A warehouse worker gets hurt lifting boxes, but thinks they can’t file for workers’ comp because they work part-time. A factory worker who believes they can’t get benefits because the accident was partly their fault. These kinds of situations happen to more people than you think.
When workplace injuries happen, workers’ compensation benefits are often a much-needed lifeline for employees. However, wrong ideas stop many Central Missouri workers from getting the benefits they deserve.
Below are three common myths many employees still mistakenly believe.
Myth #1: Only full-time workers get benefits
Missouri law covers all employees equally. Part-time, temporary and even seasonal workers get the same protection as full-time employees when they get hurt on the job.
There are some exceptions to this rule:
- Exempt employers, such as those who do not meet the required number of employees
- Exempt employees, such as farm laborers or domestic workers
Additionally, eligibility for workers’ comp kicks in on day one for all qualified employees.
Myth #2: Accident fault matters in workers’ compensation
Missouri uses a no-fault system for workers’ comp claims. All injured workers can get benefits even if the accident was their fault, whether partly or fully. The system pays for medical bills and lost wages without looking at who caused the injury.
Only extreme cases can disqualify a worker from benefits, such as:
- Getting hurt while drunk or on drugs
- Hurting yourself on purpose
- Fighting with coworkers
- Breaking serious safety rules on purpose
These exceptions rarely apply to most workplace accidents, so fault usually doesn’t affect claims.
Myth #3: Only high-risk jobs qualify for injury coverage
There’s no need to work a dangerous job just to get workers’ compensation benefits. Office workers, retail employees and restaurant staff all get coverage when injured at work.
The type of work you do doesn’t determine your eligibility. Instead, what matters is that the accident or injury happens while working.
Know the law to maximize benefits
Many workers lose out on benefits because they believe wrong information instead of learning the facts. There are those who miss out on compensation because they didn’t know the correct deadlines for filing claims or reporting their injury.
It’s not good to blindly trust what others say about workers’ comp rules. Do your due diligence. Researching the facts yourself or talking to a qualified legal professional helps maximize workers’ benefits under Missouri law.