Columbia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Helping Injured Workers Exercise Their Legal Rights in Missouri
If you were injured on the job, you may be entitled to file a work injury or workers’ compensation claim to be compensated for your injury and any related damages. At DiPasquale Moore, we understand that these claims may be the only chance some people have at affording proper medical care for their injuries and/or staying afloat while they recover. For this reason, our Columbia worker’s comp lawyers are passionate about fighting to protect the rights of severely injured workers. Our passion has fueled us in effectively resolving countless personal injury and workers’ comp claims. With a team boasting more than 100 years of collective legal experience, DiPasquale Moore can help you navigate the legal process and take some of the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. We offer free consultations and accept cases on a contingency fee basis. You won’t owe us a penny unless we win.Call (573) 444-8888 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
The Difference Between Work Injury and Workers’ Comp Claims
They may seem similar, but there are vital differences between work injury and workers’ compensation claims. If you file a workers’ comp claim, you will not be required to prove that another party was responsible for the accident that led to your injury; instead, you will only need to prove that it happened while you were on the clock. In the state of Missouri, these claims may compensate workers for medical treatment, wages lost due to missed work, and permanent disfigurement, impairment, or disability. The disadvantage of workers’ comp is that you will receive benefits instead of compensatory damages, thus the amount you are paid will most likely be substantially lower than it would have been if you won a work injury claim. You can only receive monies for financial costs, such as medical bills and lost wages, meaning that you will not be able to claim non-economic damages (pain and suffering or a reduced quality of life, among others). On the other hand, work injury claims are filed as personal injury claims, so you would be able to sue for non-economic damages. The risk of a work injury claim is that no lawyer can guarantee a favorable outcome. Therefore, you could end up with little to no compensation for your injuries if you opt to take this route. Not to mention, you will also have to establish that another party’s negligence caused your injury.Our legal team at DiPasquale Moore is able to pursue all possible avenues of compensation through both workers’ comp and personal injury claims. Contact our office at (816) 888-7500 to schedule a free consultation.
Qualifying Workplace and Occupational Injuries
Common examples of injuries covered by workers’ comp insurance include but are not limited to:- Persistent carpal tunnel syndrome;
- Neck and back injuries;
- Lacerations;
- Dislocated shoulders;
- Elbow and knee conditions;
- Broken bones;
- Severe burns;
- And more.
When Should I Notify My Employer of an Injury?
While Missouri law grants employees 30 days from the date of injury to notify their employer, it is of the utmost importance to report your injury to your employer immediately and seek medical care. A medical professional can address your injury and help manage any symptoms. They can also provide documentation of your injury and condition, which may prove vital in the event that your claim is disputed. If you are pursuing a work injury claim, it is still recommended to notify your employer and visit a medical professional as soon as possible. However, Missouri’s statute of limitations for filing such claims is two years from the date of injury. The deadline may be extended for a year if your employer mishandles your injury report, such as failing to notify the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation in a timely manner.Can Workers’ Comp Claims Be Denied?
Although you are not required to prove negligence, your workers’ comp claim may be disputed or denied completely. Often the insurance company will be the one to minimize or deny a claim. Even worse, employers may attempt to deny a claim to avoid financial responsibility, keeping their best interests at heart instead of the health and safety of their employees. Your claim may be denied or minimized for the following reasons:- Workplace safety rules and regulations were violated;
- The injury was intentional;
- You were engaging in some form of workplace misconduct; or
- The injury occurred while you were away from the premises (for instance, on your lunch break or running an errand).
DiPasquale Moore Wants to Fight for You
Whether you decide to file a work injury claim or apply for workers’ compensation benefits, attorneys at DiPasquale Moore can provide you with award-winning legal counsel throughout the entire process. If you are undecided about what legal path to take, we can help you determine which one is the best option for you. We have many years of experience in handling these claims and can apply our vast pool of resources to your case, giving it a competitive edge. To date, our attorneys have won millions of dollars for our clients throughout Missouri and are nationally recognized by Super Lawyers®, the National Trial Lawyers, and more.Call (573) 444-8888 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
