Missouri Workers’ Comp 101:
What You Need to Know If You’re Injured on the Job
Workplace injuries happen when you least expect them. If you’ve been hurt at work in Missouri, you probably have a lot of questions. What are your rights? How do you file a claim? Will your medical bills be covered? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
What is Workers' Compensation?
Workers’ compensation (or "workers’ comp") is insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured on the job.
In Missouri, most employers with five or more employees (or one or more employees in the construction industry) are required to carry workers’ comp insurance.
✔ Covers: Medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and permanent disability.
✔ Doesn’t Cover: Pain and suffering (unlike personal injury claims).
Let's talk through what you need to do if you're injured at work in Missouri.
Step 1: Report Your Injury Immediately
One of the most important steps is reporting your injury as soon as possible.
✔ Deadline:
Missouri law requires you to report your injury within 30 days to your employer. Failure to do so may hurt your chances of receiving benefits.
✔ How to report:
- Tell your supervisor or HR department in writing.
- Include when, where, and how the injury happened.
- Keep a copy for your records.
Step 2: Get Medical Treatment (But Know Who Chooses Your Doctor!)
Workers’ comp covers medical expenses, but your employer (or their insurance company) gets to choose the doctor who treats you.
❌ DON’T: Visit your own doctor unless it’s an emergency—your claim could be denied.
✅ DO: Follow your assigned doctor’s treatment plan to keep benefits flowing.
Step 3: File a Workers’ Comp Claim
After reporting your injury and receiving medical treatment, your employer should file a claim with their insurance company. If they don’t, you may need to file a claim yourself with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation.
📑 Filing Details:
Visit Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation Website
Submit a Claim for Compensation Form (Form WC-21)
Track your claim’s progress
What Benefits Can You Receive?
Missouri workers’ comp provides several types of benefits:
Benefit Type:
What It Covers:
What If Your Claim Is Denied?
Unfortunately, not all claims are approved. Insurance companies often deny claims to save money.
❌ Common reasons for denial:
✔ Missed deadline (not reporting within 30 days)
✔ Employer disputes the injury happened at work
✔ Lack of medical evidence proving the injury
💡 Next Steps If Denied:
Appeal the decision with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Hire a workers’ comp attorney to help fight for your benefits.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
While not required, a workers’ comp lawyer can:
✔ Handle denials and appeals
✔ Negotiate a fair settlement
✔ Fight employer retaliation
A lawyer is especially helpful if:
✔ Your claim was denied
✔ You suffered a serious injury or disability
You’re being pressured to return to work too soon
Final Thoughts: Take Action Today
Getting hurt on the job is stressful, but you don’t have to navigate the system alone. Follow these steps, know your rights, and don’t be afraid to get help if needed.
🚀 Need legal guidance? Contact an experienced Missouri workers’ comp attorney today!
Post Author
Nick Adkins
Attorney at Law and Workers' Comp Expert
Nick has represented Workers’ Compensation Employees since 2013, and he practices out of the Cape Girardeau and Farmington locations. There is nothing more important to Nick than doing a good job for his clients.
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