Workers’ Compensation Claim Eligibility in Columbia

An injury on the job can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Along with dealing with a painful injury, you may also be worried about how you will support yourself and your family if you are unable to work. Adding to the stress of the situation is having to deal with the workers’ compensation system to ensure that you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.

In Missouri, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that provides benefits to employees who sustain work-related injuries. This means that regardless of who is at fault for the accident, the injured worker is eligible for benefits. An employee also does not have to prove that their employer was at fault for their injury in order to receive benefits. There are, however, certain eligibility requirements that must be met to receive workers’ compensation benefits in Columbia.

Eligibility Requirements for Workers’ Compensation Claims in Columbia

The injury must be sustained on the job

To be eligible for workers’ compensation in Columbia, MO, the first and most important factor is that the injury must have been sustained while you were performing your job duties. This means that if you were injured while doing something for your job, or if you were injured on the job site, you are likely eligible for benefits. This can be difficult to prove if there are no witnesses to the accident or if it occurs over a period of time, such as with a repetitive motion injury. However, if you can show that your injury is directly related to your job, you should be eligible for benefits.

The injury must be reported to your employer

To receive workers’ compensation benefits, you must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Missouri law requires that you notify your employer of your injury within 30 days to receive benefits. If you do not notify your employer within this time frame, you may be ineligible for benefits.

You must see a doctor for your injury

A third important factor to determining eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits is that you must seek medical treatment for your injury. You can see your own doctor if you have one, but you must also notify your employer of the injury and give them the opportunity to select a doctor for you. If you do not seek medical treatment, you will not be eligible for benefits.

You must be able to prove your injury

To receive workers’ compensation benefits, you must also be able to prove that your injury is work-related. This means that you will need to provide medical records and other documentation showing that your injury is directly related to your job. If you are unable to prove that your injury is work-related, you will not be eligible for benefits.

What if Your Employer Does Not Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

In Missouri, it is mandatory for most employers with five or more employees to have workers’ compensation insurance. Construction industry employers must carry the coverage if they have one or more employees. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as railroad, postal, and maritime workers, who are covered under federal laws.

If your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance and you are injured on the job, you may still be able to receive benefits through the Missouri Second Injury Fund. This fund was created to provide benefits to workers who have sustained a second work-related injury that has left them unable to work.

In order to be eligible for benefits from the Missouri Second Injury Fund, you must first prove that your employer did not have workers’ compensation insurance at the time of your accident. You will also need to prove that your injury is a direct result of your job and that you are unable to work because of your injury. If you can meet these requirements, you may be eligible for benefits from the Missouri Second Injury Fund.

If you meet all the eligibility requirements for workers’ compensation in Columbia, MO, you should be able to receive benefits for your work-related injury. Workers’ compensation benefits can help you to pay for your medical expenses and lost wages while you are unable to work.

Contact Us Today to Speak with a Lawyer About Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Eligibility

If you have been injured on the job, it is important to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure that you take the proper steps so that you are eligible for the benefits to which you are entitled. Our skilled workers’ compensation lawyers will work with you to gather the necessary evidence to prove your injuries are work-related and that you meet all the eligibility requirements for workers’ compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.