If you get hurt on the job, do you know if workers' comp covers your disability? Under Missouri law, an employer in the construction industry with at least one employee, and employers with at least five employees must provide workers’ compensation benefits. These tax-free benefits start after a three-day waiting period. However, there are different type of disabilities covered for on-the-job injuries. 

Disabilities Covered by Workers’ Comp

Temporary Total Disability

Workers may be eligible for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits when they can’t go back to work because they are healing after surgery or because of their type of injury. Employers should continue paying TTD benefits until the workers’ doctors release them to work or stop treatment because they have reached maximum medical improvement.

Temporary Partial Disability

If employers offer injured employees modified or light duty work and their doctors release them to do it, the employees may not qualify for TTD benefits. However, workers’ comp law provides this when workers resume light duties at less than full pay; employers must pay temporary partial disability benefits.

Permanent Disability

Employees with workers’ comp injuries can collect permanent partial disability benefits when their injuries keep them from doing certain tasks, but they can do others. If workers can’t do any work after getting injured, they are eligible for permanent total disability payments. Workers’ comp lawyers help employees negotiate settlements for these benefits.  

Additional Disability Benefits

Workers can receive disability or death benefits when toxic exposure causes occupational diseases. Asbestosis, mesothelioma, coal worker's pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and acute myelogenous leukemia are among the diseases that qualify for payment.

Woodlawn Law Offices in O’Fallon, MO, provides zealous, effective advocacy for individuals pursuing workers’ comp claims. Applying 25 years of experience as a disability lawyer, Attorney David Schmidt’s individualized service puts the client first and seeks full compensation for all covered injuries. If you get hurt at work, call (636) 240-6667 to arrange your free consultation. Visit the website and Facebook page for more about their practice.