Types of Workers' Compensation Benefits in Missouri

Most workers in Missouri know that they are covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance in the event of an injury suffered on the job or a diagnosed medical condition directly related to their working activities or conditions.

I am workers’ compensation lawyer Mark E. Moreland, in St. Louis, Missouri. For more than 33 years, workers in Missouri have trusted me to help them (and their families) receive the benefits they need and deserve.

Many workers may not know that there are various levels of benefits available, including:

• Medical treatment: Injured workers are entitled to receive a medical diagnosis, care and ongoing treatment for any work-related injury or medical condition (such as mesothelioma and silicosis). Whether injured in Missouri, it is important to remember that treatment must be provided by a doctor or medical provider approved by their state’s Board of Workers’ Compensation. You are entitled to change doctors, but only to another health care provider who has been approved by the board. There may be specific instances in which this rule may be waived, but do not attend medical treatment until you are certain you are working with an approved provider.

• Temporary total disability (TTD): These are cash benefits that pay two-thirds of your average weekly earnings while you are off the job recovering from your injury or medical condition. Your average weekly earnings will be calculated by looking back over the previous 52 weeks of employment.

• Temporary partial disability (TPD): Cash pay benefits to make up the pay reduction you may experience if you are able to return to work, but at a reduced pay rate while continuing your recovery. TPD benefits pay two-thirds of your reduced pay losses, calculated by averaging your previous 52 weeks of earnings.

• Permanent partial disability (PPD): A settlement amount of cash pay benefit, usually determined by the annual schedule of payments for specific types of injuries and occupational diseases, published by your state’s Board of Workers’ Compensation. This payment may be negotiated as weekly payments for a determined length of time or as a lump sum payment.

• Permanent total disability (PTD): This benefit affects only workers who cannot return to work because of a permanent disability injury or diagnosed occupational disease. Although your payment may be negotiated as weekly payments, this benefit is usually negotiated as a lump sum settlement and may mean the worker becomes eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits as well.

• Survivor benefits for death claims: Surviving spouses and qualifying family members may also receive survivor death benefits if an injured person suffers a fatal accident on the job or dies as a result of a diagnosed occupational disease.

Free Consultation — No Attorney Fees if I Can’t Help You Get Benefits

There are various components to each of these types of workers’ compensation benefits. If you were injured on the job or have been diagnosed with an occupational disease in Missouri, it makes sense to know the rules and how to get your claim approved. I offer a free consultation to explain my services.

Call me, or send an email.