Work can hurt. Occasionally, labor-intensive work can have employees limping off the jobsite or attached to a heating pad over the weekend. Sometimes, things can go very wrong, leaving employees seriously injured.

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is an insurance purchased by the employer to cover injuries incurred in the workplace. Most employers in Missouri, with few exceptions, are required to insure workers if they have five or more employees.

Reacting to an Injury

As soon as you are injured, notify your employer in writing. Include information such as the date, place, time and other details specific to your injury. Failing to do so within 30 days can be detrimental to a prospective lawsuit.

While circumstances will affect the viability of a personal injury lawsuit, every employee has basic rights related to being injured on the job. In most states, these include:

– the right to file a claim for your injury or illness in workers’ compensation court or the state industrial court

– the right to pursue medical treatment

– the right to return to your job once you’re released by a medical provider

– the right to disability compensation, if you are unable to return to work because of your injury or illness, whether permanently or even temporarily

– the right to appeal if you disagree with a decision by your employer, the employer’s insurance company, or the workers’ compensation court

– the right to be represented by a lawyer throughout the process.

Depending on your injury, there are various actions you can take, especially if your employer has knowingly put you in an unsafe situation. For a free consultation regarding your options, call 1 (877) 337-6651.

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising.