St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorneys

Have you been hurt on the job in St. Louis? The OnderLaw team helps injured workers get the benefits they need. Our St. Louis workers compensation attorneys know how to file a workers compensation claim that gets results. We fight for your rights when you’re dealing with workplace injuries and mounting medical bills.

Why Choose Our St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorneys?

When you’re hurt at work, you need a workers comp lawyer who knows how to help. At OnderLaw, we offer:

  • Real Results: We’ve won billions for injured workers across Missouri
  • True Experience: Our team knows how to file a workers compensation claim properly
  • Caring Support: We treat you like family during this tough time
  • No Win, No Fee: You pay nothing until we win your case

St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorneys

Workers Compensation Benefits You Can Get in Missouri

Missouri law says most employers with five or more workers must have workers compensation insurance. Construction companies need it with just one worker. These benefits help injured workers by paying for:

Medical Care for Work Injuries

When you report your work injury, you can get medical care at no cost to you. Workers compensation covers:

  • Hospital and emergency room bills
  • Surgery and doctor visits
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription drugs
  • Medical equipment
  • Mental health treatment

Many injured workers worry about medical bills after a workplace accident. Workers compensation should pay these costs in full when you file a workers compensation claim correctly.

Lost Wages When You Can’t Work

If your work injury keeps you from doing your job, you can get money to replace your lost wages:

  • Temporary Total Disability: If you can’t work at all while healing, you get about 2/3 of your normal pay.
  • Temporary Partial Disability: If you can work some hours or lighter duties, you get 2/3 of the difference between your old and new pay.
  • Permanent Partial Disability: Money for lasting injuries that limit your work abilities.
  • Permanent Total Disability: Long-term payments if you can never work again due to your injury.

Work Injuries Our St. Louis Attorneys Help With

Our workers comp lawyers help people with all types of work-related injuries, including:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Broken bones
  • Head injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Burns
  • Repetitive motion injuries
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Work-related illnesses
  • Breathing problems from toxic exposure
  • Hearing damage
  • Workplace cancer
  • Stress and anxiety disorders

Many of these injuries need ongoing medical treatment. Our St. Louis workers compensation attorney team helps make sure your medical bills get paid and you receive proper care.

How Workplace Accidents Happen in St. Louis

Work injuries happen in many ways. The most common causes we see include:

  • Slips, trips, and falls on wet or uneven floors
  • Falls from ladders, roofs, or scaffolding
  • Objects falling on workers
  • Machine accidents
  • Car crashes while driving for work
  • Injuries from doing the same motion over and over
  • Strains from lifting heavy items
  • Contact with harmful chemicals
  • Fights or attacks at work

These workplace accidents often lead to serious injuries that require medical care and time off work. When this happens, you need to file a workers compensation claim with help from an experienced attorney.

What To Do After You Get Hurt at Work

If you’re injured on the job in St. Louis, take these steps right away:

  1. Tell your boss about your injury: Missouri law gives you 30 days to report your injury, but it’s best to do it right away.
  2. Get medical care: See a doctor your employer approves. If you see your own doctor, workers comp might not pay your medical bills.
  3. Keep records: Save all paperwork about your injury, doctor visits, and how your injury affects your daily life.
  4. File a workers compensation claim: Fill out the proper forms on time. Your employer should provide these forms.
  5. Call a St. Louis workers compensation attorney: Having a lawyer greatly improves your chances of getting fair benefits.

Most injured workers don’t know their rights. Insurance companies take advantage of this by denying claims or offering less money than you deserve. Our workers comp lawyers level the playing field.

How We Handle Your Workers Comp Case

Our St. Louis workers compensation attorneys guide you through the entire process:

  1. Full Investigation: We gather evidence including medical records, witness statements, and accident reports to build your case.
  2. Medical Proof: We work with your doctors to document your injuries properly and connect them to your work accident.
  3. Expert Help: When needed, we bring in medical and job experts to show how your injury limits your ability to work.
  4. Benefit Review: We calculate exactly what your claim is worth, including all medical bills and lost wages.
  5. Strong Negotiation: Our team stands up to insurance companies to get you the maximum benefits.
  6. Appeals Support: If your claim is denied, we fight for you through every step of the appeals process.

Many workers try to file a workers compensation claim on their own, only to face denial or delayed payments. Our experienced attorneys know the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying injured workers.

St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorneys in Missouri Onderlaw

Missouri Workers Compensation Laws You Should Know

Understanding your rights under Missouri workers compensation laws helps you get the benefits you deserve:

  • Companies with five or more workers must have workers compensation insurance
  • Construction companies need coverage even with just one worker
  • You have two years from your injury date to file a workers compensation claim
  • Your injury must happen while doing your job to qualify
  • Workers compensation is “no-fault” – you can get benefits even if the accident was partly your fault
  • Your employer chooses your doctor for work-related injuries
  • You can get a second medical opinion, but you may need to pay for it
  • Employers cannot fire you for filing a workers compensation claim

Missouri workers compensation laws can be confusing. Insurance companies use this confusion to deny valid claims. Our St. Louis workers compensation attorney team knows every aspect of these laws and will fight for your rights.

Third-Party Claims for Work Injuries

Workers compensation stops you from suing your employer, but you can still file a lawsuit against other parties who caused your injury. This is called a “third-party claim.” These might be against:

  • Companies that make faulty equipment
  • Other contractors working at your job site
  • Property owners who didn’t fix dangerous conditions
  • Drivers who hit you while you were working

A third-party lawsuit lets you seek more money than just workers compensation benefits. Unlike workers comp, these lawsuits can pay for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Full lost wages (not just 2/3)
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Punitive damages in some cases

Many injured workers don’t realize they have this option. Our attorneys look at every case carefully to find all possible sources of compensation in a settlement that works for you. We help you file a workers compensation claim AND pursue third-party claims when available to maximize your recovery.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Workers Compensation Claims

Many injured workers make mistakes that damage their chances of getting full benefits:Workers Compensation Appeals

  • Waiting too long to report the injury: Always report workplace accidents right away, even if the injury seems minor at first.
  • Not following doctor’s orders: Skipping appointments or ignoring medical advice can give the insurance company a reason to deny your claim.
  • Returning to work too soon: Going back before you’re fully healed can worsen your injury and reduce your benefits.
  • Posting on social media: Insurance companies check your online posts for evidence to use against your claim.
  • Giving recorded statements: Never give a recorded statement to the insurance company without talking to a lawyer first.
  • Not getting legal help: The workers compensation system favors employers and insurance companies, not injured workers.

Our St. Louis workers compensation attorney team prevents these mistakes and protects your right to full benefits.

Workers Compensation for Specific Industries

Different jobs come with different risks. Our attorneys have experience with workers compensation claims in many industries:

Construction Workers

Construction sites have some of the highest injury rates. Common injuries include falls, being struck by objects, electrocutions, and getting caught between equipment. We help construction workers get benefits for both immediate injuries and long-term problems like back pain.

Healthcare Workers

Nurses, aides, and other healthcare workers face injuries from lifting patients, needle sticks, workplace violence, and exposure to diseases. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges healthcare workers face when filing workers compensation claims.

Factory and Manufacturing Workers

Factory workers risk injuries from machinery, repetitive motions, toxic exposure, and falls. We’ve helped many manufacturing employees recover benefits for both sudden injuries and conditions that develop over time.

Office Workers

Even office jobs can lead to serious injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, back problems from poor ergonomics, and slip and fall accidents. Don’t let anyone tell you your office injury isn’t “serious enough” for workers compensation.

St. Louis Workers Compensation Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a workers compensation claim in Missouri?

In Missouri, you must report your work injury to your employer within 30 days. However, you have up to two years from the date of your injury to file a workers compensation claim. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to benefits, so it's best to report injuries immediately and contact a St. Louis workers compensation attorney as soon as possible.

Can I choose my own doctor for a work-related injury?

In Missouri, your employer and their insurance company generally have the right to select the doctor who will treat your work injuries. If you see your own doctor without approval, workers compensation may not cover your medical bills. However, our workers comp lawyers can sometimes negotiate for a second opinion or a change of doctor if you're receiving inadequate care.

What benefits can I receive through workers compensation?

Workers compensation in Missouri typically provides benefits for medical treatment, temporary disability payments (about 2/3 of your average weekly wage), permanent partial disability payments for lasting injuries, and permanent total disability benefits if you can never return to work. In fatal workplace accident cases, death benefits may be available to surviving family members.

What should I do if my workers compensation claim is denied?

If your claim is denied, don't give up. Many legitimate claims are initially denied but later approved on appeal. Contact our St. Louis workers compensation attorneys immediately. We can help you file an appeal with the Division of Workers' Compensation, gather additional evidence to support your claim, and represent you at hearings to fight for the benefits you deserve.

Can I be fired for filing a workers compensation claim?

No. Missouri law specifically prohibits employers from firing or discriminating against employees for filing workers compensation claims. This would be considered retaliation and is illegal. If you believe you've been fired or faced negative consequences at work because you filed a claim for work-related injuries, contact our attorneys right away to discuss your legal options for a potential wrongful termination case.