Most Missouri employers have the obligation to protect their workers by having a specific type of insurance for workers’ compensation. The point of this is to provide help and support for individuals who may suffer injuries in workplace accidents or become ill due to occupational exposure. It may also allow grieving family members to secure death benefits if a person dies in a work accident.
In many cases, there are steep penalties for employers that do not have this type of insurance coverage. However, there are other requirements for employers, specifically in the event of a work accident. It can be helpful for you to understand what to expect from your employer in case you are hurt at work.
What does your boss have to do?
As an employee, you have certain rights after suffering an injury in the workplace. It can be helpful to both know what to do after an accident and what you can expect in case of an injury. After a worker is in an accident that results in an injury, or receives a diagnosis of an injury related to his or her occupation, the employer must do the following:
- Call for emergency medical help or help the injured employee get help if he or she cannot find a doctor.
- Send a full report of the accident to the local workers’ compensation office.
- Cooperate with any additional requests for information from the injured worker or the workers’ compensation.
Unfortunately, your employer’s insurance provider may not have your best interests in mind after a workplace accident, and your employer may be difficult and even attempt to delay your claim. You have the right to file a claim, and any attempt to prevent you from exercising your rights is unacceptable. If you need to file a workers’ compensation claim, you do not have to walk through the process alone.
The help you deserve
From dealing with your employer to completing your application for benefits, you may be unsure of where to begin with your workers’ compensation claim. You have the right to seek guidance from the initial stage of this process, even immediately after your accident.
It is not easy to secure what you need after an accident, even with a valid workers’ compensation claim. You may find it helpful to first start with a complete evaluation of your case, understanding of your rights and explanation of what you should be able to expect from your employer.
