Introduction
Our firm represents people injured on the job. We have many years experience handling claims against employers and the Second Injury Fund. We charge a contingency fee. There are no fees or charges unless there is a recovery on the claim.

Hurt on the Job?
An injury can be a traumatic experience if you are injured on the job or become ill as a result of your employment. The Missouri Worker's Compensation program can provide some relief from the worry and financial strain of being injured and possibly off work due to an injury.
MO law requires most employers to carry insurance, which pays for medical treatment and lost time benefits, for employees who are injured on the job. The law requires prompt payment of benefits at no cost to you if you sustain work-related injury.

What is Covered?
Any injury caused by the job is covered everything form first-aid type of injuries to serious accidents, including death. The Worker's Compensation Law also provides coverage for work-related occupational diseases. The key is whether the injury or illness is caused by your job.

When Am I Covered?
You are protected anytime you are working or participating in an event required by your employer.

What Do I do if I am injured?
Report the injury immediately to your employer or supervisor and provide information about the injury; what, where, when and how it happened. Your employer or supervisor will arrange medical treatment and file the necessary reports. Prompt reporting is the key. Nothing can happen until your employer knows about the injury. Insure your right to benefits by a written notice of every injury, no matter how slight.

What are the benefits?
Missouri law provides three kinds of worker's compensation benefits:
" Medical care to treat the injury " Doctor bills, medicines, hospital costs, fees for lab tests, x-rays, crutches, and other medical expenses are also covered. There is no deductible and all costs are paid by your employer or the insurance company. You should never see a bill. If you do receive a bill, contact your employer, or insurer immediately.
The employer or the insurer, on behalf of the employer, has the right to choose the doctor, hospital, and medical facilities. The employer and insurer are not required to pay for treatment the employee seeks or selects without their authorization. However, the employer and insurer may authorize you to see your own doctor. You should check with the employer and insurance company with respect to any medical treatment for which you want them to pay
When an employee is required to submit to treatment at a place outside of the local or metropolitan area where the employee lives or where the accident occurred, the employee is entitled to payment for expenses. In no event is the employer or insurer required to pay transportation costs of more than 250 miles each way from the place of treatment.
In addition, the employer/insurer may offer physical rehabilitation services to assist you in returning to work. This is an extension of medical treatment - for example, physical therapy to strengthen muscles.
" Payment for lost wages " Most injuries only keep you from working temporarily and you will receive temporary total disability payments until the doctor says you are able to return to work. If you return to work on light duty at less than full pay, you may be eligible for temporary partial disability payment.
" Compensation for permanent disability " Once a doctor has determined that you have reached maximum medical improvement (you are as well as you can be), and that you have a permanent disability, you are entitled to receive a permanent disability payment. If the disability is less that total disability, you receive a lump sum settlement based upon the extent of the disability. The legislature has established guidelines to determine the amount of payment. If the disability is permanent total disability, you may receive payments for life or a lump sum settlement.

How Much Are The Benefit Payments?
* The benefits provided for temporary total disability are calculated at sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66.66%) of the injured worker's average weekly wage, not to exceed a maximum amount set by the legislature. This is determined based on your gross wages (your pay before taxes).
* Compensation is not paid for the first three days you are unable to work. If you are unable to work for more than fourteen days, the three-day waiting period will be paid.
*If you suffer from permanent partial disability, you may receive a lump sum payment based upon the amount of disability.
* If you are permanently and totally disabled, you may receive periodic payments or a lump sum settlement. The amount of the payment is based upon the amount of your earnings at the time of the injury.
* Disability payments and medical bills are paid by your employer's worker's compensation insurance. If a medical bill is not paid or you do not receive a disability check in a timely manner, contact your employer and insurer.
" Workers" compensation payments are tax-free. There are no deductions for state taxes, federal taxes, or Social Security.

What If There Is A Problem?
You should call Jim Brandenburg. (314)993-4261. The initial consultation is free. A claim must be filed with the Division of Worker's Compensation within the time limits required by law so you do not lose your rights to benefits.