How Long Do I Have to File a Claim – Workers Comp Attorney Missouri

When you get hurt on the job, it’s good to know that you may have rights under the Missouri Worker’s Compensation laws in place for obtaining much-needed compensation for medical bills and lost wages.

Many people don’t need a workers comp attorney in Missouri until it is time to settle their case. If you underwent a surgery, it is a good idea to contact a Missouri worker’s compensation lawyer, as we can help you get around the obstacles put up by your boss.

After you’ve been injured on the job, your first course of action is to notify your employer that you’ve been injured. This often involves paperwork. In cases of emergency, you can usually just go straight to the nearest healthcare provider, but even then, it’s incredibly important to tell your employer about your injury in a timely manner. Failure to do so can result in forfeiting your benefits, which needless to say, is not ideal. Below we will touch on some of the concerns surrounding these time limits.

Notifying Your Employer

In Missouri, you have 30 days to notify your employer of your injury in written form. What’s more, it’s always a good idea to provide the appropriate paperwork sooner rather than later. Why? Insurance companies are not usually forgiving when it comes to delayed filing. Failure to file (or to notify your employer) in a timely manner can lead to all sorts of complications down the line. Your boss and their insurance company can use your lack of immediate action against you, arguing that your injuries may not be as serious as you say they are. In this way, they can effectively diminish the value of your claim.

Filing Claims

It’s also important to consider the time limitations for filing worker’s comp claims. In Missouri, you have two years from the time you are injured to file a worker’s comp claim with the Missouri Division of Workers Compensation. There are some additional laws that may provide you with protection in the event your employer did not follow its requirements under the law.

Even If You Didn’t…

In Missouri, you can still file a claim, even if you failed to notify your employer in writing. It’s generally sufficient that your employer knows about the injury, regardless of whether you’ve given them a proper form. Nonetheless, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so be sure to put it in writing as soon as possible.

Know your Missouri Workers Compensation rights by getting my free book.

If you would like more information about the Missouri Work Comp process, please request my FREE ebook report Understanding Your Missouri Workers Compensation Case.

(Don’t worry I won’t sell or give your email to anyone)

If you or a family member was injured at work or in an on the job accident, The Krebs Law Firm LLC offers a free case evaluation if you have questions. Many people may be worried that they do not have the money to pay for a workers comp attorney when they were injured at work but we work on a contingent fee basis. In other words, there is no fee unless we are successful in getting you the benefits that you deserve. We can also serve as your automobile accident lawyer or Social Security attorney. Simply call (417) 883-5886 for your free case evaluation today.