Workers’ Compensation
Work Comp Attorney in Sikeston, MO
Work Comp Attorney in Sikeston, MO. When unsafe work conditions result in an illness or a work injury, it’s within your rights to seek the benefits necessary to cover providing for yourself 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 complicated no matter what part of the country you call home. Any error you make could result in your employer or the insurance company denying your claim.
At Drummond Law, our work injury lawyers will guide you through the process from start to finish. We can facilitate communication with all parties involved, fill out crucial paperwork on your behalf, and negotiate with your employer and their insurance company for just and fair compensation.
For help filing for workers’ compensation or any other issues regarding your claim, talk to a work comp attorney in Sikeston, MO, at Drummond Law now. Do not hesitate to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free document review.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim With the Help of a Work Comp Attorney in Sikeston, MO
Injuries may result from either one single traumatic event (such as a machine-related accident, slip and fall, electrocution, etc.) or they can occur over time (such as repetitive trauma, toxic exposure, etc.) Both kinds of injuries are equally valid and equally meriting of compensation.
No work injury is ever too minor, and you shouldn’t brush one aside. As soon as you are injured at work, time is of the essence. You need to explore your options for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Here are the steps below:
- Inform 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.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible – 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.
- Hold on to ALL copies of past and present medical records – No document is unimportant when it comes to your health and wellness.
- File an Application for Adjustment of Claim – If you feel your employer may resist paying for your treatments now or in the future, you will want to file this form.
- Make sure that your employer reports your 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 an experienced work comp attorney in Sikeston, MO – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our experienced work comp attorneys in Sikeston listen to you and know 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’ve been injured on the job, Drummond Law can help you get the workers’ comp benefits you are entitled to.
Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Sikeston?
The laws vary by state, but generally you are entitled to workers’ compensation if you are considered 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 usually include medical bills, loss of affection and income, mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, pain and suffering, and other costs related to a workplace incident. We’re well-acquainted with all the laws, regulations, and rules associated with the often muddled work comp legal process, so give us a call today.
Most Common Work Injuries
Even if you work in a small operation or an office-setting, a workplace accident can happen anywhere, anytime. At Drummond Law, we see them every day. Here are the most common kinds of workplace accidents that are eligible for workers’ compensation.
- Slips, falls, 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 a work comp claim if you suffered one of these injuries because the employer should have taken measures to prevent this injury, such as fixing broken lights, non-slip mats, proper safety signage, de-icing walkways, etc.
- Contact with an object – This is common in physically-demanding environments with lots of machinery, including construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person can be hit 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.
- Explosions, fire, electrocution – This can be caused by faulty electrical outlets, open flames, gas lines, improperly-stored combustible materials, and exposed wiring. Besides the burns these cause, further injuries 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 anyone who spends time working near other cars on the road or machinery. Whether or not this is considered a work comp or personal injury claim depends on your specific case.
- Overexertion or repetitive stress – If your job involves a lot of holding, throwing, pulling, carrying, pushing, and lifting 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 might be entitled to a workers’ compensation claim because employers should allow frequent breaks and provide protective gear.
- Work-related illness – For example, working in an old building may expose you to asbestos which may cause a cancer known as 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 in a short amount of time or over years, you may still be entitled to a claim.
What to Do If Your Workers’ Comp 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. Verifying your disability or injury is often one of the most challenging components of fighting for the benefits you are entitled to, so it’s vitally important to work with a Sikeston work comp attorney to protect your rights.
Your work comp attorney will:
- Help verify that you cannot work and need compensation
- Uncover the ways in which your employer failed to take adequate safety measures or allowed your work environment to become a risk
- Fill out the paperwork on your behalf to petition for benefits
- Ensure that all necessary information is included in the petition
- Represent you in the meditation hearing and trial, if necessary
Hire Our Work Comp Attorneys in Sikeston, MO | Contact Drummond Law
We get that being injured on the job and thus not being able to provide for your family is a troubling experience, and that you have the right to be compensated for your troubles. Since 1976, Drummond Law has been helping people in Sikeston receive work comp benefits after an injury has put them out. To speak to our work comp attorneys in Sikeston, MO, for a free case evaluation, please contact us or call 800-842-0426.