If you were hurt at work in Springfield, Missouri, you’ve probably already discovered that navigating the Missouri Workers’ Compensation system isn’t easy.
Between denied medical care, unfair settlement offers, and legal terms like “MMI” and “PPD,” it can feel like you’re stuck in a system designed to confuse and cheat you.
At The Krebs Law Firm, we know the system. We know how it’s supposed to work—and how it really works.
Our workers’ comp department handles dozens of cases in mediation and prepares others for trial every week. If you want to maximize your benefits and protect your future, you need a Springfield MO workers’ comp lawyer who will actually fight for you.
Let’s break down some of the most important parts of the Missouri workers’ compensation process, why you should never go through it alone, and how we help injured workers get what they’re truly owed.
What Is Mediation in Missouri Workers’ Compensation?
Mediation is a required step in Missouri’s workers’ compensation process. It’s a formal meeting between:
- You and your attorney
- The insurance company’s lawyer
- A workers’ compensation judge (Administrative Law Judge)
At mediation, both sides present the facts: your medical records, symptoms, pain levels, permanent injury ratings, and more. The judge then gives a non-binding recommendation about what your case might be worth.
While not final, this opinion carries serious weight with both sides. It often helps resolve claims without going to trial—but only if your lawyer knows how to use the process to your advantage.
At The Krebs Law Firm, we mediate 50+ cases at any given time, and we’re actively preparing others for trial. Our team understands how to position your case so you’re taken seriously and not short-changed by the insurance company.
Do You Really Need a Lawyer for Workers’ Comp in Missouri?
Technically, no—you don’t have to hire an attorney. But here’s the truth: without a lawyer, you will almost certainly get cheated.
Why? Because workers’ compensation in Missouri is full of traps and loopholes that favor employers and insurance companies.
You’re up against a team of professionals who do this for a living. If you’re not represented by someone equally experienced, you’re playing a rigged game.
Here’s what usually happens without a lawyer:
- You receive care from the insurance company’s doctor.
- That doctor says you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—meaning they think you don’t need more treatment.
- You’re still in pain, but you’re told that your benefits have ended.
Most people give up at this point—but you shouldn’t. Our firm challenges that doctor’s opinion.
We send you to a trusted, independent physician who will evaluate your condition fairly.
If you still need treatment, we fight to get it authorized.
If you’re left with lasting limitations, we push for the highest disability settlement possible.
The “Conspiracy” Behind Missouri Workers’ Comp
Missouri’s system promises injured workers three benefits:
- 100% paid medical care
- Two-thirds of your wages while you’re off work
- A lump-sum payment for permanent disability
But here’s the problem—you don’t get any of these automatically. And even when benefits are paid, they’re often less than what’s fair.
It’s why we call it the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Conspiracy.
- Insurance companies send you to their doctors who downplay your injuries.
- They give you low disability ratings that don’t reflect your real limitations.
- Then they make low-ball settlement offers and pressure you to take them.
For example: We’ve seen cases where the insurance doctor gave a rating worth only $3,000, but our doctor valued the same injury at over $30,000. That’s a massive difference—and it’s the difference a good Springfield MO workers’ comp lawyer can make.
What Is Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)?
Permanent Partial Disability is the final financial benefit most workers fight over in Missouri. It’s meant to compensate you for the permanent disability you’re left with after all treatment ends.
But there’s a catch: the insurance company will use their doctor’s low rating to justify a low settlement offer.
Then they’ll say they’re being generous by offering a little more than the rating says—when your case may be worth five or ten times more.
At The Krebs Law Firm, we don’t let them get away with that. We get our own expert medical opinions and present a strong case during mediation or trial.
Our goal is always to make sure your final settlement truly reflects your condition.
Why You Should Call Us Before You Sign Anything
One of the biggest mistakes injured workers make is calling us too late—after they’ve received a weak offer or signed off on a terrible settlement.
The good news? Nothing is final in Missouri until a judge approves it.
That means even if the insurance company offers you money, you still have time to talk to us and see if the offer is fair.
But be warned, that our office and many others will often pass on cases that have made it this far.
We strongly recommend talking to us BEFORE you receive an offer.
If you haven’t signed anything, we can still help. We’ll:
- Review your medical records
- Get our own doctor to evaluate you
- File the necessary paperwork
- Represent you during mediation or trial
Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out you were short-changed.
The Truth About Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
The concept of Maximum Medical Improvement is one of the most abused parts of the system. The insurance doctor gets to say when you’re “better,” even if you’re still in pain and unable to return to work.
Maximum Medical Improvement doesn’t mean you’re healed—it just means the doctor says no more treatment will help. But their opinion isn’t the final word.
When this happens, we fight back:
- We challenge the Maximum Medical Improvement determination
- We request additional treatment or tests
- We show how your condition still affects your life
Remember: You don’t have to accept the insurance doctor’s opinion.
With the right legal help, you can keep fighting for the care and compensation you deserve.
Final Thoughts: Call Before You Reach MMI
If you’re hurt at work and still trying to decide what to do, here’s our advice:
- Don’t worry hiring a lawyer will make your boss man. Your employer will have one.
- Don’t assume the insurance company’s doctor has your best interests in mind.
- Don’t wait until your claim is over to ask if it was fair.
Call us now. We’ll review your situation, give you honest advice, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Don’t try taking on the insurance companies alone. Call The Krebs Law Firm for a free consultation. You need an experienced workers compensation attorney at your side to make sure you get what you deserve for your workplace injury. Call The Krebs Law Firm Springfield office at (417) 883-5886 or toll free at (800) 345-0535.
There is no upfront cost to hiring a Missouri Workers Compensation attorney for your claim. If have a potential Missouri work comp case and want to make sure you maximize your Missouri Workers Compensation benefits for your workplace injury, then you should speak to an experienced Missouri Workers Compensation attorney sooner rather than later.
Utilize our years of expertise to get the compensation you deserve and let us help each step of the way.