Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Blue Springs, MO
Experienced representation for injured employees in Missouri
Almost every worker in every industry sector will likely suffer some workplace injury during their lifetime. That statement is especially true for people who do any type of manual labor, such as firefighting, construction work, agricultural, or manufacturing work. Workers have the right to focus on doing a good job. It’s normally up to the employer to establish safety protocols to protect their workers.
When workplace accidents happen in Blue Springs, employees have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim without needing to show the employer was at fault. Employees should expect that their medical bills will be paid, and they will receive temporary wage benefits while they seek medical help. At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our Blue Springs workers' compensation attorneys are ready to assist you now. We advise employees who work in all types of job sectors no matter what type of injury they have. We’ll focus on obtaining your benefits so you can focus on your health.
How can we help?
- How do I qualify to file for workers’ compensation in Missouri?
- What are the common types of workplace accidents in Blue Springs?
- What types of injuries are common for Blue Springs workers?
- What workers’ compensation benefits can employees claim in Blue Springs?
- Why was my Blue Springs workers' compensation claim denied?
- Do you have a workers’ compensation lawyer near me?
Do I have a case?
Call now or fill out a form to receive a free confidential consultation
How do I qualify to file for workers’ compensation in Missouri?
There are several key requirements for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Blue Springs.
- You must be an employee. Generally, independent contractors cannot file a workers’ compensation claim – they need to file a personal injury claim.
- You must be involved in an accident (or suffer an occupational illness). You do not need to prove that your employer was negligent. You don’t necessarily have to be injured at the company’s office or store. Many employees who file for workers’ compensation are injured at construction sites, while transporting goods, while seeing customers, or even while working at home.
- You must comply with the time requirements. While you normally have up to two years to file your claim, you cannot be approved for any benefits until you do file – so you should file immediately.
- You need to notify your employer of the accident promptly – generally, within 30 days of the accident. Our Blue Springs workers’ compensation lawyers will explain your duties after a workplace accident and your rights at our initial consultation. We’ll also explain the Missouri requirements for filing for workers’ compensation if you have an occupational illness.
Injured or ill workers should also seek medical help as soon as possible. Most injured workers are initially treated at a local emergency room.
What are the common types of workplace accidents in Blue Springs?
There are many different types of workplace accidents. Some accidents, such as falls, can happen on almost any job. Some accidents are fairly unique to the type of work you do. At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we handle all types of workplace accidents including the following:
- Slip and falls. Workers may fall over loose wires or cables, due to wet and slippery surfaces, surfaces that aren’t level or filled with debris (such as at construction sites). Workers who fall from heights, such as workers who fall from ladders or scaffolds, are likely to have much more serious fall injuries.
- Fatigue. Many workplace injuries happen when workers are tired. That’s one reason the trucking industry has Hours of Service rules for its workers. Tired workers aren’t just likely to make physical mistakes. Many workplace accidents happen because tired workers use poor judgment.
- Struck by an object or pinned by an object. Workers in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and other similar professions are at risk of being pinned or struck by a forklift, other types of machinery, or by other workers.
Other common causes of workplace accidents in Blue Springs include vehicle accidents and lifting accidents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 2.6 million non-fatal workplace accidents and injuries in 2021.
Employers should follow federal OSHA safety guidelines, local building code requirements, and other federal and state laws. They should also comply with industry standards.
What types of injuries are common for Blue Springs workers?
While many serious workplace injuries happen to outdoor manual laborers, many injuries also happen in the healthcare sector, restaurant service, retail, and other indoor jobs. Our Blue Springs workers’ compensation lawyers also handle all types of serious injuries including:
- Traumatic brain injuries. These injuries usually require treatment with multiple healthcare providers. In addition to physical and emotional difficulties, many victims have life-long cognitive challenges.
- Spinal cord damage. Damage to the nerves around the spinal cord itself can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and other complications that require surgeries, long-term rehabilitative therapy, and potential chronic pain.
- Traumatic amputations. Workers who use any cutting machines, who get their arm or leg stuck in a machine, or who are involved in a vehicle accident can lose their arm or leg.
- Crush injuries. These injuries often occur in machinery, vehicles, and construction accidents.
- Burn injuries. Electrical, thermal, chemical, and radiation burns may require skin grafts and plastic surgery. Many workers with burn injuries require long-term psychological help.
Other common workplace injuries include repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and other types of chronic pain injuries.
We also represent workers with occupational illnesses including heart, lung, respiratory, and cancer conditions.
What workers’ compensation benefits can Blue Springs employees claim?
Workers’ compensation benefits include the following key benefits:
- Medical expenses. Your employer’s insurance company should pay for all the medical bills that you have to maximize your health and then to manage your health. Some workers may be entitled to medical benefits for the rest of their lives.
- Temporary disability benefits. These benefits are approximately 2/3 of your average weekly wages until you can return to work, or until you’ve reached the stage of maximum medical improvement – where no additional treatment is expected to improve your health.
- Permanent disability benefits. Workers who have a permanent injury may be entitled to additional wage benefits depending on the type and the severity of the injury.
Workers may also be entitled to vocational benefits and additional benefits such as some transportation (to your healthcare provider) expenses.
If an employee dies, the family members may be entitled to benefits, such as funeral and burial expenses (up to $10,000) and survivor’s wage benefits.
Why was my Blue Springs workers' compensation claim denied?
It’s best to speak with our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers as soon as possible. When employees file their own claims, the claims are likely to be denied because the employee:
- Didn’t comply with the notice and filing requirements.
- Didn’t have the complete medical records.
- Didn’t have medical reports to contest any claims by the insurance companies about the employee’s injuries – such as that the employee’s injuries were due to a preexisting condition.
- Didn’t respond to other defenses raised by the employer such as that the accident didn’t occur in the scope of the employee’s job duties, or that the employee is an out-of-state worker.
- Didn’t verify that he/she was an employee.
If your claim was denied, please contact our office immediately. We’ll explain how to file an appeal.
Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys has been fighting for injured workers for more than 30 years.
Do you have a workers’ compensation lawyer near me?
Our Blue Springs worker’s compensation lawyers meet clients at our office located at 705 SW 10th St, Suite 107. Call for an appointment now. We also have other offices throughout Missouri and Kansas. When workers are ill or immobile, we do make alternative arrangements.
We’ll promptly file your work injury claim, contest the efforts by your employer to force you back to work before you’re healthy, and demand all the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Blue Springs workers’ compensation attorney today
Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys’ founder James Roswold has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Missouri. Our other trial lawyers have also been recognized by organizations, former clients, and insurance companies for our dedication to our clients and our skills in pursing your workplace injury claims. Call our Blue Springs workers’ compensation lawyers or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
