The aftermath of a work-related injury can leave you feeling lost, confused, and unable to work while you recover. Workers’ compensation is available to help cover your medical bills and loss of income during this time. However, you may not receive those benefits if you wait too long to report and file your work injury claim. Here’s when you should begin the process of your workers’ compensation claim.
Missouri’s Work Injury Statute of Limitations
There are two deadlines you can’t miss in order to receive workers’ compensation in Missouri. The first report you have to make is to your employer which must be made in writing within 30 days of being injured or discovering an injury. Make sure to follow any company guidelines, and be thorough in your report. After you’ve given your work injury notice, your employer will contact the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). From there, the DWC will provide information on your compensation.
If your claim is denied or you don’t receive benefits, you must then file directly with the DWC within two years of your injury date. You get an additional year to report if you discover your employer never contacted the DWC. It’s important to remember these statutes of limitations because claims often get denied initially. In order to receive the benefits you deserve, you may have to take additional steps.
Hiring an Attorney to Fight for Your Work Injury Claim
A workers’ compensation claim can be a tasking process that is difficult to navigate alone. Instead of resting and healing, you’ll have to spend unnecessary time learning legal jargon and jumping through hoops to fight for your due compensation. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will know the process and can help you stay on track to receive maximum benefits in a minimum amount of time.
Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Missouri
If you’ve experienced a work injury in Missouri, you’ll want the legal experts at Lanzotti & Rau on your side. Our team of expert workers’ compensation lawyers are ready to pursue legal action to receive compensation for your on-the-job injury. To learn more about how we handle our work injury cases, call Lanzotti & Rau today at 573-335-9300 and schedule a free consultation.