As Missouri workers' compensation lawyers, we know the aftermath of a serious workplace injury is often a confusing, overwhelming time for both injury victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, you likely have a lot of questions and concerns. Below, we've provided some basic information about workers' compensation in Missouri.
Facts about the Missouri workers' compensation system:
- It is a no-fault insurance plan for workers who suffer injuries that arise "out of and in the course of [their] employment."
- It provides medical benefits and wage loss compensation. Medical benefits may include coverage for doctor visits, prescriptions, laboratory work, medical supplies, physical therapy and hospitalization.
- Its goal is to help the employee heal and return to his or her job.
- Its laws are outlined in Chapter 287 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.
- It is administered by the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation.
- It does not cover your injuries if you were not within the scope of your employment when you were injured (i.e. commuting to work or running a personal errand).
- It covers job related injuries such as burns, amputations, hernias, bone fractures, torn meniscus, stroke, general anxiety disorder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, bulging disc, concussion, torn rotator cuff, blindness, neck injury, back injury, fibromyalgia, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- It authorizes your employer to choose your treating physician.
- It offers disability benefits to injured workers, including temporary total disability benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, and permanent total disability benefits, depending on the nature of your injuries.
- Under certain circumstances, it can cover vocational rehabilitation benefits and death benefits.