According to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the state saw 75 workplace fatalities in 2024. There were also almost 86,000 workplace injuries in 2024. While these incidents can change lives forever, Missouri employees are eligible to pursue compensation after suffering a workplace injury. This is known as “workmans’ comp” or “workers’ compensation,” and it can provide numerous benefits. In the event of a workplace fatality, the family of the deceased employee may also pursue a workmans’ comp claim. Injured workers and their loved ones should take a moment to review the various benefits that workmans’ comp may provide. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Missouri may be able to explain these benefits in more detail. Consider calling (573) 341-8336 to continue this conversation with Steelman Gaunt Crowley.
What Is Workmans’ Comp in Missouri?
“Workmans’ comp” is another word for “workers’ compensation.” The federal government requires each state to have its own workers’ compensation program, and the purpose of these programs is to provide injured employees with financial support. Workers’ comp is a form of “no-fault” insurance, and employers are legally required to obtain this type of insurance for their employees.
This insurance system is “no-fault” because it does not require workers to establish negligence. Almost every type of workplace injury can lead to a claim, regardless of who is to blame. Even if employees cause their own injuries, they can still usually pursue workmans’ comp benefits. The only exceptions are accidents caused by intentional, reckless behavior – such as intoxication or horseplay.
Does Workmans’ Comp Cover Lost Wages in Missouri?
One of the most important workmans’ comp benefits is the coverage of lost income. If a worker must miss work due to their workplace injury, they are entitled to receive compensation for any paychecks they miss during this period. However, the exact amount and duration of these benefits depends on the nature of the injury. Generally speaking, these payments stop when workers recover from their injuries and return to work.
The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations describes these benefits in detail. The most straightforward benefit for lost income is temporary total disability (TTD). Workers receive this type of compensation if they need to spend time off work while recovering from their injuries, and they should receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage. There is also temporary partial disability or “TPD,” which occurs when the worker earns less than they did before their injury. In this case, the worker receives two-thirds of the difference between their current earnings and their pre-injury earnings. For example, a worker might earn $2,000 per week before their injury. If they subsequently earn $1,000 per week after their injury, they may be eligible to receive two-thirds of the difference between these sums ($1000). As a result, the worker would receive benefit payments of about $666.67 per week.
What if I Become Permanently Disabled After a Workplace Accident?
If a worker becomes permanently disabled after a workplace injury, they may continue to receive lost wage benefits for the rest of their life. Permanent partial disability (PPD) occurs when a worker suffers a permanent disability that does not totally prevent them from working. For example, doctors might amputate the limb of a factory worker after a machinery accident. In this situation, the worker may no longer have the ability to operate machinery, but they may be able to find work in other fields. This situation may lead to compensation worth two-thirds of pre-injury average weekly earnings. In addition, the worker might receive a lump-sum payment based on the “amount” of disability. Different lump-sum payments may apply based on the specific injured body part, and workers may want to discuss these specifics with Steelman Gaunt Crowley.
Permanent total disability (PTD) occurs when a workplace injury prevents an employee from ever working again. According to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, employees with PTDs can choose whether to receive lifetime payments or negotiate lump-sum settlements. Again, the amount of these weekly payments is two-thirds of the pre-injury average weekly wage. However, there are certain limits associated with these payments, and the Missouri workers’ compensation program may cap compensation.
What if My Loved One Died in a Missouri Workplace Accident?
Families who have lost loved ones to fatal workplace accidents in Missouri may be eligible for survivor benefits. Only certain family members may pursue these benefits, and they are generally the “dependents” of the deceased worker. Common dependents include children and spouses, although the Missouri workmans’ comp program may also consider other dependents (such as parents or seniors) on a case-by-case basis. One of the most important survivor benefits is compensation for funeral expenses, up to a maximum of $5,000.
Spouses of deceased employees may continue to receive two-thirds of average weekly wages for the rest of their lives. However, these benefits will cease if the spouse remarries. Upon remarriage, the dependent spouse will receive a lump-sum payment equivalent to two years of lost wage benefits. Dependent children will continue to receive these benefits until they reach the age of 18. However, children who remain full-time students past high school graduation may continue to receive survivor benefits until they reach the age of 22. In addition, mentally or physically incapacitated children could continue to receive survivor benefits for life.
Workmans’ Comp Benefits Always Cover Medical Costs
Although injured employees do not receive full compensation for lost wages, workmans’ comp benefits in Missouri provide full coverage of necessary medical costs after accidents. An injured worker should not have to pay any costs for their medical treatment after a workplace accident.
Pursue Workmans’ Comp Benefits With Steelman Gaunt Crowley
With a greater understanding of workmans’ comp benefits, Missouri employees may find it easier to pursue the financial support they need after workplace accidents. However, different benefits apply to different situations – and an experienced Missouri workers’ compensation lawyer could provide more targeted insights compared to online research. These lawyers may help workers determine their eligibility for certain workmans’ comp benefits based on the specifics of their accidents. Consider contacting Steelman Gaunt Crowley at (573) 341-8336 to continue this discussion in more detail.
