According to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, there were 75 fatal workplace accidents in 2024 – plus almost 86,000 “injury incidents.” With so many workplace injuries occurring throughout the state, every employee might want to take a moment to learn how to file a workers’ compensation claim. Even in a relatively safe work environment, it is impossible to predict what the future might bring. A dim stairwell or a loose electrical cord can cause career-ending falls. For workers who have recently experienced injuries on the job, learning how to file a workers’ compensation claim is even more important. No worker needs to navigate this process alone, and a Missouri workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to provide meaningful guidance. To receive further insights on how to file a workers’ compensation claim, consider contacting Steelman Gaunt Crowley at (573) 341-8336.
Step One: Seek Medical Attention
Do not worry about forms and paperwork immediately after a workplace accident. The first priority should be proper, prompt medical treatment. If a worker is alone or no one is willing to help, it may be necessary to call 911. Depending on the injury, workers may want to remain in a prone or sitting position until first responders arrive. When the paramedics arrive, accept treatment and transport to the nearest hospital. Follow further directions and wait for the injury to stabilize before considering how to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Prompt treatment is important for various reasons. First, it sends a clear message that the injury is serious. Secondly, medical treatment inherently creates a clear paper trail of medical records – and an injured worker can use these records as evidence to support their claim. Of course, calling 911 may not make sense for all workplace injuries. For example, a worker might experience a gradual worsening of symptoms due to toxic exposure or a repetitive strain injury (RSI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 10% of all American adults report developing an RSI within the past three months – and many of these injuries stem from workplace duties. In this type of situation, workers should seek treatment as soon as they notice the injury.
Step Two: Report the Injury to Your Employer
After the injury stabilizes, the worker should report their workplace accident to their employer. This is a mandatory step for those filing workers’ compensation claims, and workers must make these reports within 30 days of their accidents. If this deadline passes, workers may not receive any workers’ compensation benefits for lost income or medical expenses. Workers can download the required accident report form directly from the Department of Labor & Industrial Relations, although this is only necessary if the employer fails to provide one of these forms. The employer is legally required to provide injured workers with official accident forms, so this failure could be an early warning sign of misconduct or underinsurance. The form itself is very straightforward, with only a single line to describe the “nature of the injury.” Even though workers may only use a single sentence to describe the injury on this form, there may be opportunities to elaborate in the future.
Always make this report in writing. While a phone call might seem like the most convenient option (especially from a hospital bed), these verbal communications are not legally binding. Later, the employer might claim that they never received this phone call. On the other hand, a written accident report provides a clear paper trail – especially if workers keep their own copies.
Step Three: Wait for a Reply
Once the worker has received treatment and filed their accident report, they must wait for further correspondence from workers’ compensation. During this period, workers may need to follow up with their doctors and accept treatment from specialists upon referral. Workers should receive compensation for their medical expenses almost immediately after filing their claims.
Workers should avoid certain social media posts and public activities after their accidents – especially after suffering serious injuries. The workers’ compensation program often hires investigators to conduct surveillance, hoping to uncover potential fraud. As a result, workers should be mindful of engaging in certain social media activities and physical pastimes (such as going to the gym). If the claim is denied by the workers’ compensation program, it may be necessary to file an appeal. Workers can potentially take these appeals all the way to the higher courts.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer to File a Workers’ Comp Claim?
Workers may not need to hire lawyers to file their workers’ compensation claims. The forms are available for free online, and they are relatively easy to fill out. Generally speaking, it is the responsibility of the employer to handle most of the paperwork and communicate with the workers’ compensation program on behalf of the injured employee. When workers encounter issues or unexplained delays with their claims, however, they may consider working with a workers’ compensation law firm like Steelman Gaunt Crowley. In addition to clarifying the cause of delays, legal professionals may be able to assist with denied claims – a common issue for countless injured workers in Missouri each year.
With that said, some workers might choose to work with workers’ compensation lawyers from the very beginning of the claims process. With oversight and guidance from a lawyer, it may be easier to avoid needless mistakes. Even the most minor errors can cause serious delays – and they might even result in denied claims.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim With Steelman Gaunt Crowley
While hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer in Missouri may not be necessary, these legal professionals are available to assist workers through every step of this process. Workers who have questions or concerns may speak with Steelman Gaunt Crowley for potentially targeted guidance. Online research may provide a general outline of how to file a workers’ compensation claim, but each claim is slightly different. One worker might encounter issues that another worker does not need to worry about. This is why personalized guidance during a consultation could be a positive choice – so consider calling (573) 341-8336 to speak with us today.
