Camdenton, Missouri, Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Workers’ compensation benefits are meant to help people recover after work injuries and return in the short term. There are many potential benefits available to you when you have a work injury; however, there are many obstacles, too. You need to work with a workers’ compensation attorney to make sure you are receiving the care and attention you deserve.
At Grayson & Grayson, our workers’ compensation attorneys take on the most difficult aspects of workers’ compensation claims, from filing claims appropriately to attending hearings and appealing denials.
We know how Missouri’s workers’ compensation laws work, and we are ready to do what it takes to secure you the compensation you deserve for your injury.
Are All Injuries Eligible For Workers’ Compensation?
Any injury you receive while working is potentially covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation policy. These benefits extend to such conditions as:
- Occupational Illness: Toxic exposure in your workplace can often lead to illnesses that may require serious medical attention.
- Repetitive Motion Injuries: Performing the same physical task over and over again is a risk factor for several painful conditions.
- Acute Injuries: From slips and falls to overexertion, any physical injury that stops you from working needs medical attention.
- Mental Stress: Emotional distress and other psychological issues caused by working conditions often require treatment to overcome.
However, there are some injuries at work that are not compensated by workers’ compensation, and these are called third-party Injuries.
A Third-party injury is when the directly responsible party is not your employer or another employee but someone else. It could be the manufacturer who made the defective tool that hurt you or a vendor who caused an accident.
Injured workers in Camdenton or elsewhere in Central Missouri can count on Grayson & Grayson to provide experienced, committed legal representation.
FAQs About Workers’ Compensation
Q: What is workers’ compensation in Missouri?
A: It’s insurance employers must carry to cover employees who are hurt on the job. In exchange, most injured workers cannot sue their employers for injuries; instead, they file a workers’ compensation claim for medical care and certain wage-loss benefits.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a workers’ compensation claim?
A: While you can file on your own, many claims are denied, delayed, or undervalued. A lawyer can make sure your claim is properly evaluated, challenge underpayments or denials, help you choose or challenge medical opinions, and identify any additional claims you might have.
Q: What benefits can I receive through workers’ compensation?
A: You may be eligible to receive:
- Medical treatment for your work-related injury
- Wage replacement (temporary disability) if you can’t work while recovering
- Compensation for permanent injuries after you reach maximum medical improvement
- Note: Pain and suffering are not covered under workers’ compensation.
Q: What if the insurance company stops paying or offers too little?
A: You can challenge the decision. An attorney can request hearings, obtain second opinions, collect medical evidence, and negotiate or litigate to restore benefits or increase the valuation of your claim.
Q: How is the amount of my benefits determined?
A: Benefits for permanent injury are based on medical opinions regarding the degree of your impairment, typically issued by a doctor. If that opinion undervalues your condition, it can be disputed with additional medical evidence and advocacy.
Q: Can my workers’ compensation claim be denied?
A: Yes. Claims are denied for many reasons, including disputes about whether the injury is work-related or medically necessary treatment. Denials can often be appealed or resolved through negotiations, additional documentation, or hearings.
Q: How long do I have to report my injury or file a claim in Missouri?
A: You should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Deadlines can be strict, and waiting can harm your case. Speak with an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.
You May File On Your Home, But Our Help Goes A Long Way
Workers’ compensation is meant to be used by the injured individual. However, statistics show that workers’ compensation settlements and judgments are often significantly higher and more comprehensive when you have an attorney. We fight for you because you deserve the help and attention that your law entitles you to.
We are on your side. We want to hear about your situation and help you find the right path forward. Call our Camdenton workers’ comp attorneys at 573-255-8997 or send an email to get started.