St. Louis Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Injured at Work in St. Louis City? Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help

If you’re an injured worker in St. Louis city, you have rights. After a workplace accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care. But navigating the workers’ comp system can be confusing—especially if your claim is denied, delayed, or undervalued.

At Jett Accident & Injury Lawyers, our experienced St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyers are here to help you recover everything you’re entitled to. We fight for injured workers across St. Louis, ensuring insurance companies don’t take advantage of you during one of the most stressful times in your life.

What Should You Know About the Workers’ Compensation System?

The Workers’ Compensation system occurs when an employer or their insurance covers medical treatment and benefits for accidents and injuries occurring in the workplace and to employees. Workers’ Compensation examines whether or not an employee was injured during the course and within the scope of their employment. 

Injured workers in Missouri have long been protected through the Missouri Workers’ Compensation system.  In Missouri the Workers’ Compensation system is created by statutes, or laws, and is run and administered under the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations ( i.e., “Missouri Department of Labor”).  

Missouri laws that create the Workers’ Compensation system are covered in Chapter 287 of the Missouri Revised Statutes.  These laws create many of the aspects that control a Workers’ Compensation claim.  

Although these laws are in place to protect injured workers in Missouri, if you are hurt and you are unsure what your rights are under these laws, you are not alone. Fortunately, we have a team of attorneys and trained staff that know the ins and outs of the laws for Missouri Workers’ Compensation.  We know your rights, and how to use the courts to ensure you get everything you can under the law.

Before you file a workers’ compensation claim, it’s important to find out if your workplace injury will be covered. This means ensuring that your employer has workers’ compensation insurance. Most companies do, since Missouri law says businesses with five or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect their workforce. Businesses in the construction field must have workers’ compensation insurance even if they have just one employee.  

The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has created THIS TOOL that allows you to search your employer to find who insures their workers’ compensation claims.  

There are some exceptions to the Missouri workers’ compensation coverage requirements for businesses, so there’s a small chance you won’t be entitled to workers’ comp benefits after a workplace injury. But if this is the case, injured workers may be able to bring a lawsuit against their employer. You should talk to a St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyer to learn if you’re eligible for workers’ comp benefits after you’ve suffered injuries in a workplace accident.

When filing a workers’ compensation claim, you have two years from the time of your injury to file under the Statute of Limitations. It is important, though, that you report your injury, receive treatment and document each and every step along the way. A skilled law firm like Jett Accident & Injury Lawyers can help guide you through the process of filing your claim.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Missouri?

In Missouri, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you’re hurt while performing your job duties, you may be eligible for:

• Medical care (hospital visits, surgery, rehab, prescriptions)
  • Medical care under workers’ compensation claims is at zero cost to the injured worker.  That means there are no co-pays for visits, and no deductibles to be met like you may have with your employer’s health insurance plan.  When you get hurt on the job you are entitled to get your medical care taken care of with zero out of pocket costs.  
  • Even though there are not any out-of-pocket costs for going to the doctor, there are a few caveats that can cause some confusion
    • The employer (or their workers’ compensation insurance company) gets to choose the doctors that you see.
    • If you are an hourly worker, you don’t get to be on the clock for work while you are going to doctor appointments.
    • You may not agree with the opinions and treatment options (or lack thereof) presented to you by the doctors your employer chooses for you.
• Lost wages (TTD, or Temporary Total Disability Benefits)
  • In Missouri if you are unable to work for a period of more than 3 days due to your work injury, you are entitled to receive TTD, or lost wages while you are unable to work.  Again, as with the Medical Care, there are some limitations and caveats to this benefit that commonly come up:
    • You don’t get your full paycheck while on TTD pay.  The amount you get is usually equal to ⅔ of your average weekly wage, which is calculated from your previous 13 weeks gross earnings (meaning the amount you got before taxes and other deductions).
    • If you are cleared for “light duty” your employer has the option to EITHER provide light duty work for you, or they can pay TTD while you recover at home.
    • If you are on “light duty” your wages can be lower than they would be when you are on “full duty”.
• Permanent disability (if your injuries prevent full recovery)
  • Permanent disability entitles you to a lump sum payment from your employer to compensate you for the amount of disability (loss) to the part of the body that you injured at work.
  • Permanent disability awards can be for partial disability and/or total disability
  • The value of your settlement is calculated based on the amount of disability to the part of the body, or body as a whole.  The calculation provides a certain amount of weeks of pay subject to a minimum and maximum rate.  This Chart outlines the way the calculations are made.
• Vocational retraining (if you can’t return to your previous job)
  • Vocational training is required when there is a “severe injury” that would interfere with the injured worker’s ability to ever go back to the type of work they were doing when they got hurt.
    • A severe injury is determined by your doctor, and by statutory definition involves injury that interferes with occupational functioning to one or more of the following: * Per RSMo Section 287.148
      •  The severe mangling, crushing, amputation or nerve impairment of a major extremity;
      •  A traumatic injury to the spinal cord that has caused or may cause paralysis or severe restriction of movement;
      • Severe burns;
      • A serious head injury with neurological or neuropsychological involvement; or
      • Loss of sight in one or both eyes or loss of communication skills to include loss of hearing in both ears or loss of speech, or both.
• Death benefits (for families of workers fatally injured on the job)
  • If an employee dies on the job as a result of a work-related accident, the survivors are entitled to weekly benefits from the employer or insurer.
    • The weekly death benefit is paid at 66 ⅔% of the deceased employee’s average weekly wage for the year immediately preceding the fatal accident, subject to a maximum set by law. 
    • The employer or insurer is also responsible for paying funeral expenses up to $5,000.
  • If an employee dies from a cause unrelated to the injury, the survivors are generally entitled to whatever accrued benefits the deceased employee was entitled to, such as a lump sum payment for permanent partial disability.
    • Note that these cases are often very complex legal issues and a knowledgeable lawyer like those at Jett Accident & Injury Lawyers can be beneficial in such cases.
  • Death benefits are typically given to a surviving spouse each week for his or her lifetime, or until he or she remarries. Upon remarriage, the surviving spouse will also receive a lump sum equal to two years of benefits.
  • Children of a deceased employee may also be able to receive benefits, such as those for higher education
  • To claim death benefits, the employer of the deceased employee or the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company will contact the family and begin paying benefits. If this has not happened, you can contact the employer and the insurance company.

Our job is to make sure injured workers like you receive every benefit you’re entitled to under the law.

Common Workplace Injuries in St. Louis

No matter your industry or occupation, accidents can happen. Our law firm represents clients suffering from:

• Back, neck, and shoulder injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Repetitive use conditions (e.g., carpal tunnel)
• Head trauma and spinal cord injuries
• Exposure to toxic substances
• Lifting, bending, or overexertion injuries

Workplace injuries can happen in any place of employment. Here are some of the most common occupations where we see injuries occur:

• Construction Workers – Construction workers often face unsafe conditions, making their workers’ comp claims common.

• Firefighters – Every day, firefighters enter hazardous conditions, and workers’ comp can help them recover from injuries from fires, heavy equipment or dangerous conditions.

• Paramedics – From lifting injuries to vehicle accidents, paramedics risk serious injury on the job and workers’ comp can help when these injuries happen.

• Nurses – With long hours and high stress, nurses may have workers’ comp claims for injuries occurring at work.

• Retail Employees – Retail employees work on their feet for hours at a time and often lift heavy objects, potentially leading to workplace injuries.

• Oil Rig Workers – Whether it’s extreme weather conditions, explosions or hazards from machinery, oil rig workers are at risk for job site injuries and workers’ comp can cover these injuries.

• Healthcare Workers – Workers’ compensation covers injuries from lifting, slipping or even workplace violence, all of which healthcare workers may face.

• Police Officers – Police officers may encounter injuries from physical altercations, accidents or dangerous situations, and workers’ comp can cover these injuries.

• Warehouse Workers – Equipment accidents, slip and falls or lifting injuries all may occur at the warehouse, potentially giving warehouse workers claims under workers’ comp.

• Doctors – Long, intense shifts and high stress or medical hazards all may cause injury to doctors, giving them a workers’ compensation claim.

• Landscapers – With heavy lifting, harsh conditions and dangerous equipment, landscapers may be eligible for workers’ comp from injuries sustained at work.

Why Choose Jett Accident & Injury Lawyers?

• Millions recovered for injured St. Louis workers
• No upfront fees—we only get paid if we win your case
• Fast, responsive service from a local, dedicated legal team
• Trusted by clients throughout St. Louis city and county

When you’re injured on the job, you need more than advice—you need action. We handle every step of the workers’ compensation process so you can focus on recovery.

At Jett Accident &  Injury Lawyers, we have a deep understanding of how employers, their insurance, and their insurance adjusters work. The workers’ compensation claims process can be difficult, but we are here to make it easier. Our lawyers are ready to protect you from employer retaliation, insurance bad faith, and any other issue that may arise during your claims process.

Jett Accident & Injury Lawyers will work with you to assess your claim, provide ongoing assistance throughout the process, help gather medical records, bills and documents, speak with experts and ensure that you get the best care possible.

Construction Accidents

St. Louis construction workers face daily hazards like falling objects, heavy equipment, and unprotected heights. If you’ve been injured on a job site, you may qualify for workers’ comp and possibly have a third-party injury claim. We’ll explore every legal avenue to help you recover fully.

Construction workers face constant hazards, whether it be working with heavy machinery or working from dangerous heights. Common construction accidents include:

• Falls – A top cause of construction injuries, falls from unsafe scaffolding or other hazards may give you a Workers’ Comp claim. 

• Falling Objects – Unsecured equipment or other tools can cause serious injuries to construction workers.

• Machinery Accidents – When machinery is not properly maintained or operated, it can cause severe injuries.

• Electrocution – Faulty or unsafe wiring may cause electrocution, causing serious injury

• Fires and Explosions – Unsafe or faulty materials and equipment may lead to fires and explosions, causing severe injury

• Traffic Collisions – Heavy machinery and equipment, particularly in construction zones, can cause injury to workers and motorists alike.

Construction job site injuries can be serious. Some of the most common injuries from construction accidents include:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Burns
• Amputations
• Respiratory issues
• Shoulder, neck, and back injuries
• Concussions or other traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

In some cases, construction workers may be able to hold someone other than their employer liable for their injury. Property owners, equipment manufacturers and outside contractors all may be responsible third parties. At Jett Accident & Injury Attorneys, we help injured construction workers determine exactly what claims they can pursue, and get the medical care and lost wages that they deserve.

Lifting and Bending Accidents

Some of the most common injuries among St. Louis workers come from lifting, twisting, and overexertion. Herniated discs, pulled muscles, and ligament damage can cause severe pain and time away from work. We fight to ensure these injuries are taken seriously and properly compensated.

Lifting injuries can happen when you strain or hurt yourself while lifting something such as a box, heavy equipment, or any other item requiring physical effort to move. These injuries often affect the neck, back, shoulders, and knees.

Lifting and bending injuries can be attributed to several facts, such as:

• Improper Lifting Techniques – When a worker does not lift objects correctly, such as by bending at the waist rather than the knees, they may be at a higher risk of injury
• Inadequate Training – When a worker does not receive proper training in safe lifting techniques and workplace ergonomics, they may be subject to more injuries
• Lack of Mechanical Assistance – When a workplace lacks the proper equipment or technology to aid in lifting heavy objects, workers often take on the additional strain
• Fatigue and Overexhaustion – When a worker is subject to long hours without proper breaks in a physically demanding environment, they may increase their likelihood of injury

Lifting and bending accidents may cause a variety of injuries, including:

• Muscle Strains – Occurs when muscles get stretched beyond their normal capacity

• Spinal Injuries – Occurs when the spine or discs are damages

• Joint Injuries –  Occurs when a joint bears too much stress or weight

Injuries that occur as a result of lifting and bending accidents can have a serious impact on your life. These injuries may cause pain and discomfort, even in daily activities. If you have suffered from a lifting or bending injury at work, Jett Accident & Injury Lawyers will help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Repetitive Use Injuries

From warehouse workers to office staff, many injured workers suffer repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. These conditions often worsen over time, and insurance companies frequently deny them. We gather the medical evidence needed to prove your case and win the workers’ compensation benefits you need.

Repetitive use injuries can affect anyone in any job. Some of the most common jobs that lead to repetitive use injuries include:

• Office Workers – Typing, using a mouse or sitting in a desk chair for a prolonged period

• Assembly Line Workers – Performing the same repetitive motion continuously for the day

• Warehouse Employees – Repetitive lifting, carrying or bending

• Construction Workers – Use of heavy machinery or tools in a repetitive manner

Nearly any joint in the body can suffer injury by repetitive use. Some of the most common repetitive use injuries include:

• Tendinitis – Inflammation of a tendon, commonly occurring in the shoulder, bicep or elbow

• Bursitis – A bursa forming over an area of the body where friction may develop, cushioning the area between the tendon and bone. Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa sac.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – The swelling of the wrist

• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – The swelling of the nerve behind the elbow

• Cervical Radiculopathy – Compression or cervical strain of the disks in the neck

• Rotator Cuff Injuries – Often seen in occupations requiring lifting overhead or repetitive arm motions

• Trigger Finger – A condition in which the finger becomes stuck in a bent position due to increased inflammation

Repetitive use injuries can take months or years to develop, meaning it can be difficult to determine the exact cause. Repetitive actions like bending, crouching, typing, lifting, or operating machinery and tools can be common causes of repetitive use injuries.

Every repetitive use injury has different and specific symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands
• Numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers
• Weakness of the hand
• Pain in the elbow
• Neck, shoulder, or back pain
• Pain in the tendons of the knee, shoulder, or arm
• Numbing, tingling, and coldness in the arms

Fatal Work Injuries

Losing a loved one due to a workplace accident is devastating. Families may be eligible for workers’ comp death benefits, including funeral expenses and lost future income. Our compassionate team will guide you through the process and pursue every form of support you deserve.

In 2023, Missouri had 114 fatal workplace accidents. The industries with the most fatal workplace accidents in Missouri include:

• Construction – In 2023, 14% of all fatal work injuries occurred in the construction industry.
• Warehousing and Transportation – In 2023, 38% of all fatal work injuries were transportation incidents.
• Public Administration – In 2023, 10% of all fatal work injuries occurred in the public administration field.

In Missouri, there are certain conditions under which a survivor may apply for and receive death benefits, such as:

• The employee dies as an immediate result of an accident that has occurred on the job
• The employee dies after returning to work with a partial disability following an accident
• The employee dies from any cause, related or unrelated to the work injury, after being unable to return to work due to a permanent work-related total disability injury

Sometimes, if your loved one dies, but not as a result of an accident or injuries related to an accident occurring on the job, you may still be eligible for death benefits. If your loved one dies because of a diagnosed medical condition due to occupational exposure, such as mesothelioma or silicosis, you may still qualify for death benefits. At Jett Accident & Injury Lawyers, we can help you navigate this complex journey and figure out exactly what compensation you can receive.

After a fatal workplace accident, eligible dependents may be able to receive survivor benefits. Eligible dependents may include the surviving spouse, as well as dependent children under the age of 18, but this benefit may extend to children up to the age of 22 if they attend college or other schooling.

If the deceased employee does not have an eligible spouse or child, another person who was partially dependent on the deceased employee may file a claim for partial dependency.

Permanent Disability Work Injuries

Permanent disability compensation is meant to support those with lasting impairments from injuries occurring at the workplace.

If you’re unable to return to your job due to lasting injuries, you may qualify for permanent total or partial disability benefits. We work with physicians and vocational experts to establish the long-term impact of your injury and fight for maximum compensation.

Permanent disability benefits are paid to workers whose injuries cause long-term or lifelong limitations. These benefits usually begin when a doctor has determined that you have reached your maximum medical improvement, meaning that your condition has stabilized and will not improve with additional treatment.

If your workplace injury allows you to return to work in a limited capacity, you may be eligible for Permanent Partial Disability, which is calculated based on:

• The body part injured
• Impact on your ability to earn income
• Your average weekly wage
• Disability percentage rating

If your workplace injury makes you unable to perform any kind of job, now or in the future, you may be eligible for Permanent Total Disability. Examples include:

• Total blindness
• Loss of both arms or legs
• Severe brain injury
• Full paralysis

Was Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Denied?

Unfortunately, many St. Louis workers see their claims denied for unfair reasons—missing paperwork, disputed timelines, or lack of medical evidence. If this happens to you, don’t give up. We handle appeals through the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation and fight to overturn denials and delays.

There are many reasons why an employee may have their claim denied, but some of the most common reasons include:

• Employee injured themselves on purpose
• Employee’s injury did not occur at the workplace
• Employee’s injury occurred after employee violated safety rules and procedures
• Employee’s injury occurred during a fight
• Employee’s injury occurred while the employee engaged in horseplay

Once an employee has had their claim denied, an employee has the right to file an application for review with the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission within 20 days of the date of the award.

The first appeal from a final award is to the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission. This appeal can be made by filing an Application for Review to the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission. The Commission is a three-member panel that reviews the awards of administrative law judges in workers’ compensation cases. The Commission can either agree with the judge’s award, adopting the judge’s award as its own, or disagree with the judge’s award and issue a new award.

A second appeal may be requested by any part after a final award by the Commission is issued. This can be done by filing a timely Notice of Appeal to the Missouri Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals does not hold a new trial, but will review the transcript of the original trial proceedings. The Court of Appeals can then change or reverse the Commission’s award, but only based upon legal issues.

Very rarely, the Missouri Supreme Court will accept a case for a third appeal. This only occurs in cases with significant legal issues.

Contact a St. Louis Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

The sooner you speak with a knowledgeable attorney, the stronger your case will be. At Jett Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to stand up for injured workers across St. Louis city. We’ll explain your rights, take over the paperwork, and handle the negotiations—so you can focus on healing.

Call 314-501-9509 or email matt@jettlegal.com to schedule your free case review.