Whenever there are any complex issues in your case, the wisest decision is to consult with a Joplin workers compensation lawyer. For example, if your employer denies your claim or you do not receive the benefits you believe you are entitled, then an attorney should get involved. Almost 80% of employees who are injured on the job do not file an appeal if their claim is denied. Consulting a workers’ compensation attorney provides you with the best chance of receiving a fair settlement for your injuries. But, how long do you have to file your claim?

Be sure to report your injury within the time required

One mistake you can make when it comes to Worker’s Comp claims is confusing the need to report your injury with actually filing a worker’s comp claim.  If you fail to report your injury or delay in reporting your injury, you may be abandoning your claim.  Under Missouri workers compensation law, you are required to report your on-the-job injury within 30 days of its occurrence. If you are not sure how to calculate this time, discuss it with a Joplin workers compensation lawyer.
Your notice should be in writing and should include the date, time and place of your injury.  The notice typically needs to be delivered to your supervisor or another appropriate officer of your employer. Your notice should also describe the nature and severity of the injury.  Keep in mind that failure to report your work-related injury within that 30-day period could result in losing your rights to workers’ compensation benefits.

You must timely file your worker’s compensation claim

Once again, reporting your injury to your employer is not the same as filing a workers’ compensation claim.  Generally speaking, a workers’ compensation claim must be filed within 2 years of the date of the injury.  There are a few exceptions where that deadline can be extended.  However, it is never wise to delay filing your claim because you risk waiving your right to benefits.  Regardless, if you were treated for a work-related injury within the last three years and you have not yet received a lump sum settlement, then you should seek the advice of a Joplin workers compensation lawyer as soon as possible in order to protect your rights.

What is the purpose of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

The purpose of a Workers’ Compensation claim is to ensure that employees who become injured on the job can be reimbursed for those injuries, without having to resort to the courts. The way the system works is that the injured employee receives compensation for the work-related injuries and agrees not to file a legal action against the employer. The employee is not required to prove negligence or liability in order to be compensated for his injuries; making it essentially a no-fault system.

Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive remedy available

Before this system was put into place, an employee’s only remedy was to file a lawsuit, which required proof of damages. Now, nearly all employees are automatically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Likewise, the employer is automatically protected from lawsuits based on the employee’s injury.  Basically, Worker’s Compensation benefits are meant to be a substitute for filing a lawsuit against the employer. In other words, if you accept workers’ compensation benefits, you waive your right to file a lawsuit.

Can I still sue my employer after filing a claim?

If you are not covered by workers’ compensation laws, meaning you are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, you can bring a civil claim against your employer for your injuries. Also, if the injuries you sustained at work were the result of someone’s intentional conduct, you may be able to bring an action. Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you may also have claims against someone other than your employer. Ask our Joplin workers compensation lawyer about your potential claims.

Deciding whether to settle your workers’ comp claim

In some cases, an employer will offer to settle a workers’ comp claim for an amount that does not actually cover your lost wages and your medical bills. If you are concerned that the settlement offer your employer made is not sufficient, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney. It is not always good to simply allow the Workers’ Comp judge to determine whether the settlement is fair because they typically approve the agreement as long as it isn’t unfair.
If you have questions regarding deadlines or any other workers compensation matters in Arkansas or Missouri, please contact the Cottrell Law Office for a free consultation. You can contact us either online or by calling us toll-free at (888) 433-4861.

Author Photo

Wesley Cottrell

Wes Cottrell earned his B.A. from Pittsburg State University in 1981 and his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas in 1985. He was admitted to practice law in Kansas in 1986, in Missouri in 1987, in Arkansas in 1989, and Oklahoma in 1993. He is licensed to practice law in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, eastern Arkansas, western Arkansas, and western Missouri. He was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Crawford County, Kansas from 1987-1989.

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