardless of cause. But it’s worth talking to your lawyer before taking action, because in most circumstances, workers comp and personal injury suits cannot be filed concurrently. It’s usually an either-or case .

Scott G. Taylor Attorney at Law will advise you of your best option and the right means by which to pursue it. People that have suffered injuries need recovery time, not time spent worrying about legal details. Put the legal work in our hands and have peace of mind knowing your best interests are being looked out for. 


Call our Springfield office today at (417) 487-4244 or contact us online to set up a consultation.


 

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