Category: Blog

An on-the-job injury can lead to costly medical bills and even temporary unemployment. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits can cover the costs of your treatment and support you during such a difficult time.

If you’re filing a worker’s compensation claim, you may be considering hiring legal counsel. Here are some pros and cons to working with a workers’ comp attorney.

Advantages to Hiring a Workers’ Comp Attorney

There are several pros to having an experienced workers’ comp attorney on your side. Your attorney will fight to ensure you get your maximum benefits as quickly as possible by gathering and documenting all evidence and meticulously double-checking all paperwork to make sure nothing is missing. Your trusted attorney will keep you informed throughout the claims process and be available to answer any questions you may have. And while you focus on your recovery, your knowledgeable workers’ comp attorney can also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.

More often than not, claims handled by a workers’ comp attorney result in higher settlements than those filed without. Since they know the claims process and have established relationships with insurance company representatives, your workers’ comp attorney can get you the benefits you deserve.

Why There Are No Disadvantages to Hiring a Workers’ Comp Attorney

Your insurance company or workers’ comp board may try to dissuade you from working with an attorney. Employers may try to say it’s an aggressive or unnecessary step that will delay the claims process and that an attorney will only try to take your money. However, all of these claims are untrue.

In reality, hiring a workers’ comp attorney is standard practice in workman’s compensation cases. Most employers will have legal counsel of their own, so you’re entitled to yours as well. Your attorney will work on your case and handle most of the process, which won’t delay your claim at all.

Additionally, most workers’ comp attorneys operate on a contingency-fee basis; meaning they won’t receive any money until you receive a successful settlement. Furthermore, most lawyers only take a small percentage of your settlement, leaving you with a higher amount than you would’ve had without legal counsel.

Missouri Workers’ Comp Attorney You Can Trust

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for your work-related injury. If you want to learn more about our workers’ compensation legal services or how we handle our cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 to schedule a free consultation.

If you’ve been injured or become ill and can no longer work, temporary disability payments can help supplement your income while you recover. However, waiting for your payment or being unsure of how much disability benefits you’ll receive each month can be a stressful and uneasy time. To put your mind at ease, here is a breakdown of how much you can expect your monthly disability payments to total in the state of Missouri.

Calculating Permanent and Temporary Disability Missouri Payments

The amount of payment you receive is dependent on your level of disability. Missouri disability law classifies disabilities into four categories, each with their own payment amounts. Disability categories include:

• Temporary partial disability: These payments cover 66% of the difference between your previous earnings and the amount you would expect to earn during your time off.
• Permanent partial disability: If you’re granted permanent partial disability, you can expect to receive 66% of your average weekly earnings, capped by a maximum amount.
• Temporary total disability: Like permanent partial disability, these payments cover 66% of your weekly earnings starting on the date of your injury. However, it is based on your gross wages instead of wages after taxes and deductions.
• Permanent total disability: Permanent total disability is calculated at the same rate as temporary total disability. However, it has a much higher maximum amount than the latter.

Receiving Disability Payments in Missouri

There’s a three-day waiting period between the time you are unable to work and when you can first receive a payment. After that, you can expect to receive your disability benefits weekly. However, permanent partial and permanent total disability payments can be granted in a lump-sum settlement.

To receive your disability payments, you’ll need to file a claim and have it approved by the state. However, most claims are initially denied due to a variety of reasons. If you want to receive the benefits you deserve as soon as possible, you should consider hiring legal counsel to ensure the process is smooth, expedited, and stress-free.

Experienced Temporary Disability Missouri Lawyers

If you’re looking for a temporary disability lawyer in Missouri, look no further than the experts at Lanzotti & Rau. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid until you receive your settlement. To learn more about our services and how we handle our disability cases, schedule your free consultation today at 573-335-9300.

If you’re pursuing legal action to receive compensation for an injury you’ve sustained in a stressful and traumatic motorcycle accident, you’ll want experienced legal counsel on your side. Here’s how a motorcycle accident lawyer can help your case.

Benefits of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The trusted motorcycle accident lawyer in your corner will:

• Explain Your Rights

The weeks following a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you are recovering from an injury. You’ll likely have a lot of questions regarding your claim. Luckily, your lawyer can explain your legal rights and inform you on next steps as you prepare to file.

• Provide Expert Legal Advice

A motorcycle accident lawyer will provide you with guidance throughout your claims process. They’ll know all the legal jargon and be able to break everything down so you understand the process every step of the way. As your legal representative, your lawyer will read over any statements or documents before you sign them, and deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on your healing.

• Build Your Case

Motorcycle accident cases require documented evidence to argue the amount of the compensation you are due. This includes medical bills, photos of the scene, police reports, eyewitness testimony, and more. It can be taxing to try and gather such information on your own. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will know exactly what is needed and collect all the evidence necessary to help build a successful case.

• Negotiate a Settlement

Once you receive a potential settlement offer from the insurance company, your lawyer will consult with you to determine if it’s a fair amount. Oftentimes, the initial settlement offer will be significantly lower than what you deserve. Your trusted motorcycle accident lawyer will then negotiate on your behalf to reach a fair settlement for the injuries you’ve sustained.

Reliable Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Missouri

If you’ve been injured as the result of a motorcycle accident, contact the motorcycle accident lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau to pursue legal action to receive compensation. To learn more about our legal services, schedule a free consultation by calling us at 573-335-9300.

Getting in a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience that can dramatically alter the course of your life. If you’ve been the victim of a motorcycle crash, here is how you should respond — both immediately after the accident and in the days and weeks that follow.

4 Must Do Items To Take Care Of When You Get in a Motorcycle Accident

1. Take Care of Yourself

The first thing you’ll want to do after a motorcycle accident is assess the situation. Check yourself for visible injuries including scrapes, bleeding, and broken bones. Regardless of how your injuries seem, call 911. Emergency services will be able to respond quickly to provide police and medical attention. Once they arrive, have them take care of any injuries you’ve sustained. The longer you wait to seek medical care, the more at risk you are for complications and the harder it will be for you to earn fair compensation in your claim.

2. Gather Information

While you wait for emergency services to arrive, take photos of the scene to help show the severity of the accident. You’ll also need to exchange information with the other party if a negligible drive was at fault. You’ll need to know their full name, contact information, and insurance policy, but also document their driver’s license number, license plate number, and what kind of vehicle they drive. If you are able, you may want to obtain witness statements. The police will also ask you to give a statement of your own. All of this information will help your case when you file an insurance claim after the accident.

3. File Your Claim

You’ll need to notify your insurance provider of the accident as soon as you can. If you want to cover your losses, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance provider. You may also want to file a claim with the driver at fault.

4. Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Once you file a claim, you’re fighting an uphill battle against insurance companies who don’t want to give you the benefits you deserve. The claims process can be long and confusing, especially if you don’t have an expert on your side. That’s why you’ll want to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to represent your best interests and help you navigate the claims process.

Experienced Missouri Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Missouri, contact the lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers will fight on your behalf to pursue legal action and win you the compensation you are due.

To learn more about our legal services or how we handle our motorcycle accident cases, call us today to schedule a free consultation at 573-335-9300.

Work-related injuries can leave you suffering in pain and out of a job for months. While workers’ compensation benefits can help while you’re recovering, you may need additional benefits to take care of any long-term treatment. That’s where Medicare can help.

What Can Medicare Cover?

Medicare and Medicaid are federal programs that provide healthcare to many Americans. While these programs cover medical bills, there are some issues when it comes to workers’ compensation. Federal laws have established that Medicare and Medicaid aren’t supposed to cover costs that your employer should be providing. Medicare will pay medical bills after a certain period if your employer’s insurance won’t, but it’s done only on certain conditions.

Although this may seem like a complicated process, it’s to ensure that Medicare isn’t being “double-dipped” both during and after your recovery. However, you can file a Medicare Set-Aside Arrangement (MSA), to cover any future costs.

Medicare Set-Aside Arrangement

While there are no Medicare workers compensation benefits, MSAs can be beneficial for your long-term recovery. During your recovery process, your employer’s insurance will estimate the future cost of your recovery. After receiving that estimate, they’ll work with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to approve these funds. An MSA can be a lump-sum payment, or it can be yearly payments for a set amount of time. The funds will either come from the employee or a medical management company. After your MSA is approed, Medicare will begin covering your long-term recovery from an on-the-job injury.

Rely on Trusted Legal Services to Gain Your Medicaid Workers Compensation

The process of settling your Medicare Set-Aside Arrangement can be long and complicated. If you don’t have a legal expert on your side, you’ll be spending time you should be using to recover fighting with insurance companies. Instead of trying to navigate a workers’ compensation claim alone, contact an attorney to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for your work-related injury. If you want to learn more about our workers’ compensation legal services or how we handle our cases, call us today to schedule a free consultation at 573-335-9300.

If you’ve been injured or are suffering from an illness and are unable to work, you may qualify for temporary disability in Missouri. This state-run program provides monthly payments to help cover medical bills and other expenses until you’re back on your feet. Here’s how you can apply for these short term disability Missouri benefits.

Temporary Disability in Missouri Requirements

Temporary disability payments can provide you with while you recover and get back on the job. Some of the requirements for qualification include:

• You must have suffered an injury or illness on the job that leaves you unable to work, even in a modified capacity
• You must have worked at least 20 hours in the month before the incident
• You must be able to return to work within a year

Additionally, there are some restrictions on temporary disability benefits. Some of the exclusions state:

• You cannot already receive Social Security Disability benefits, long-term disability payments, or compensation for unemployment.
• You cannot receive workers’ compensation in addition to your temporary disability

Applying for Short-Term Disability in Missouri

The temporary disability program in Missouri is processed with the Social Security Administration. In your application, you’ll explain the injury or illness that has left you unable to work. You’ll also want to provide evidence that you need financial support, including medical bills or other finances. The more evidence you have, the more likely you’ll be approved for the program.

Hiring a Social Security Lawyer

While the temporary disability process may seem simple, it can quickly get complicated. Most temporary disability claims are initially denied, meaning you’ll have to go through an appeals process. If you don’t know the ins and outs of disability law, there’s a chance you won’t receive the payment you deserve. That’s why it’s a good idea to have legal representation throughout your case. An experienced Social Security lawyer will be able to put their expertise to use and get you your maximum benefits as quickly as possible.

Short-Term Disability Missouri Experts

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for your disability. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. To learn more about our legal services, schedule a free consultation today at 573-335-9300.

If you’re facing a child custody case in Missouri, you may have had a Guardian ad Litem assigned to your child. These attorneys are a crucial part of family court. Here’s what a Guardian ad Litem does for your case.

What Is a Guardian ad Litem?

In Missouri, a Guardian ad Litem is assigned to every child custody case. They are there to determine what is best for the child. Though they’re assigned to your child, the Guardian ad Litem is not their lawyer. They don’t have to keep communication confidential, and they don’t have to follow the child’s preferences. Instead, they investigate the case from the child’s perspective and recommend solutions to the judge. They also ensure the child is well-informed and understands each court proceeding.

Guardian ad Litem Missouri Duties

The Guardian ad Litem must handle several responsibilities throughout the child custody case. They’ll conduct several face-to-face interviews with the child to determine their development and well-being. The Guardian ad Litem can also interview parents and any other adults that contribute to the welfare of the child. They have access to evidence throughout the case and can examine, cross-examine, subpoena witnesses, and offer testimony in court. During the negotiation phase, the Guardian ad Litem can participate when appropriate to advocate for the child’s needs.

A Guardian ad Litem Missouri professional will work with the child until the parents come to an agreement or the judge decides the Missouri family court case, including during the appeals process. The Guardian ad Litem will also make sure any court orders are complied with to ensure the child has the best care possible.

Your Missouri Family Court Experts

Family law cases can be an emotional process for everyone involved. Fortunately, the lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau are here to help. Our legal experts can help you pursue legal action to receive a favorable outcome in your child custody case. If you want to learn more about how we handle our cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 to schedule a free consultation.

Injuries that leave you temporarily unable to work are not only stressful but can result in a mountain of medical bills and debt. Fortunately, you may qualify for short-term disability payments to help make up for lost wages. Here are the eligibility requirements for temporary total disability benefits in Missouri.

Short-Term Disability Missouri Requirements

Temporary disability benefits are provided for as long as you need to recover. Some of the requirements of temporary total disability include:

1. You must have suffered an injury or illness that leaves you unable to work in any capacity.
2. You must have worked at least 20 hours in the month prior to your injury or illness.
3. You must be able to return to work within 12 months.

It’s important to file your claim for short-term disability as soon as possible. You can be reimbursed as soon as your claim is approved. To make sure you receive your payments on time, you may consider hiring a short-term disability Missouri lawyer to review your claim.

Hiring a Disability Attorney

Unfortunately, filing for disability is a slow and complicated process that leads to the majority of initial claims being denied. This means your cause will need to be appealed and heard by an administrative law judge. If your case is headed to a hearing, you’ll want an experienced professional who knows the ins and outs of disability law. Hiring an attorney could be the difference between a win and a loss in court.

Affording a Disability Attorney

Many people don’t hire lawyers because they think it’ll be too expensive. However, that’s not the case. Most law firms, including the legal professionals at Lanzotti & Rau, operate on a contingency fee basis. This means our fees are taken from the settlement, and you owe nothing unless you win.

Missouri’s Reliable Short-Term Disability Experts

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau have a proven track record on disability cases and can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation. If you want to learn more about our legal services or how we handle our cases, schedule a free consultation by calling 573-335-9300.

Car accidents are troublesome for every party involved. Even minor accidents can lead to serious injuries, and the legal proceedings can take months. However, your troubles may increase if you were at fault for a car accident. Here is why it is a good idea to seek legal representation by hiring a car accident lawyer to help you navigate the fallout from your at-fault Missouri car accident.

Missouri Car Accident Law

Each state handles their insurance requirements for car accidents differently. Missouri is an at-fault state, which means it requires a minimum amount of liability coverage in auto policies. This coverage will pay medical expenses and damages if you’re injured. Missouri is also a comparative fault state, which means fault is shared between drivers. A jury will decide which percentage of fault each driver is responsible for, and each party will pay damages respective to their percent. For example, if someone is 30% at fault, compensation is reduced by that same amount.

Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

It’s always best to hire a car accident lawyer if you’re at fault because claims can be a long and confusing process. A jury may try to put you at more fault than you deserve and insurance companies will have an experienced legal team to protect their interests over yours. This could leave you without the compensation or defense you deserve.

Experienced Missouri car accident lawyers, however, will be able to fight against the insurance companies to help you receive a favorable outcome. They can represent your best interests and provide advice on the right steps to take.

A good attorney will understand Missouri car accident law, including comparative fault, and have the resources to strengthen your claim to reduce your fault. They can help maximize your claim and ensure your insurance company pays you what you’re owed.

Missouri Car Accident Lawyers You Can Trust

If you’ve been at fault for a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact the legal professionals at Lanzotti & Rau. Our team of experts can provide you with legal protection and even pursue legal action to help you receive compensation. To learn more about our car accident legal services, schedule a free consultation by calling 573-335-9300.

 

Personal injuries, such as slip-and-falls, medical malpractice incidents, or car accidents can cause you tremendous pain and suffering. While you may think about settling with the involved insurance companies out of court, they might not be willing to give you what you deserve.

When negotiations fall through, you’ll be glad to have a team of personal injury lawyers on your side to help when your personal injury claim goes to court.

Taking a Personal Injury Claim to Court

It’s better to wait to file until you’ve fully recovered from your injuries and reached your medical maximum improvement so you know what your settlement amount should be. Once you’ve filed your claim, don’t expect it to be heard in court until one to two years after you file. This accounts for the time it takes to try and negotiate a settlement as well as any pretrial motions.

Navigating the Discovery Phase with Personal Injury Lawyers

Once you’ve made it to court, your case will start with the discovery phase. This is where both sides will look at your claim and gather as much evidence as possible. You may be called up to discuss the accident as well as any injuries you’ve sustained. Depending on how much evidence there is, the discovery phase can last anywhere from a few weeks to a year. However, your personal injury lawyers will continue fighting for your case and update you on proceedings during this time.

Personal Injury Claim Deliberations and Verdicts

Once both sides have decided they have enough evidence, they’ll present the case to a judge and jury. It can take a few days or weeks for both sides to present. After that, the jury will deliberate and reach a verdict. After that, it can take up to a month to receive your benefits if you win the case.

Personal injury claims can be a complicated and lengthy process, but you don’t have to go it alone. A good personal injury lawyer won’t settle for anything less than what you deserve and will fight to ensure you win your case if it goes to court. If you’ve suffered a personal injury, call the legal experts at Lanzotti & Rau.

Southeastern Missouri’s Dedicated Personal Injury Lawyers

The personal injury lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for your injury. To learn more about our personal injury legal services or schedule a consultation, call us today at 573-335-9300.