Workers’ Compensation
Work Comp Attorney in O’Fallon, MO
Work Comp Attorney in O’Fallon, MO. After a hardworking individual suffers an injury while on the job, they shouldn’t have to worry about how they will provide for themselves and their 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 often complex no matter where you live. Any mistake you make could result in your employer or the insurance company denying your claim.
At Drummond Law, our work injury lawyers want to help take you through every aspect of your claim from beginning to end. We can facilitate communication with all parties involved, fill out crucial paperwork on your behalf, and negotiate with the insurance company and your employer for full and fair compensation.
If you’ve been hurt on the job and need assistance with any issues relating to a work comp claim, speak with a work comp attorney in O’Fallon, MO, at Drummond Law now. Feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free document review.
Filing a Work Comp Claim With the Help of a Work Comp Attorney in O’Fallon, MO
Injuries may result from either one single traumatic event (like a machine-related accident, slip and fall, electrocution, etc.) or they can develop over time (such as repetitive stress, toxic exposure, etc.) Both kinds of injuries are equally valid and equally deserving of compensation.
No work injury is ever too small, and you should never brush one aside. The moment you discover a work-related injury, time is quite literally money. You need to explore your options for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Here are the steps below:
- Tell your employer, manager or HR rep 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.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible – Inform the doctor that the injury happened while at work and tell them the name of your employer. Also, be sure to follow all of the physician’s orders for treatment, because failure to do so may jeopardize your claim.
- Keep track of ALL copies of past and present medical reports – No document is unimportant when it comes to your wellbeing and health.
- File an Application for Adjustment of Claim – If you think that your employer may not pay your benefits either now or in the future, file this form.
- Ensure that your employer reports the injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They will look over your claim and you will receive either an approval or denial of the claim.
- Contact a qualified work comp attorney in O’Fallon, MO – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our seasoned work comp attorneys in O’Fallon 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 workers’ comp benefits you need.
Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in O’Fallon?
Laws differ depending on state, but in general you are entitled to workers’ compensation if you’re a legal employee and you have been injured while performing a job-related responsibility. Statute of limitations do apply, so file your claim in a timely manner.
Settlements for work comp claims generally include mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of affection and income, and other costs related to a workplace incident. We are well-acquainted with all the regulations, rules, and laws associated with the often confusing work comp legal process, so give us a call today.
Common 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 kinds of work accidents that qualify for work comp.
- Slips, falls, and trips – This is the number one thing most people think of when they imagine 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’ve 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 can be struck by a swinging, flying, falling, or rolling object resulting in blunt-force trauma. Employers should ensure that all hazards are identified and give their workers proper warnings and gear to protect against them.
- Electrocution, fire, explosion – This can result from exposed wiring, faulty electrical outlets, combustible materials, open flames, and gas lines. Beyond just the burns these cause, the injuries can include internal organ damage, respiratory issues, 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 those who spend their time working near machinery or other cars on the road. Whether or not this is viewed as personal injury or work comp will depend on your specific case.
- Repetitive stress and overexertion – If your job involves a lot of holding, throwing, pulling, carrying, pushing, and lifting motions, it can lead to long-term physical harm including lower-back injuries, chronic joint pain, carpal tunnel, muscle strain, 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 – In many cases, working in an old building may expose you to asbestos which causes a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma. Other types of toxic, chemical, or illness exposures may be common in everything from manufacturing facilities to corporate offices. Whether the onset of the illness took place in a short amount of time or over years, you may still be entitled to a claim.
What to Do If Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied
Far too many times, employers will shirk their responsibilities when their workers get injured on the job. 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 components of victims’ fights for benefits, so it’s vitally important to work with a O’Fallon work comp attorney throughout this process.
A work comp attorney at Drummond Law will:
- Prove to the courts your injury and need for compensation
- Uncover the ways in which your employer failed to take adequate safety measures or allowed your work environment to become a risk
- Submit your petition for benefits
- Gather all necessary information to include in the petition
- Represent you in the meditation hearing and trial, if necessary
Speak to Our Work Comp Attorneys in O’Fallon, 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. For more than 45 years, Drummond Law has been helping O’Fallon workers get the benefits they deserve after getting hurt on the job. To get in touch with our work comp attorneys in O’Fallon, MO, for a free case evaluation, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.