Workers’ Compensation

Work Comp Attorney in Chesterfield, MO

Work Comp Attorney in Chesterfield, MO. When an illness or injury occurs while at work, you have every right to seek compensation so that you can continue to provide for you and your family|If you ever get hurt on the job, it’s your right to seek compensation so that you can continue to keep the lights on and put food on the table for you and your family; however, the workers’ compensation process is oftentimes complicated no matter where you live. Any error you make could result in your employer or the insurance company contesting your claim.

At Drummond Law, our work comp attorneys want to help take you through every aspect of your claim from beginning to end. We can fill out critical paperwork for you, facilitate necessary communication with all involved parties, and negotiate with your employer and their insurance company for fair and just compensation.

If you’ve been hurt on the job and need assistance with any issues relating to a work comp claim, talk to a work comp attorney in Chesterfield, MO, at Drummond Law now. Do not hesitate to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.

How to File a Workers’ Comp Claim With the Help of a Work Comp Attorney in Chesterfield, MO

Injuries can result from either one single traumatic event (like a slip and fall, electrocution, machine-related accident, etc.) or they can occur over time (such as repetitive trauma, toxic exposure, etc.) Both kinds of injuries are equally valid and equally worthy of compensation.

No work injury is ever too minor, and you should never take them lightly. As soon as you are injured at work, time is of the essence. Filing a workers’ compensation claim should be the first option to explore. Here are several important steps to take:

• Notify your employer, manager or HR rep about the injury – You should also insist they fill out an accident report as soon as possible. Furthermore, it is good practice to give them a written notice within 45 days of the incident detailing the date of the accident and a short description of the injury.
• Get medical treatment as soon as possible – Tell the doctor that your injury is work-related, and give him or her the name of your employer. Once you leave the treatment center, be sure to follow your physician’s instructions for medical treatment; failure to do so could hurt your claim.
• Keep track of ALL copies of present and past medical records – No piece of information is unimportant when it comes to your health and wellness.
• File an Application for Adjustment of Claim – If you feel your employer may resist paying for your treatments now or in the future, you will want to file this form.
• Make sure that your employer reports your injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They’ll look over your claim and you will receive either an approval or contest of the claim.
• Get in touch with an experienced work comp attorney in Chesterfield, MO – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.

Our knowledgeable work comp attorneys in Chesterfield listen to you and know that your injuries are legitimate. We can help shoulder some of the burdens you face during what is already a stressful time. If you have been injured on the job, Drummond Law can help you get the work comp benefits you need.

Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Chesterfield?

The laws are different from state to state, but in general you’re entitled to workers’ compensation if you’re a legal employee and you have been hurt while performing a job-related duty. Statute of limitations do apply, so file your claim in a timely manner.

Settlements for workers’ compensation claims usually include medical bills, loss of affection and income, mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, pain and suffering, and other costs related to a workplace accident. We are well-acquainted with all the laws, regulations, and rules associated with the often muddled work comp legal process, so give us a call today.

Common Work Injuries

No matter how relatively safe a place may be, an accident can happen anywhere. At Drummond Law, we see them every day. Here are the most common kinds of work injuries that qualify for work comp.

• Falls, slips, and trips – This is the number one thing most people think about in regard to a work accident. Injuries can be caused by ice, spills, uneven walking surfaces, poor lighting, debris in walkways, and oily surfaces. You may be entitled to a work comp claim if you suffered one of these injuries because the employer should’ve taken acts to prevent this injury, such as fixing broken lights, non-slip mats, proper safety signage, de-icing walkways, etc.
• Being hit by an object – This is common in careers that involve heavy machinery, including manufacturing, construction, and farming. A person can be struck by a flying, rolling, falling, or swinging object resulting in blunt-force trauma. The employer should cover this type of work injury because they had a duty to properly train employees, supply appropriate protective gear, post signs of imminent danger, etc.
• Electrocution, fire, explosion – This can be caused by exposed wiring, faulty electrical outlets, combustible materials, open flames, and gas lines. In addition to the burns these cause, the injuries can include respiratory issues, internal damage, and in the worst cases, death.
• Vehicle-related accidents – These involve people who may drive for a living (such as truck drivers), those who are driving while performing a work-related task, or anyone who spends time working near other cars on the road or machinery. Whether or not this is viewed as a work comp or personal injury claim will depend on the facts of your case.
• Repetitive stress and overexertion – If your job involves a lot of holding, throwing, pulling, carrying, pushing, and lifting motions, it can lead to lasting effects such as lower-back injuries, chronic joint pain, carpal tunnel, muscle strain, and more. A worker might be entitled to a work comp claim because employers should allow frequent breaks and provide protective gear.
• Work-related illness – For example, working in an old building may expose you to asbestos which causes a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma. Other types of illness, chemical, or toxic exposures can occur in everything from manufacturing facilities to corporate offices. Whether the onset of the illness took place in a short amount of time or over years, you may still be eligible for a claim.

What to Do If Your Work Comp Claim Is Denied

In far too many cases, employers will try to skirt responsibility for the injuries their employees faced while on the job. If this is happening to you, you must file a Claim Petition for Workers’ Compensation benefits in court. Verifying your injury or disability is often one of the most challenging parts of fighting for the benefits you are entitled to, so it’s vitally important to partner with a Chesterfield work comp attorney throughout this process.

Your work comp attorney will:

• Help you prove your inability to work and need for benefits
• Discover all the ways how your employer did not take proper safety precautions or let your workplace run the risk of injury
• File all paperwork on your behalf
• Ensure that all necessary information is included in the petition
• Represent you in front of the various levels of the appellate courts

Speak to Our Work Comp Attorneys in Chesterfield, MO | Contact Drummond Law

We believe that hardworking individuals who’ve fallen victim to a workplace injury are entitled to maximum benefits. Since our founding, our mission at Drummond Law has been to help people in Chesterfield get the help they need. To get in touch with our work comp attorneys in Chesterfield, MO, for a free case discussion, please contact us or call 800-842-0426.