One of the most frustrating parts of pursuing workers’ compensation is the paperwork, but it’s a necessary evil to complete in pursuit of reparations. Many injured employees try to complete these forms on their own without any legal assistance, but this is a mistake that can be detrimental to your claim.

Claim for Compensation
The Claim for Compensation form is completed by the injured employee or his or her attorney after a workplace accident has occurred. It’s important that this form be filled out by or in the presence of your workers’ compensation attorney for the following reasons.

  • The form you fill out must be submitted as an original document and in the most current version. It cannot be altered in any way, otherwise it will not be accepted.
  • A certain number of copies must be submitted as well, depending on who and how many employers you are filing a claim against.
  • If the claim needs to be amended, this must be done according to the proper guidelines.
  • If your claim is not legible, it will not meet the requirements to be electronically stored.

Report Your Workplace Injury/Occupational Disease or Repetitive Trauma Injury
This form is filled out by the employee and submitted to the employer to report the accident. This should be submitted as soon as possible once the accident has happened, otherwise your claim will be at risk. Missouri law requires you to inform your employer within thirty days of the accident. Your workers’ compensation lawyer can help you meet these requirements.

  • Sometimes, employers do not provide these forms. Your attorney will ensure that you get the form you need so that it can be submitted.
  • In some cases, the employer will require you to fill out an incident or accident form. Many employees mistakenly think that this can be completed in place of the form reporting your injury.
  • Many injured employees are also led to believe that this form counts as a claim for compensation, but it does not. This misunderstanding can lead to a delay in filing your claim, or not filing at all.

Noncompliance Referral
An employer with five or more employees is required by Missouri Law to have workers’ compensation insurance. Employers in the construction industry with only one or more employees must carry this insurance as well. Many victims of workplace accidents are unaware that action can be taken in these cases. Your attorney can acquire this form for you, help you fill it out properly, and have it submitted to the Fraud and Noncompliance Unit so an investigation can be initiated.

Other Forms
As you know, legal processes are complex. When things don’t go smoothly with your employer or the insurance company, there are different forms for different courses of action. If the correct form isn’t filled out, completed on time, or done correctly, it leaves the injured employee confused and often forced to go without the compensation necessary to cover expenses. Your attorney can guide you through this maze of bureaucracy and help you through common scenarios such as the following examples.

  • The employer refuses compensation.
  • Insurer denies your claim.
  • Requests for more evidence, such as medical records and proof of payments.
  • Requests for a second opinion from a medical professional.
  • Not receiving the benefits you’ve won in court.
  • Late discovery of workplace injury or occupational illness such as repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel.

If you or a loved one have been injured on the job, don’t risk your compensation by trying to navigate the process on your own. Hire one of our dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers to handle the stressful parts for you, so you can focus on recovering. Contact us by calling 573-443-4500 for free legal advice at your consultation appointment.