St. Louis Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Workplace injuries can happen in any industry, whether you’re on a construction site, in an office, or working in a factory. These injuries can disrupt your life, causing you physical pain and financial stress. When you’re injured on the job, you have the right to workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

However, navigating the workers’ comp process can be complex. The St. Louis workers’ compensation attorneys with Mandel & Mandel, LLP, are ready to handle all those complexities. They’ll help you through the process, ensuring you receive the benefits you’re entitled to and that you’re not left struggling financially while you recover.

Common Reasons Workers File Claims

Workplace accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, and they often occur due to preventable factors. Whether you’re working in a high-risk environment like construction or performing everyday office tasks, accidents can still result in serious injuries. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of workplace accidents and how our St. Louis workers’ compensation attorneys can help.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common workplace injuries, affecting workers in all types of industries. These accidents often happen due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstacles not properly cleared. While they may seem minor, slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries like broken bones, back injuries, and concussions.

Workers’ compensation should cover your medical expenses and lost wages if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall at work. However, if your employer or insurance company tries to dispute your claim, a lawyer can work to ensure you receive the necessary benefits.

Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently dangerous, with heavy machinery, scaffolding, and hazardous materials all posing risks to workers. Common construction site accidents include falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, and equipment malfunctions. These accidents can cause severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death.

You have the right to workers’ compensation benefits when you’re injured in a construction accident. In addition, if a third party (such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer) contributed to the accident, Mandel & Mandel, LLP St. Louis workers’ compensation attorneys can investigate and pursue additional compensation beyond workers’ comp.

Occupational Diseases

Some workplace injuries develop over time rather than from a single incident. Occupational diseases occur when a worker is exposed to harmful conditions or substances over an extended period. These health issues could include respiratory conditions from inhaling toxic materials, skin conditions from exposure to chemicals, or repetitive stress injuries from overuse.

Workers’ compensation covers occupational diseases just as it does for acute injuries. If you’re suffering from an illness related to your job, your attorney can help you file a claim to cover your medical treatments and time off work.

How Healthcare Typically Works Under Workers’ Compensation

When you’re injured on the job, one of the first concerns is getting the medical care you need. Workers’ compensation should cover all necessary medical treatment for your injury, including doctor visits, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. However, you must follow specific rules and procedures to ensure your medical bills are covered.

In Missouri, your employer has the right to choose the healthcare provider for your treatment. You may not be able to see your preferred doctor unless your employer approves it. Workers’ comp may not cover the costs if you choose to see a doctor independently without approval.

Our St. Louis workers’ compensation attorneys can help you understand the medical treatment process and protect your rights if there’s a dispute over your care.

Investigating Third Parties to Maximize Compensation

In many workplace injury cases, more than one party may be responsible for your accident. While workers’ compensation typically prevents you from suing your employer, you can still file a claim against a third party whose negligence contributed to your injury. These parties could include:

• Contractors or subcontractors: If you’re on a construction site and a contractor’s actions caused your injury, you may have grounds for a third-party claim.

• Equipment manufacturers: You can file a claim against the manufacturer for additional compensation if defective equipment or machinery caused your accident.

• Property owners: If you were injured on someone else’s property while performing your job, you could hold the property owner responsible if unsafe conditions led to your injury.

Mandel & Mandel St. Louis workers’ compensation attorneys will investigate the details of your accident to identify any potential third parties who may be liable. By pursuing a third-party claim, you could receive additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides, helping cover pain and suffering or other damages that workers’ comp doesn’t address.

FAQs About Workers’ Compensation

1. What Should I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?

If your claim is denied, don’t panic. Many claims are denied due to incomplete paperwork or disputes over the severity of the injury. Our St. Louis workers’ compensation attorneys have years of experience working with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. We can help you appeal the denial, gather additional evidence, and represent you in any hearings to fight for your benefits. You can challenge a denial, and a Mandel & Mandel, LLP lawyer can ensure your case is handled properly.

2. Can I Still Get Workers’ Compensation If the Accident Was My Fault?

Workers’ comp is a no-fault system, meaning you don’t have to prove that your employer was negligent to receive benefits. You’re typically entitled to coverage as long as the injury occurred while performing your job duties. Your attorney will help ensure that your benefits are not unfairly reduced due to fault.

3. How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

In Missouri, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days. Failing to report the injury within this timeframe could jeopardize your claim. Once you’ve reported the injury, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. St. Louis workers’ compensation attorneys can guide you through this process and make sure you meet all deadlines to protect your right to benefits.

Let a Mandel & Mandel Attorney Help

Workplace injuries can have serious consequences for your health and financial stability. The St. Louis workers’ compensation attorneys with Mandel & Mandel, LLP will fight for your right to benefits and explore additional compensation if third-party negligence contributed to your accident. Contact us online or call 314-621-1701 to protect your rights and secure your future.