Workers’ Compensation
Work Comp Attorney in Clayton, MO
Work Comp Attorney in Clayton, MO. When an illness or injury occurs while at work, you have every right to seek compensation so that you can continue to provide for you and your family|If you ever get hurt on the job, it’s your right to seek compensation so that you can continue to keep the lights on and put food on the table for you and your family; however, the workers’ compensation process is complex no matter where you live. Any misstep you take could result in your employer or the insurance company denying your claim.
At Drummond Law, our work injury lawyers want to help guide you through the process from start to finish. We can fill out crucial paperwork on your behalf, facilitate communication with all parties involved, and negotiate with your employer and their insurance company for fair and just compensation.
If you’ve been hurt on the job and need assistance with any issues relating to a work comp claim, talk to a work comp attorney in Clayton, MO, at Drummond Law today. Do not hesitate to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim With the Help of a Work Comp Attorney in Clayton, MO
Injuries may result from either one single traumatic event (like a slip and fall, electrocution, machine-related accident, etc.) or they can develop over time (such as repetitive stress, toxic exposure, etc.) Both kinds of injuries are equally valid and equally meriting of compensation.
No work injury is ever too minor, and you should never take them lightly. As soon as you find out about an injury that was caused by a job-related duty, there is no time to waste. You need to explore your options for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Here are several important steps to take:
- Notify your manager, HR representative, or employer about the injury – You should also insist they fill out an accident report as soon as possible. Furthermore, it is good practice to give them a written notice within 45 days of the incident detailing the date of the accident and a short description of the injury.
- Get medical attention as soon as you can – Tell the doctor that your injury is work-related, and give him or her the name of your employer. Once you leave the treatment center, be sure to follow your physician’s instructions for medical treatment; failure to do so could hurt your claim.
- Obtain ALL copies of past and present healthcare reports – No piece of information is unimportant when it comes to your health and wellbeing.
- File an Application for Adjustment of Claim – If you anticipate that your employer may need to be forced to pay for your benefits now and into the future, you should file this form.
- Ensure that your employer reports the injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They’ll look over your claim and you will receive either an approval or denial of the claim.
- Get in touch with a qualified work comp attorney in Clayton, MO – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our experienced work comp attorneys in Clayton listen to you and believe that your injuries are valid. We will take some of the load off of your shoulders during a time that is no doubt stressful enough. If you have been injured on the job, Drummond Law can help you get the work comp benefits you are entitled to.
Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Clayton?
The laws vary by state, but generally you are eligible for workers’ compensation if you are considered a legal employee and you have been hurt while performing a job-related task. Statute of limitations do apply, so file your claim in a timely manner.
Settlements for work comp claims usually include medical bills, loss of affection and income, mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, pain and suffering, and other costs related to a workplace accident. We are well-acquainted with all the laws, regulations, and rules associated with the often confusing work comp legal process, so contact us to learn more now.
Types of Work Injuries
No matter how relatively safe a place may be, an accident can happen anywhere. At Drummond Law, we see them every day. Here are the most common types of workplace accidents that qualify for workers’ compensation.
- Falls, slips, and trips – This is the number one thing most people imagine when thinking about a workplace accident. Injuries can result from spills, debris in walkways, poor lighting, oily surfaces, ice, and uneven walking surfaces. You are entitled to workmans comp if you sustained one of these injuries because the employer should have taken measures to prevent this injury, such as putting proper safety signs in place, non-slip mats, de-icing walkways, fixing broken lights, etc.
- Getting struck by an object – This is common in physically-demanding environments with lots of machinery, such as manufacturing, construction, and farming. A person may be struck by a flying, rolling, falling, or swinging object causing blunt-force trauma. The employer should cover this type of work injury because they had a duty to properly train employees, supply appropriate protective gear, post signs of imminent danger, etc.
- Explosions, fire, electrocution – This can be caused by exposed wiring, faulty electrical outlets, gas lines, combustible materials, and open flames. Beyond just the burns these cause, the injuries can include respiratory issues, internal damage, and in the worst cases, death.
- Vehicle-related accidents – These involve anyone who was driving while performing a work-related task, people who may drive for a living (such as truck drivers), or anyone who spends time working near machinery or other cars on the road. Whether or not this is considered personal injury or work comp will depend on your specific case.
- Overexertion or repetitive stress – If your job involves a lot of throwing, lifting, carrying, pulling, holding, and pushing motions, it can lead to long-term physical harm such as chronic joint pain, muscle strain, carpal tunnel, lower-back injuries, and more. A worker may be entitled to a workers’ compensation claim because employers should provide protective gear and allow frequent breaks.
- Work-related illness – For example, working in an older building may expose you to asbestos which causes a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma. Other types of illness, chemical, or toxic exposures may be common in everything from corporate offices to manufacturing plants. Whether the onset of the illness took place over the years or in a shortened period of time, you may still be entitled to a claim.
What to Do If Your Work Comp Claim Is Denied
Countless employers and their insurers attempt to escape responsibility for injuries that their employees suffer at the workplace. If this is happening to you, you must file a Claim Petition for Workers’ Compensation benefits in court. Proving your disability or injury is often one of the most onerous parts of fighting for the benefits you are entitled to, so it’s critical to work with a Clayton work comp attorney throughout this process.
Your work comp attorney will:
- Prove to the courts your injury and need for compensation
- Investigate the ways in which your employer may have acted with negligence causing your workplace injury
- File all paperwork on your behalf
- Ensure that all necessary information is included in the petition
- Represent you in the meditation hearing and trial, if necessary
Speak to Our Work Comp Attorneys in Clayton, MO | Contact Drummond Law
We understand how stressful it can be if you are injured on the job and cannot work and adequately provide for your family. Since our founding, our mission at Drummond Law has been to help people in Clayton get the help they need. To speak to our work comp attorneys in Clayton, MO, for a free case review, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.