The workers’ compensation system is intended to provide wage replacement benefits and medical care to employees who have experienced a work-related injury. Unfortunately, the process for claiming the benefits you deserve is complex, often requiring the expertise of a skilled attorney to navigate. If you have experienced an accident at work or developed a medical issue related to your working conditions, here are a few steps to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

1. Report Your Injury Immediately

Each state has different guidelines determining when an injured employee should tell their employer about their injury. Missouri law, for instance, gives employees 30 days, after which you may lose your right to benefits. Reporting injuries as soon as they occur, even if they don’t seem severe, will help establish a link between your medical issue and working conditions.

2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Medical records provide valuable evidence of your injuries, so see a doctor as soon as possible. Explaining that you were hurt in a workplace accident or work in dangerous conditions will ensure that this information appears in your medical records.

3. Keep Your Own Records

Your employers and attorney will likely keep records pertaining to your claim, and it’s vital that you do the same. Take note of every doctor’s appointment, especially dates of your diagnosis, and write down each day you were unable to work. Being able to identify inaccurate information in your employer’s documentation is key to achieving the best possible outcome for your claim.

After a work-related accident or medical condition diagnosis, having a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney by your side can make all of the difference. With over 75 years of combined legal experience and offices in Lake St. Louis and Warrenton, Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. is one of the top law firms in Missouri’s St. Charles County. Visit their website to learn how they can tip the scales of justice in your favor, or follow their Twitter page for news and updates. To speak with an attorney for a consultation, call (636) 561-5599 for their Lake St. Charles office or (636) 456-7969 for the Warrenton location.