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Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system used nationwide and governed by the laws of each state to provide compensation for medical treatment and lost wages for employees injured on the job or who fall ill due to workplace conditions such as toxic exposure. Since it is no fault, the employee cannot sue the employer for the injury or illness but must rely on the workers’ compensation insurance coverage retained by the company.

Accidents can happen anytime on a job site, and this is true even under the best of conditions. And, an important safety net for employees in Missouri who are injured is the state’s workers’ compensation program. This program can provide much-needed help for those who are injured due to no fault of their own, but what happens when you receive a workers’ compensation denial? According to the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation, there were 12,670 claims for compensation filed with the state in 2021.

In 2021, there were over 86,000 reports of work-related injuries in Missouri, according to the state’s Department of Labor & Industrial Relations. Of these, only 8,397 individuals filed a claim for compensation.

Nearly every worker in Missouri knows they are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if they get injured at work or suffer a work-related illness. However, not everyone understands which injuries qualify for workers’ compensation in Missouri.

Getting hurt in a workplace accident can be a difficult and emotional experience. According to statistics from the Missouri Department of Labor, there were 91,808 total reported workplace injury incidents statewide in 2021. Depending on the severity of your injuries or illness, you may be hospitalized and unable to work – temporarily or permanently.

The following provides a brief discussion of some of the basics of Missouri workers’ compensation law and is largely based on a continuing legal education seminar given by Mr. John Christiansen to the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association in June, 2022. For a more detailed discussion and review of your particular case, please call the Law Office of John Adams Christiansen in Kansas City, Missouri at (816) 416-7070.

Sometimes, a work injury is caused wholly or in part by the actions of a co-worker. The primary Missouri statute dealing with this situation is found at section 287.120.1 which provides that such a co-worker shall not be liable and “shall be released from all other liability whatsoever except if the co-worker “engaged in an affirmative negligent act that purposefully and dangerously caused or increased the risk of injury.”

At the Law Office of John Adams Christiansen, L.C., we understand that the workers' compensation process can be complex. It may be difficult to know how to take the next step — or what pitfalls to avoid when you are filing a claim.

After a work-related injury, many employees wonder whether they need to retain a workers' compensation attorney to help them protect their interests, or if they can handle the claim on their own.

Like Missouri, the injured worker must report the work accident to the employer and should request medical treatment. This notification should be right away. It is required to be done within 30 days of the date of injury, or 20 calendar days from the date medical treatment is sought...