Workers’ Compensation

Work Comp Attorney in Kirkwood, MO

Work Comp Attorney in Kirkwood, MO. When unsafe work conditions result in an illness or a work injury, it’s within your rights to seek the benefits necessary to cover providing for yourself 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 complex no matter what part of the country you call home. Any mistake you make could result in the insurance company or your employer rejecting your claim.

At Drummond Law, our work comp attorneys want to help 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 your employer and their insurance company for just and fair 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 Kirkwood, MO, at Drummond Law today. Feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.

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

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

No work injury is ever too small, and you shouldn’t 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 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.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible – Inform the doctor that the injury happened while at work and tell them the name of your employer. Also, be sure to follow all of the doctor’s orders for treatment, because failure to do so may jeopardize your claim.
• Obtain ALL copies of present and past healthcare reports – No document is unimportant when it comes to your health and wellness.
• 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.
• Make sure that your employer reports your injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They will review your claim and you will receive either an approval or contest of the claim.
• Contact a qualified work comp attorney in Kirkwood, MO – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.

Our knowledgeable work comp attorneys in Kirkwood 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’ve been injured on the job, Drummond Law can help you get the workmans comp benefits you are entitled to.

Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Kirkwood?

Laws differ depending on state, but in general you are eligible for workers’ compensation if you are considered a legal employee and you have been injured while performing a work-related duty. Statute of limitations do apply, so do not delaying in filing your claim.

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

Most Common Workplace Accidents

Any number of accidents can happen when you are working somewhere for eight hours a day, five days a week. At Drummond Law, we see them every day. Here are the most common kinds of work accidents that are eligible for workmans comp.

• Slips, falls, and trips – This is the number one thing most people imagine when thinking about 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 an injury because the employer should’ve taken acts to prevent this injury, such as fixing broken lights, putting proper safety signs up, non-slip mats, de-icing walkways, etc.
• Contact with an object – This is common in careers that involve heavy machinery, such as construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person may be struck by a swinging, rolling, flying, or falling object causing 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.
• Explosions, fire, electrocution – This can result from faulty electrical outlets, open flames, gas lines, improperly-stored combustible materials, and exposed wiring. Besides the burns these cause, further injuries include internal organ damage, respiratory issues, and in the worst cases, death.
• Vehicular accidents – These involve anyone who was driving while performing a work-related task, people who may drive for a living (such as truck drivers), or anyone who spends time working near other cars on the road or machinery. Whether or not this is considered personal injury or work comp will depend on the facts of your case.
• Overexertion or repetitive stress – If your job involves a lot of holding, throwing, pulling, carrying, pushing, and lifting motions, it can lead to lasting effects such as chronic joint pain, muscle strain, carpal tunnel, lower-back injuries, and more. A worker might be entitled to a workers’ compensation claim because employers should provide protective gear and allow frequent breaks.
• Work-related illness – In many cases, working in an older building may expose you to asbestos which may cause a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma. Other types of toxic, chemical, or illness exposures may be common 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 Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied

Far too many times, employers will shirk their responsibilities when their workers get injured on the job. If this is happening to you, you must file a Claim Petition for Workers’ Compensation benefits in court. Proving your injury or disability is often one of the most onerous aspects of victims’ fights for benefits, so it’s crucial to partner with a Kirkwood work comp attorney throughout this process.

Your work comp attorney will:

• Prove to the courts your injury and need for compensation
• Uncover the ways in which your employer failed to take adequate safety measures or allowed your work environment to become a risk
• Fill out the paperwork on your behalf to petition for benefits
• Ensure that all necessary information is included in the petition
• Represent you in the meditation hearing and trial, if necessary

Get in Touch With Our Work Comp Attorneys in Kirkwood, MO | Contact Drummond Law

We get that being injured on the job and thus not being able to provide for your family is a troubling experience, and that you have the right to be compensated for your troubles. For more than 45 years, Drummond Law has been helping Kirkwood workers get the benefits they deserve after getting hurt on the job. To get in touch with our work comp attorneys in Kirkwood, MO, for a free case discussion, please contact us or call 800-842-0426.