Frequently Asked Questions

Most employers are required to carry workers compensation coverage. Once you inform the employer about your injury, it is their duty to direct you to a doctor covered under their workers compensation policy. If your claim for compensation is rejected, please contact this office to evaluate your Missouri workers compensation claim.

After an injury, the insurance company dictates your care and compensation. Their efforts are focused on saving money. The company may use their knowledge and experience to attempt to provide as little treatment, time off and compensation as possible. You deserve an advocate on your side to help you.

If an individual dies at work, his employer can be required to compensate the individuals "dependents." The applicable statute defines who qualifies as a dependent that can lead to some unusual results. The attorneys at Ferguson & Schieber can help you determine if you qualify as a dependent.

Your employer is required to pay for medical treatment, compensate for time lost at work and provide disability benefits for any long-term problems associated with the injury.

If you are advised by your doctor to stay off work while you recover from your injury you may be entitled to temporary total disability benefits. TTD benefits are normally received weekly or every other week.

An employee may be entitled to receive permanent partial disability benefits if the workplace injury has caused limitation or loss of function. Permanent disability benefits are normally given in lump sum based on the disability rating given by a doctor. Normally, the employer's doctor gives a modest rating. Often, an experienced workers compensation lawyer can significantly increase the amount of the settlement in this area.

Permanent total disability benefits are paid when the workplace injury has rendered an employee unable to work for the rest of his/her life. A covered employer should also pay medical expense. There are other potential benefits available.

Unfortunately, employers oftentimes try to deny benefits under the position that an accident did not happen in the workplace, that the injury was not work-related or that the employee did not give notice of injury to the employer. When this happens, injured employees should seek the advice of experienced workers compensation lawyers.