Suffering an injury at work can turn your life upside-down. In addition to causing excruciating pain, a workplace injury can also come at a significant financial cost due to medical bills and the inability to work. As employers with five or more workers (and construction industry employers with one or more workers) must carry workers’ compensation insurance, injured employees can receive compensation for their medical expenses as well as wage replacement benefits. How long does that take? It depends.
While receiving a workers’ compensation settlement should be straightforward, the process often becomes complicated and frustrating. Working with an experienced Missouri workers’ compensation attorney can help address your concerns, including confusion about the length of the process and when you can expect to receive your benefits.
Factors That Might Affect the Length of Your Workers’ Compensation Case
Several factors can influence the duration of your workers’ compensation case in Missouri. The complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the willingness of your employer’s insurance company to cooperate can all affect the timeline. If your case is straightforward, with clear evidence of a work-related injury and no disputes from the insurance company, you may receive your benefits relatively quickly. However, if your case is more complex, involving multiple injuries or a dispute over the cause of your condition, the process may take longer.
One factor that may help make your workers’ compensation process more efficient is the involvement of an attorney with significant experience handling workers’ compensation cases in Missouri. Effective legal counsel can help you avoid common pitfalls in workers’ comp cases, avoid delays because of incomplete paperwork, and negotiate assertively with the insurance company.
How Workers’ Compensation Works in Missouri
In Missouri, the workers’ compensation process begins when you report your injury to your employer. You have 30 days to do so, but it’s best to report the incident as soon as possible.
Your employer is then required to file a claim with their insurance company within five days of being notified. The insurer will review your case and decide whether you’re eligiblie for benefits. If approved, you will receive medical treatment and wage replacement benefits.
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. This process can be lengthy, especially if your case goes to a hearing before an administrative law judge. Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side is critical at this stage.
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
Working with an experienced Missouri workers’ compensation attorney can make the process more straightforwared and work hard to get you the benefits you deserve. Your lawyer will collect the available evidence to build a strong claim, communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, and represent you in any hearings or appeals. They’ll explain your rights and options and discuss whether any settlement offers are sufficient to cover your losses. Having a skilled attorney on your side can provide certainty throughout the claims process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Contact Privette Law Offices Today
If you have suffered a workplace injury or illness in Missouri, the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Privette Law Offices can help you secure the benefits you deserve. We understand what a frustrating and anxiety-inducing experience the claims process can be. We have proudly stood up for injured workers’ rights across Southern Missouri for over 40 years, and we are ready to put our experience and knowledge to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.