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Injured on the job in St. Louis? You have rights, and we make sure you get every benefit you’re owed.
After a workplace accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits covering your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care. But the system is built to protect insurers, not workers, and claims are routinely denied, delayed, or undervalued. At Jett Accident & Injury Lawyers, attorney Matt Jett and our St. Louis workers’ compensation team fight to recover everything you’re entitled to under Missouri law.
Free consultation. No upfront fees. No fee unless we win your case.
How a St. Louis Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Help After a Workplace Injury
You are not legally required to hire an attorney, but workers who do consistently recover higher settlements. Insurance companies have legal teams working to minimize your payout. You deserve someone fighting just as hard on your side.
Our team knows the ins and outs of Missouri workers’ compensation law. We know your rights, and we know how to use the courts to secure everything you can under the law. When you’re injured on the job, you need more than advice; you need action. Matt Jett handles every step of the process so you can focus on recovery.
What Missouri Workers’ Compensation Covers
Workers’ compensation is the system through which an employer or their insurer covers medical treatment and benefits for injuries that happen in the course and scope of employment. In Missouri, the system is created by statute, Chapter 287 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, and administered by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
If you’re hurt performing your job duties, you may be eligible for:
Medical Care: At Zero Cost to You
All hospital visits, surgery, rehab, and prescriptions are covered with no co-pays and no deductibles, zero out-of-pocket cost. That said, a few caveats commonly cause confusion. Your employer (or their insurer) gets to choose the doctors you see. If you’re an hourly worker, you’re not on the clock while attending appointments. And you may not agree with the treatment options, or the lack of them, offered by the employer’s chosen doctors.
Lost Wages (Temporary Total Disability / TTD)
If you can’t work for more than 3 days due to your injury, you’re entitled to TTD benefits, though a few limitations apply. TTD pays roughly two-thirds of your average weekly wage, calculated from your gross earnings over the prior 13 weeks, not your full paycheck. If you’re cleared for “light duty,” your employer can either provide light-duty work or pay TTD while you recover at home, and light-duty wages can be lower than your full-duty pay.
Permanent Disability
A lump-sum payment compensating you for lasting loss to the injured body part. Awards can be partial or total, calculated from the degree of disability to a body part (or the body as a whole), which sets a number of weeks of pay subject to a statutory minimum and maximum rate.
Vocational Retraining
Required when a “severe injury” (as defined by RSMo §287.148) prevents you from ever returning to your prior type of work, for example, severe mangling, crushing, amputation, or nerve impairment of a major extremity; a traumatic spinal-cord injury causing paralysis or severe restriction of movement; severe burns; a serious head injury with neurological involvement; or loss of sight, hearing, or speech.
Death Benefits
If a worker dies from a work-related accident, survivors are entitled to weekly benefits at 66⅔% of the deceased’s average weekly wage (subject to a statutory maximum), plus funeral expenses up to $5,000. A surviving spouse typically receives benefits for life or until remarriage (with a lump sum of two years’ benefits on remarriage); children may qualify for benefits including higher-education support. These are complex cases where experienced counsel matters.
Our job is to make sure injured workers like you receive every benefit you’re entitled to under the law. For a broader overview, read our article on what workers’ compensation is and how it works.
Am I Covered? Employees & Exceptions
Missouri law requires businesses with five or more employees to carry workers’ comp insurance; construction businesses must carry it even with a single employee. The Missouri Department of Labor’s search tool lets you look up who insures your employer. A few exceptions exist; if you’re not covered, you may be able to sue your employer directly. You have two years from the date of injury to file under the statute of limitations, so report your injury, get treatment, and document every step.
Free consultation. No upfront fees. No fee unless we win your case.
Common Workplace Injuries Our St. Louis Workers’ Comp Attorneys Handle
No matter your industry, accidents happen. We represent injured workers suffering from back, neck, and shoulder injuries; broken bones and fractures; repetitive-use conditions like carpal tunnel; traumatic brain and spinal-cord injuries; toxic exposure; and lifting or overexertion injuries. Below are the injury types we handle most often.
Construction Accidents
St. Louis construction cases are among the most complex claims we handle. With heavy activity along the I-64 and I-270 corridors, commercial development in Chesterfield Valley, and infrastructure work across the city and county, construction workers face daily hazards:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and elevated platforms, the leading cause of construction fatalities nationally
- Falling objects and unsecured equipment
- Machinery accidents involving cranes, excavators, and forklifts
- Electrocution from faulty or exposed wiring
- Fires and explosions from unsafe materials or gas lines
- Trench collapses during excavation
- Traffic collisions in active work zones
Common injuries include fractures, burns, amputations, respiratory issues, shoulder/neck/back injuries, concussions and TBIs, and spinal-cord injuries. Because Missouri requires even single-employee construction businesses to carry coverage, and because a general contractor, property owner, equipment manufacturer, or subcontractor may share liability, many construction cases support a third-party personal injury claim on top of workers’ comp, potentially doubling or tripling your recovery.
Lifting & Overexertion Injuries
Some of the most common injuries among St. Louis workers come from lifting, twisting, and overexertion, herniated discs, pulled muscles, and ligament damage affecting the neck, back, shoulders, and knees. Contributing factors include improper lifting technique, inadequate training, lack of mechanical assistance, and fatigue from long hours without breaks. We fight to ensure these injuries are taken seriously and properly compensated.
Repetitive-Stress Injuries
From warehouse workers to office staff, many workers develop repetitive-stress injuries, tendinitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, cervical radiculopathy, rotator-cuff injuries, and trigger finger. Because they develop over months or years, the cause can be hard to pin down and insurers frequently deny them. We gather the medical evidence needed to prove your case. These conditions are fully covered under Missouri workers’ compensation law.
Permanent Disability Injuries
If lasting impairment lets you return to work only in a limited capacity, you may qualify for Permanent Partial Disability (calculated from the body part injured, its impact on your earning ability, your average weekly wage, and your disability rating). If your injury makes you unable to perform any job now or in the future, total blindness, loss of both arms or legs, severe brain injury, full paralysis, you may qualify for Permanent Total Disability. We work with physicians and vocational experts to prove long-term impact and fight for maximum compensation.
Fatal Work Injuries
Losing a loved one to a workplace accident is devastating. Families may be eligible for workers’ comp death benefits, including funeral expenses and lost future income, and may also have grounds for a wrongful death claim. In 2023, Missouri recorded 114 fatal workplace accidents, concentrated in transportation/warehousing (38%), construction (14%), and public administration (10%). Learn more in our guide to workplace death survivor benefits.
St. Louis Workers’ Compensation Claims by Industry
Certain sectors in the St. Louis metro see far higher claim rates. Understanding your industry’s risks helps you recognize when negligence, not “part of the job”, caused your injury.
Construction (North County, Earth City, Highway Corridors)
Beyond the hazards above, in many construction cases a third party (general contractor, property owner, equipment manufacturer, or subcontractor) shares liability, opening the door to additional recovery.
Manufacturing (Hazelwood, Bridgeton, Earth City)
North County’s manufacturing corridor exposes workers to unguarded machinery, assembly-line repetitive stress, chemical exposure and toxic fumes, forklift accidents, and industrial burns, often causing amputations, crush injuries, and severe burns. Insurers frequently dispute severity or claim a safety-protocol violation, making experienced representation essential.
Healthcare (BJC, SSM Health, Mercy Facilities)
St. Louis’s major health systems employ tens of thousands and generate a disproportionately high number of claims. The most common injury is back injury from lifting and repositioning patients, followed by needle sticks and bloodborne-pathogen exposure, workplace violence, slip-and-falls, repetitive stress, and hazardous-chemical exposure. Employers sometimes pressure staff to work through pain, use personal health insurance, or accept aggravating “light duty”, all violations of Missouri law. We have extensive experience taking on large hospital systems and their insurers.
Retail & Service (Clayton, Chesterfield, Galleria Area)
Workers at the Galleria, Chesterfield Mall, and businesses along Manchester Road and Olive Boulevard face slip-and-falls, lifting injuries from stocking and deliveries, repetitive-motion injuries, standing-related back and knee injuries, and injuries from robberies or workplace violence, a growing concern for late-night retail and fast-food employees.
Transportation & Logistics (Lambert Airport, UPS Earth City)
Anchored by Lambert International, the Earth City UPS hub, and Amazon operations, this sector sees loading-dock accidents, forklift injuries, package-handling overexertion, delivery vehicle accidents, and repetitive strain. Workers hurt in vehicle accidents on the job may also have a claim against the at-fault driver.
Office & Corporate (Clayton, Downtown St. Louis)
Office workers aren’t immune, carpal tunnel and ergonomic injuries, slip-and-falls in buildings and garages, back/neck injuries from poor workstation setup, and stress-related conditions. These are fully covered under Missouri workers’ compensation law.
The St. Louis Workers’ Comp Claims Process
Understanding the process helps you avoid mistakes that weaken or delay your case.
- Report your injury immediately. Missouri law requires notice to your employer within 30 days; sooner is always better. Notify your supervisor in writing and keep a copy.
- Get medical treatment. Your employer or insurer chooses your treating physician. Follow all recommendations and attend every appointment; gaps give insurers ammunition to argue your injury isn’t serious.
- Document everything. Keep records of the injury, treatment, and communications. Photograph injuries. Save bills, receipts, and mileage logs.
- File your claim. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury. The insurer must file a First Report of Injury with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation; if they don’t, your attorney can file on your behalf.
- Navigate the IME. The insurer may require an “Independent” Medical Examination, but their doctor is paid to minimize your disability rating. Having a lawyer prepare you can significantly affect the outcome.
- Settlement or hearing. Many claims settle through negotiation; if not, your case proceeds to an administrative hearing before the Division. We prepare every case for hearing from day one, which maximizes settlement leverage.
Common Workers’ Comp Problems We Solve in St. Louis
Denied Claims & Appeals
Insurers deny claims over missing paperwork, disputed timelines, “pre-existing” arguments, or claims the injury wasn’t work-related. You have the right to appeal. After a denial, you may file an application for review with the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission within 20 days of the award; the three-member Commission reviews administrative-law-judge decisions. A further appeal goes to the Missouri Court of Appeals (on legal issues only), and, very rarely, the Missouri Supreme Court. We handle appeals and fight to overturn unfair denials and delays.
Delayed Medical Treatment
Insurers sometimes stall approval for procedures, referrals, or medications, prolonging your suffering and worsening your condition. We intervene to force timely authorization.
Inadequate Settlement Offers
The first offer is almost always low. Without representation, workers frequently accept settlements that ignore future medical needs, permanent disability, and lost earning capacity.
Employer Retaliation
It is illegal in Missouri to fire, demote, or retaliate against you for filing a claim. Adverse action after a report may give you additional legal claims beyond workers’ comp.
Third-Party Liability
When a party other than your employer, property owner, equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, or driver, is responsible, a third-party personal injury claim can significantly increase your recovery, because it allows pain-and-suffering damages that workers’ comp does not.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims
Many injured St. Louis workers don’t realize they may have both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury lawsuit.
- Workers’ comp is no-fault: you get benefits regardless of who caused the injury, but recovery is limited to medical expenses, lost wages, and disability, with no pain and suffering.
- Personal injury requires proving negligence, but allows recovery for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and potentially punitive damages.
Common third-party scenarios: construction accidents involving a general contractor or equipment manufacturer, car accidents while working, defective products or equipment, and toxic exposure caused by a chemical manufacturer or property owner.
How Much Is a St. Louis Workers’ Comp Case Worth?
TTD calculations
Paid at two-thirds of your average weekly wage from your gross earnings over the prior 13 weeks, subject to annually updated minimum and maximum rates.
PPD settlement ranges
Vary widely by body part, disability percentage, and average weekly wage. Missouri assigns a set number of weeks of compensation to each body part; your disability percentage is applied to that to calculate the total.
Permanent disability rating disputes
The most contested element of most cases. The insurer’s doctor typically assigns a lower percentage than your treating physician, and since the rating drives your settlement, even a small difference can mean thousands of dollars. We work with independent medical experts to challenge lowball ratings.
How to maximize your settlement
Hire an experienced attorney early. Then: follow all treatment without gaps, attend every appointment, don’t give recorded statements without your attorney, don’t post about your injury on social media, and never accept an offer before your attorney reviews it.
Every St. Louis Area We Serve
Jett Accident & Injury Lawyers represents injured workers throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. Our familiarity with local industries, employers, and courts gives our clients a distinct advantage.
We serve injured workers in Fenton, Kirkwood, Clayton, Webster Groves, Brentwood, Manchester, Sunset Hills, and communities throughout St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and the surrounding region. Whether your workplace injury happened at a construction site along I-270, a manufacturing plant in Hazelwood, a hospital in the Central West End, a warehouse in Earth City, or an office building in Clayton, our St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyers have the experience to fight for the full benefits you are owed.
Frequently Asked Workers’ Comp Questions
Do I need a lawyer for workers’ comp in Missouri?
You are not legally required to have an attorney, but workers who hire experienced lawyers consistently receive higher settlements. Insurance companies have legal teams working to minimize your payout, you deserve someone fighting equally hard on your side.
Can I be fired for filing a workers’ comp claim in St. Louis?
No. Missouri law prohibits employer retaliation against workers who file workers’ compensation claims. If your employer fires, demotes, or punishes you for filing a claim, you may have additional legal remedies.
What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ comp insurance?
If your employer is required to carry coverage but does not, you can file a claim with the Missouri Uninsured Employer Fund. You may also have the right to sue your employer directly in a personal injury lawsuit.
How long do workers’ comp cases take in Missouri?
Simple cases may resolve in a few months. Complex cases involving disputed liability, severe injuries, or denied claims can take one to two years or longer. Early involvement of an attorney helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Can I get workers’ comp for PTSD in Missouri?
Missouri workers’ compensation does cover mental health conditions, including PTSD, when they result directly from a workplace incident. However, these claims are more difficult to prove and are frequently denied.
How much is my workers’ comp case worth in Missouri?
The value depends on the severity of your injury, the body part affected, your average weekly wage, your disability rating, and whether third-party liability exists. A free consultation with our firm can give you a realistic estimate.
What is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?
MMI is the point at which your doctor determines that your condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve further. Reaching MMI does not mean you are fully healed; it means your permanent disability can now be evaluated and your settlement calculated.
How much does a workers’ comp lawyer cost in St. Louis?
Jett Accident & Injury Lawyers handles all workers’ compensation cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
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: read our client reviews and view our case results
When you’re injured on the job, you need more than advice; you need action. Matt Jett handles every step of the workers’ compensation process so you can focus on recovery. We also handle a wide range of other personal injury matters — view our full list of practice areas.
Call 314-501-9509 or email matt@jettlegal.com to schedule your free case revie