Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Sikeston, MO
Workmans comp lawyer in Sikeston, 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; however, the workers’ compensation process is complicated 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 will guide you through every aspect of your claim from beginning to end. 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.
For help filing for workers’ compensation or any other issues regarding your claim, talk to a workmans comp lawyer in Sikeston, MO, at Drummond Law today. Do not hesitate to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.
Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim With the Help of a Workmans Comp Lawyer in Sikeston, MO
Injuries may result from either one single traumatic event (such as a slip and fall, electrocution, machine-related accident, etc.) or they can develop over time (such as toxic exposure, repetitive trauma, etc.) Both kinds of injuries are equally valid and equally deserving of compensation.
No work injury is ever insignificant, and you should never brush one aside. 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 important steps to follow:
- Tell your employer, manager or HR rep about the injury – Also, insist that they fill out an accident report. It is also good practice to send them a notice detailing the accident and the injury in writing.
- Seek medical care 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.
- Obtain ALL copies of past and present medical records – No document is unimportant when it comes to your wellbeing and health.
- 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’ll review your claim and you will receive either an approval or denial of the claim.
- Contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Sikeston, MO – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our experienced workmans comp lawyers in Sikeston listen to you and know that your injuries are valid. We’ll shoulder some of the burdens you face during a time that is already stressful. If you’ve been injured on the job, Drummond Law can help you get the work comp benefits you need.
Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Sikeston?
The laws are different from state to state, but in general you’re eligible for workers’ compensation if you are considered a legal employee and you have been hurt while performing a job-related responsibility. Statute of limitations do apply, so file your claim in a timely manner.
Settlements for work comp claims typically include mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of affection and income, and other expenses related to a workplace incident. We are familiar with all the laws, regulations, and rules associated with the often muddled work comp legal process, so speak with us to learn more now.
Types of Workplace Accidents
No matter how relatively safe a place may be, an accident can happen anywhere. At Drummond Law, we take on cases with a variety of accident causes. Here are the most common kinds of workplace injuries that are eligible for work comp.
- Falls, slips, and trips – This is the number one thing many people think about in regard to a work accident. Injuries can be caused by ice, spills, uneven walking surfaces, poor lighting, debris in walkways, and oily surfaces. You may be entitled to workmans comp if you suffered an injury because the employer should have taken steps to prevent this injury, such as putting proper safety signs in place, non-slip mats, de-icing walkways, fixing broken lights, etc.
- Being hit by an object – This is common in physically-demanding environments with lots of machinery, including manufacturing, construction, and farming. A person can 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.
- Electrocution, fire, explosion – This can be caused by exposed wiring, faulty electrical outlets, combustible materials, open flames, and gas lines. Besides 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 those who spend their time working near machinery or other cars on the road. Whether or not this is considered a work comp or personal injury claim will depend on the facts of your case.
- Overexertion or repetitive stress – If your job involves a lot of pulling, pushing, lifting, throwing, carrying, and holding motions, it can lead to lasting effects such as lower-back injuries, chronic joint pain, carpal tunnel, muscle strain, and more. A worker may be entitled to a work comp 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 may cause a cancer known as mesothelioma. Other types of toxic, chemical, or illness 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 Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied
In far too many cases, employers will try to skirt responsibility for the injuries their employees faced while 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 challenging aspects of your fight for the benefits you are owed, so it’s crucial to partner with a workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights.
Your workmans comp lawyer will:
- Help you prove your inability to work and need for benefits
- 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
- Ensure that all necessary information is included in the petition
- Represent you in front of the various levels of the appellate courts
Hire Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Sikeston, 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 Sikeston get the help they need. To get in touch with our workers’ compensation lawyers in Sikeston, MO, for a free case review, please contact us or call 800-842-0426.