Were you injured at work in Columbia, MO? Call Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at (573) 702-3285 to learn more about your rights. Our Columbia workers’ compensation lawyers can help you recover workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses and lost income.
We have over 100 years of combined legal experience. Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Trust Schultz & Myers With Your Workers’ Comp Claim in Columbia, MO?
Navigating the workers’ compensation system in Missouri can be stressful. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical treatment, lost wages, and recovery time. But securing those benefits isn’t always simple.
At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we take the pressure off. We’ve helped clients across Missouri recover tens of millions in compensation, and we’re ready to fight for your rights.
Here’s what sets our personal injury lawyers in Columbia, MO apart:
- Decades of experience handling Missouri workers’ comp and third-party claims
- National recognition, including Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers honors
- AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell for legal excellence and professional ethics
- Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- A client-first approach that makes your recovery an urgent priority
We understand how important these benefits are for your future, and we’ll work aggressively to ensure you receive everything you’re entitled to under the law. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Columbia workers’ compensation lawyer.
What Benefits Are Available Through The Missouri Workers’ Compensation System?
Missouri law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
If you were hurt while performing job-related duties in Columbia, you’re likely eligible for the following benefits:
Medical Expenses
Workers’ compensation should cover the cost of all necessary, authorized medical treatment related to your injury, such as:
- Emergency care
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Physical therapy and rehab
- Prescription medications
- Diagnostic testing
- Mileage for medical appointments
Keep in mind that your employer (or their insurance provider) can usually dictate which doctor you see. If you seek unauthorized care, you may be responsible for the cost of treatment.
Wage Replacement
If your injury keeps you from working, Missouri law provides different types of disability benefits, including:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) when you can’t work at all while recovering
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) if you return to work in a limited capacity and earn less
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) for long-term injuries that impair but don’t prevent work
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) for workers who cannot return to any form of employment
These benefits are based on a percentage of your average weekly wage, up to state maximums. We’ll work to ensure your wages are calculated reasonably so you get the most money possible for your claim.
Can You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Missouri Workplace Injury?
Generally, workers’ compensation is your only remedy against your employer following a job-related injury. However, there are exceptions. If a third party (someone other than your employer or a co-worker) contributed to your injury, you may have grounds for a separate personal injury lawsuit.
Examples of third-party claims include:
- A negligent driver who causes a car crash while you’re working
- A subcontractor who creates unsafe conditions and causes a construction accident
- A defective tool or piece of equipment that causes injury
Third-party lawsuits can provide compensation not covered by workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the full value of your economic losses.
Our legal team can help you determine whether you’re eligible to pursue both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party injury case, so you don’t leave money on the table after a workplace injury.
What Is the Deadline to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Columbia, MO?
Missouri law sets strict deadlines that can affect your ability to recover benefits.
- Notice to Employer: You must notify your employer of your injury within 30 days of the incident.
- Formal Claim: You typically have two years from the date of injury (or last benefit payment) to file a formal workers’ compensation claim with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation.
If you miss these deadlines, your claim could be barred. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a Columbia workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible after an injury. We’ll make sure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
Contact Our Columbia Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured on the job in Columbia, Missouri, don’t wait for the insurance company to do the right thing. Let Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers step in and advocate for your recovery.
We’ll help you navigate the Missouri workers’ compensation system and explore whether you may have a third-party claim for additional damages.
Call our law office today or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation with a Columbia workers’ compensation lawyer. We work on a contingency fee basis; you don’t owe us any money unless we recover compensation for you.
