Workers’ Compensation
Work Comp Attorney in Jefferson County, MO
Work Comp Attorney in Jefferson County, 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 often complex no matter where you live. Any misstep you take could result in the insurance company or your employer rejecting your claim.
At Drummond Law, our work comp attorneys will guide you through every phase of the process. We can fill out critical paperwork for you, facilitate necessary communication with all involved parties, and negotiate with the insurance company and your employer for fair and just compensation.
If you have been injured on the job and need help filing a workers’ compensation claim or appealing a denial, speak with a work comp attorney in Jefferson County, MO, at Drummond Law today. Do not hesitate to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free consultation.
How to File a Work Comp Claim With the Help of a Work Comp Attorney in Jefferson County, MO
Injuries can result from either one single traumatic event (such as a machine-related accident, slip and fall, electrocution, etc.) or they can develop 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 shouldn’t take them lightly. As soon as you find out about an injury that was caused by a job-related duty, there is no time to waste. Filing a workers’ compensation claim should be the first option to explore. Here are the steps below:
- Tell your manager, HR representative, or employer about the injury – Also, insist that they fill out an accident report. It is also good practice to send them a notice detailing the accident and the injury in writing.
- Seek 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.
- Obtain ALL copies of present and past healthcare records – No document is unimportant when it comes to your wellbeing and health.
- File an Application for Adjustment of Claim – If you think that your employer may not pay your benefits either now or in the future, file this form.
- Ensure that your employer reports the injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They will review your claim and you will receive either an approval or contest of the claim.
- Get in touch with an experienced work comp attorney in Jefferson County, MO – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our knowledgeable work comp attorneys in Jefferson County listen to you and believe that your work injury is valid. We’ll shoulder some of the burdens you face during a time that is already stressful. If you have been injured on the job, Drummond Law can help you get the workers’ comp benefits you deserve.
Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Jefferson County?
The laws are different from state to state, but in general you’re eligible for workers’ compensation if you are considered a legal employee and you have been hurt while performing a job-related duty. Statute of limitations do apply, so do not delaying in filing your claim.
Settlements for workers’ compensation claims typically include medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of affection and income, mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, and other expenses related to a workplace accident. We are well-acquainted with all the laws, regulations, and rules associated with the often complicated work comp legal process, so contact us today.
Most Common Workplace Accidents
Even if you work in a small operation or an office-setting, a workplace accident can happen anywhere, anytime. At Drummond Law, we see them every day. Here are the most common kinds of workplace accidents that are eligible for work comp.
- Falls, slips, and trips – This is the number one thing many people think about in regard to a workplace 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 suffer an injury because the employer should’ve taken steps to prevent this injury, such as fixing broken lights, putting proper safety signs up, non-slip mats, de-icing walkways, etc.
- Getting struck by an object – This is common in careers that involve heavy machinery, including construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person may be hit by a swinging, flying, falling, or rolling object causing blunt-force trauma. Employers should ensure that all hazards are identified and give their workers proper warnings and gear to protect against them.
- Explosions, fire, electrocution – This can be caused by exposed wiring, faulty electrical outlets, combustible materials, open flames, and gas lines. Besides the burns these cause, further injuries 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 those who spend their time working near machinery or other cars on the road. Whether or not this is considered personal injury or work comp depends on the facts of your case.
- Repetitive stress and overexertion – If your job involves a lot of pulling, pushing, lifting, throwing, carrying, and holding motions, it can lead to lasting effects including lower-back injuries, chronic joint pain, carpal tunnel, muscle strain, and more. A worker may 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 older building may expose you to asbestos which causes a cancer known as mesothelioma. Other types of illness, chemical, or toxic exposures may be common in everything from corporate offices to manufacturing plants. Whether the onset of the illness took place in a short amount of time or over years, you may still be entitled to a claim.
What to Do If Your Work Comp Claim Is Denied
Countless employers and their insurers attempt to escape responsibility for injuries that their employees suffer at the workplace. If this is happening to you, you must file a Claim Petition for Workers’ Compensation benefits in court. Proving your disability or injury is often one of the most difficult parts of the fight for the benefits you are owed, so it’s crucial to partner with a Jefferson County work comp attorney throughout this process.
A work comp attorney at Drummond Law will:
- Help verify that you cannot work and need compensation
- Investigate the ways in which your employer may have acted with negligence causing your workplace injury
- Submit your petition for benefits
- 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 Jefferson County, MO | Contact Drummond Law
We believe that hardworking individuals who’ve fallen victim to a workplace injury are entitled to maximum benefits. Since 1976, Drummond Law has been helping people in Jefferson County receive work comp benefits after an injury has put them out. To speak to our work comp attorneys in Jefferson County, MO, for a free case review, please contact us or call 800-842-0426.