Seeking Employee Benefits After an Accident or Illness

Workplace accidents are shockingly common. According to one study by the Missouri Department of Labor, workers in the state suffered more than 78,000 nonfatal occupational injuries in just one year. And employees who are injured on the job may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.  

All Missouri businesses with five or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, employers in the construction industry must carry the insurance even if they have only one employee. In exchange, employers are generally immune from civil lawsuits brought by injured workers. The workers’ compensation insurance system is designed to protect both workers and employers. In these cases, when an employee is hurt on the job, insurance pays for their medical care and lost wages. 

In addition to medical treatment, workers’ compensation insurance provides to an injured employee the following benefits:

1. Temporary total disability

After a work-related injury, an injured employee may not be able to return to work while they are healing and receiving medical treatment. Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits help cover lost wages during this time period.  To be eligible for TTD payments, the employee’s doctor must place restrictions on the employee that prevents him or her from returning to work.  

2. Permanent partial disability

After the employee receives medical treatment and the doctor says that he or she has reached maximum medical improvement, the employee may be eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. PPD means that the employee can return to work, but that the workplace injury still causes pain or prevents the employee from doing certain tasks. PPD benefits are normally paid to the employee in one lump sum and are based on a disability rating from the doctor. Employees who are concerned about their doctor’s opinions should talk to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.  

3. Permanent total disability

If an employee is badly injured and cannot return to work, he or she will be eligible for permanent total disability (PTD) benefits. To receive these benefits, the employee must prove that they are no longer able to compete on the open labor market. In addition to the workplace injury, there are many other factors that affect a person’s ability to compete on the open labor market, such as level of education, past work experience, age and pre existing injuries. PTD benefits are paid to the employee on a weekly basis, although in some circumstances employers will agree to pay a lump sum that would cover all future payments. An employee who thinks they are unable to return to work should talk to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. 

Workplace injuries can greatly impact an employee’s future career, which is devastating. If you or someone you love was involved in a work-related accident or illness, you should receive compensation. To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, it’s recommended that you find an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. The Law Office of Matt Uhrig has been fighting for the rights of Missourians since 2008, and we can fight for you, too.