In Missouri, you should immediately hire a workers' comp lawyer if your claim is denied, delayed, or you are underpaid for your benefits. When your injuries are serious or permanent, the insurer disputes the medical treatment you receive, or your employer has fired you for filing a workers' compensation claim, you should not proceed without legal representation.
Many injured workers ask, do I need a lawyer for a workers' comp claim in Missouri, and the answer depends on several key factors.
When you need a St. Louis workers' compensation lawyer:
- Denied or delayed claims: Your employer's workers' comp insurance company refuses to pay your medical bills or weekly benefits even though you got hurt on the job.
- Serious or permanent injuries: Your injuries require surgery, long-term care, or are permanent, impacting your future career trajectory.
- Disputes on medical care: The doctor selected by the insurer releases you back to work too soon or denies you medically necessary treatment.
- Employer retaliation: Your employer fires, demotes, or harasses you for filing a workers' comp claim.
- Pre-existing conditions: Insurers for workers' comp love to claim that a work injury is just your pre-existing condition to get out of having to pay.
- Need for appeal: If you are denied and need to file an appeal with the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation, you will want an attorney.
- Employer lacks workers' comp insurance: If your employer meets the threshold requirements for holding this type of insurance but does not have it as legally required, you need to hire a lawyer.
What does a workers' compensation attorney do? They represent you throughout your claim for the reasons mentioned above to maximize your recovery. The Bruning Law Firm helps Missouri workers injured on the job understand their rights and options, and when legal representation will best serve them in their case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Missouri?
Missouri law requires you to report your injury to your employer through a written notice within 30 days of the injury. When filing a formal claim with the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation, that time limit is 2 years from the date of your workplace accident or the last benefit payment.
What should I do if my Missouri workers' comp claim is denied?
Claims for workers' comp in Missouri can be denied, sometimes for clerical errors or minor mistakes while other times, it is because the insurer is trying to reduce your payout. Whatever the case, you will have 20 days to submit an application for review to the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission, however, this appeal is best handled with the help of a St. Louis workers' comp attorney who can meet the deadline and present strong evidence on your behalf.
Do I need a lawyer for a "simple" Missouri workers' comp case?
When your injury is minor, requiring little medical care, and you have an employer who is cooperative in helping you get your workers' compensation benefits, you may not need a lawyer. However, if you have serious injuries and there are any other complexities, you should not hesitate to speak with an attorney. How much does a workers' comp lawyer cost in St. Louis? You shouldn't worry about that as The Bruning Law Firm offers free initial consultations and works on a contingency fee basis.
Contact The Bruning Law Firm
The Bruning Law Firm helps injured workers in Missouri with their workers' compensation cases by maximizing their financial recovery. There is no fee unless we win your case, so call us at (314) 735-8100 to speak to a workers' comp attorney in St. Louis in a free consultation.