What to do after a work injury in Missouri

Title: What to do after a work injury in Missouri

If you get hurt at work, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy will cover the cost of your medical bills and related expenses. However, you must follow the proper procedure to apply for workers’ comp benefits in Missouri.

Take these steps after a work injury to preserve your right to coverage.

Seek medical care

Get help right away when you suffer a work injury if you need emergency care. Otherwise, let your employer know about the injury. While the company will pay for medical care, they can choose your treating physician. Workers’ compensation covers medical treatment, therapies, devices and medications authorized by this doctor. You can select your own doctor at your own cost in Missouri.

Report the incident

Tell your employer about the injury right away. You should also report a diagnosis of a work-related illness that will prevent you from doing your job.

If you do not file a report with your employer within 30 days, the insurance company may deny your claim.

Receive a disability determination

If you cannot go back to work because of your illness or injury, you may be able to receive disability benefits. Missouri workers’ compensation programs provide temporary partial, temporary total, permanent partial and permanent total disability coverage for those who qualify.

Temporary total disability pays 66 2/3 of your average weekly wage. If you can do only part of your job or work shorter hours, benefits equal the difference between your previous average weekly earnings and the amount you can earn after the injury.

Individuals who have a permanent disability can choose to negotiate a lump-sum payment in lieu of a portion of their regular wages.