Knowing what to do if you’re injured on the job can be important to making sure that you get the compensation you deserve. Here are some guidelines to help preserve your claim:
Notify your employer
You must notify your employer in writing unless the injury is so severe that you go directly to the hospital, in which case you'd file a written report of the injury as soon as you can. This is a crucial first step in preserving your rights to benefits under Kansas and Missouri workers’ compensation laws, and there are time limits specific to each state for doing so. The general rule is the sooner you are able to give notice, the better.
Get medical care
Your employer can tell you which doctor to report to for care following a work injury. You should comply with the treatment recommended. In Kansas, if treatment is sought from an unauthorized provider, the employer is liable for up to $500 of the unauthorized care. In Missouri, all unauthorized care is the financial responsibility of the injured worker. However, if you are unhappy with your medical treatment, or you think that you need a referral to a specialist or some additional testing, talk to the insurance company to discuss your concerns.
Decide whether to file a claim for compensation
If you're not being paid the benefits you're owed or aren't being properly compensated, then you should file a written claim for compensation. In both Kansas and Missouri, there are time limits which must be met in order to file a claim successfully. A claim should be filed as soon as possible to preserve the claim.
As always, if you need help filing a workers' comp claim in Kansas City, talking to an attorney is a good idea! Call us today at 816-842-7100 to speak with an attorney that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Or you can click here to email us and schedule your free consultation.