Workers’ Compensation Insurance Requirements in St. Louis

In Missouri, a business that employs five or more employees is required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance or carry self-insurance to reimburse employees who are injured on the job. Construction industry employers, including contractors and subcontractors, must obtain workers’ comp coverage if they have even one employee. When you have been injured at work, you should be aware of how the Missouri Workers’ Compensation law applies to your case.

The Department of Labor operates an online website that allows you to check if your employer carries the requisite level of workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer has not purchased a sufficient level of coverage or is delaying the processing of your claim, contact an attorney who can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Even if you are not covered under workers’ compensation law, there may be alternative avenues of relief and recovery available to you after a job-related injury.

Regardless of whether your employer carries the requisite level of insurance, you must notify your employer of your injury in writing within 30 days of becoming aware of your condition:

• If an employer agrees that the accident occurred as part of a job-related responsibility, you may be partially reimbursed for reasonable expenses, including costs associated with medical care and loss of wages.
• If your initial application for benefits is denied, a St. Louis workers compensation attorney can help you pursue a claim through the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation dispute resolution process.

For more information about the workers’ compensation process, contact an attorney at the Guirl Law Firm, LLC.