Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Parkville, MO
Fighting for injured workers across Missouri
A workplace accident can alter your entire life. The last thing anyone expects when they go to work is that they will be involved in an on-the-job accident. Some injuries can take years to recover from while others can last a few months. In both cases, you will be unable to work or participate in everyday activities. This can often result in loss of income and financial struggles for the injured worker and their family.
Many injured workers trust that their employer will do the right thing and support them during this difficult time. After all, the accident occurred on the job and through no fault of the injured workers. The reality is often that the employer and their insurance company will not be willing to pay for any of the expenses that the injured worker incurred because of the workplace injury. If this is the case you will need a Parkville workers' compensation attorney at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to fight for your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve for your workplace injury.
How can a Parkville workers' compensation attorney help?
Workers' compensation cases can be extremely complex, and you will need a firm that has experience handling three types of cases. Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys has the knowledge and experience to handle various aspects of workers' compensation. Our Parkville workers' compensation attorneys will be able to help if:
- Your injury is stable, but you are still unable to work.
- Your employer says the injury did not happen at work.
- Your workers' compensation benefits have been delayed, denied, or terminated prior to you reaching full recovery.
- Your employer says you were at fault for your injury.
- The insurance adjuster has tried to advise you against seeking legal counsel.
- The company doctor has released you to return to work, but you are not ready to do so.
- The insurance wants you to make a recorded statement for them to release your benefits.
If you find yourself in any of these circumstances, you will need to speak with a Parkville workers' compensation attorney immediately.
How is eligibility determined for workers' compensation cases?
Workers' compensation cases work differently than other personal injury cases. The primary difference is that in a workers’ compensation case, you do not need to prove fault. It must be shown that the injury or accident occurred in the workplace or in the scope of employment. One of the biggest hurdles in these cases, however, is proving that the injured party was an employee of the company and was in the scope of employment when the accident occurred.
There are a few requirements that must be met for a workers' compensation claim:
- You must be an employee of the company.
- The accident in question must have happened at the workplace or within the scope of your employment.
- The accident and injuries must be reported to a supervisor or manager of the property.
- Your injuries are the direct result of the accident.
The same criteria must be met for an occupational illness. It is important that you made note of your illnesses and injuries so that a claim can successfully be brought against your employer and their insurance company.
Note: Often, insurers will try to deny your claim because you had a pre-existing condition. The truth is that you can still claim workers’ compensation if an existing injury is exacerbated by your job duties. This can be a challenge, though, so give us a call to discuss your options.
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What are examples of Parkville workplace accidents?
Many times, workers assume that since they work in a seemingly safe workplace that an accident or injury could not possibly happen. The reality is that no workplace is safe from an accident. Even an office can be hazardous for employees. Some common examples of workplace accidents include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Work-related motor vehicle accidents
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Crushing accidents
- Struck by object injuries
- Overexertion
There are several injuries that can result from these accidents, many of which are life-altering. Some common injuries include:
- Burn injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Broken bones
- Chronic back pain
- Chronic neck pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Infections nerve, ligament, muscle, or tissue damage
The most harrowing cases can result in the injured worker's death. This is especially difficult for the surviving family who now must move on with their lives without their loved one. During the grieving process, they will also need to deal with the mountain of medical bills and everyday finances that may no longer be able to be paid due to this immeasurable loss.
The most important thing to do after an accident is to obtain medical attention and then contact a Parkville workers' compensation attorney.
What are occupational illnesses?
While there are one incident injuries, there are also occupational illnesses that a worker can suffer from. These are medical conditions that present themselves over time, such as:
- Skin disorders
- Vision loss
- Asthma
- Asbestosis
- COPD
- Hearing loss
- Cardiac diseases
- Respiratory and lung diseases
Repetitive stress injuries can also be considered occupational illnesses. You can file a workers' compensation claim if you sustain any of these injuries or illnesses at your workplace.
What is covered by workers’ compensation in Missouri?
In workers' compensation claims, medical benefits are provided up until the point where the injured worker has reached maximum medical improvement. This is when no other treatment can be given to improve the condition. In addition, you will be entitled to medical benefits for any other treatments that are needed to keep your current condition stable. Medical benefits cover a range of services such as:
- ER care
- Medical transportation services
- Specialist visits
- Hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Psychologist
- Medical devices
- Prescription drugs
There are also work loss benefits that you are eligible for with a workers' compensation claim. There are temporary and permanent benefits available. Temporary work loss benefits are in place from the date of your injury until you reach MMI. This benefit will be awarded as a percentage of your wages prior to the injury. Permanent work loss benefits on the other hand are awarded to injured workers who can no longer return to work due to their injury.
One final benefit that you may need is vocational benefits. This is when you are entitled to education and training for a new position because you are unable to return to your old one. You will need to speak with a Parkville workers' compensation attorney to determine which benefits you're entitled to for your accident or injury.
Do you have a workers’ compensation attorney near me?
Our Parkville office is located at 8600 NW 64th Street Suite 945. Please call for an appointment. Our lawyers have offices throughout Missouri and Kansas.
Contact an experienced Parkville workers' compensation attorney today
Your job is your livelihood. When you are injured on the job, this does not only put a physical and financial strain on you but on your family as well. While you may think your employer will do the right thing, chances are they will not. Call Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 816-290-7621 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
Parkville Office
8600 NW 64th St., #945,
Parkville, MO 64152