Highly Responsive Law Firm Fights for Injured Workers in Neosho
Reputable attorneys focus on helping Missouri workers obtain the compensation they deserve
Even a minor workplace accident or occupational illness can devastate you and your family members if you’re unable to work. That’s why the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Law requires most employers with five or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. These benefits reimburse eligible workers for lost wages and medical care for injury or illness that arises out of and in the course of employment. At Wood, Cooper & Peterson, we are committed to helping you recover the benefits you’re entitled to under state law. Our lawyers can guide you through the filing process, protect your best interests, and even fight for you in court if necessary to get you the payments you have a right to receive.
Filing for workers’ compensation
If you wish to file a claim, you must notify your employer of your injury as soon as possible. You must also provide notification in writing; failure to do so within 30 days of your injury event could jeopardize your chance to receive benefits. Additionally, the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims in Missouri is two years from the date of injury. Our attorneys can assist you in filing a Claim for Compensation with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation by ensuring forms are filled out clearly and correctly.
Available benefits
Injured workers in Missouri whose employers carry workers’ compensation insurance are entitled to medical benefits as well as:
- Payment for lost wages
- Disability benefits, for temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, permanent partial disability or permanent total disability
- Survivor’s benefits when a work-related injury results in death
If your employer’s insurance company refuses to pay you the benefits you’re entitled to under the law, we have both the skill and experience to fight for your rights.
Resolving your workers’ compensation case
If you are offered a settlement, it is in your best interest to have a lawyer review the agreement before you sign it. In many cases, insurers offer substandard amounts to resolve cases as quickly and affordably as they can.
Our attorneys can review any settlement offers you receive to determine if they appropriately compensate you for lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses. We then negotiate with insurers to come up with a settlement agreement that compensates you fairly. If we can’t negotiate a fair settlement, we are prepared to go to court.
Appealing your workers’ compensation claim
If you are not happy with the final award offered through workers’ comp, you can file an appeal within 20 days of receiving your award. Your first option is to appeal your case with the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Division’s Dispute Management Unit. You may then schedule a mediation session with your employer or its workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
If the mediation fails or your employer fails to agree to it, we can help you file an Application for Review to the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission. If the commission denies your application for review, you may appeal further by filing a Notice of Appeal to the Missouri Court of Appeals. We will stand with you as long as you need our assistance.
Contact a compassionate workers’ compensation law firm
Wood, Cooper & Peterson is devoted to helping injured workers recover compensation in Missouri. Please call 417-355-6749 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation with an attorney at our Neosho office.
