Kansas City Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

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Were you injured at work in Kansas City, Missouri? The workers’ compensation claims process can be complex. Hiring an experienced Kansas City workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for medical bills and lost wages.

For more than 20 years, the attorneys at the Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers have fought aggressively to get injured workers their full workers’ compensation awards. By using our strategic and tenacious approach, we’ve secured more than $70 million in awards over the years for our clients. Call (816) 408-3448 or contact our Kansas City law office today for a free consultation.

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How Our Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After You’re Injured at Work

Most Missouri employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. When you’ve suffered a workplace accident, you’re usually at the mercy of your employer’s insurance company to fully compensate you for your injuries, illness, or disabilities.

We know first-hand that the insurance companies are looking for ways to hold back on your award. With more than 30 years of combined experience, our Kansas City workers’ compensation lawyers are here to demand the benefits that you deserve. Since 2002, we’ve been fighting for the rights of injured workers just like you.

When you hire us, you can count on us to:

Fully investigate your accident to determine if you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for third-party liability
Review your medical records to be sure you have full documentation of the extent of your injuries
Hire experts as needed to give an accurate estimate of your future medical needs
Handle all negotiations with your employer’s insurance company
Attend all hearings in front of the workers’ compensation board
Represent you in an appeal if your claim is denied

Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Let our accomplished Kansas City, MO legal team help you pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. Call Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.

How Common Are Workplace Injuries in Missouri?

Unfortunately, accidents in the workplace are all too common. In 2020, there were 91,075 incidents in Missouri workplaces resulting in injury or death. There were 119 people killed in workplace accidents in 2020, up from 108 in 2019.

In the counties surrounding Kansas City, Missouri, there were 18,526 injuries and 19 deaths from accidents on the job in 2020. As of August 2021, there have already been 12,783 injuries and 16 deaths in the Kansas City, MO area.

What Benefits Can I Get From Workers’ Compensation in Missouri?

Workers’ compensation is designed to provide you with the money and care you need to recover after work-related injuries. This may include medical treatment or other benefits. There is a cap on benefits in Missouri, so consult a reputable Kansas City workers’ compensation attorney to discuss the specifics of your case.

Medical Benefits

You’re entitled to be compensated for all medical treatment and care related to your worksite injury.

You should receive coverage for things such as:

Doctor visits
Prescriptions
Medical devices
Nursing care
Travel expenses incurred for medical visits

Any medical treatment you need should be covered. Your employer has the right to choose the medical provider.

Cash Benefits

You may also be entitled to receive payment for lost wages if your doctor determines that you aren’t able to return to work in some capacity. Benefits are generally 2/3 of your weekly wages.

Depending on the circumstances, you could be eligible for the following benefits:

Temporary total disability (TDD)
- You can’t return to work at all or while you are recovering
- Generally paid weekly and is 2/3 of the difference between your average earnings prior to the accident and the amount which you will be able to earn during the period of disability, subject to the maximum TTD rate.
Temporary partial disability (TPD)
- You can return to modified or light-duty work at reduced pay
- 2/3 of your average weekly wage, not to exceed a maximum amount set by law
Permanent partial disability (PPD)
- You can’t return to the same job you had, but you’re still able to work in some capacity
- 2/3 of your average weekly earnings as of the date of the injury, not to exceed a maximum amount set by law
- Depending on your disability, may receive a lump-sum payment based upon the nature and extent of the disability
Permanent total disability (PTD)
- You’re no longer to work in any job
- Weekly payments for your lifetime or negotiated lump-sum settlement
- Weekly payment based upon 2/3 of your average weekly earnings at the time of the injury, not to exceed a maximum amount set by law
- Maximum allowable is higher than for permanent partial disability

Increased payments are possible in cases where a PTD or death was caused by exposure to toxic materials.

Death Benefits

A surviving spouse or child is entitled to:

Weekly benefits when their loved one dies from an accident on the job
Weekly death benefit is 2/3 of the deceased employee’s average weekly wage for the year immediately preceding the fatal accident, subject to a maximum set by law

Funeral expenses up to $5,000.00 can also be available.

Effect of Other Benefits

As if the workers’ compensation laws weren’t complicated enough, the payments you receive through workers’ comp could even affect other benefits that you receive.

Workers’ compensation benefits can affect:

Unemployment compensation while you’re off work from your injury
Social Security disability
Subrogation rights against a third-party liability claim (meaning you might have to pay your employer back if you win money in a separate lawsuit)
Medicare
Back child support payments

The relationship between workers’ compensation and other benefits can have significant consequences. Missing a key step in coordinating them can be devastating.

The workers’ compensation laws guarantee your rights. But, insurance companies are famous for trying to reduce claims. You need a reputable lawyer on your side to be sure you’re actually receiving everything you’re entitled to. Let the Kansas City workers’ compensation lawyers at Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers help. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We offer free consultations, so call now.

Can I Sue My Employer for Additional Compensation?

In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for workers injured on the job. This means you’ll rely completely on workers’ compensation benefits for financial recovery.

However, sometimes someone other than your employer is responsible for injuries or death caused by workplace accidents. In those cases, you might be able to seek compensation from a third party in a negligence or wrongful death lawsuit. Seek legal advice from a respected attorney who understands and explains all of your options.

How Much Is My Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?

The value of your workers’ compensation claim will depend on any number of factors. It’s important to consult an attorney who knows the complexities of this area of the law.

In general, the amount you could get from workers’ compensation could depend on:

How severely you were injured
Whether you can return to the same job
Whether you have permanent or temporary disabilities
If you were using drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident
Whether you violated any safety rules
Part of the body injured
Your pre-injury wages

If anyone other than your employer is responsible for your injuries, you might be able to seek compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. In that case, you could potentially recover significantly higher damages, including compensation for pain and suffering. You will need to contact a skilled workers’ compensation attorney in Kansas City to fully evaluate your options.

Can I Still Get Compensation if I Was Responsible For the Accident at Work?

Workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” remedy designed to compensate you for injuries sustained at your place of employment. So, in most cases, you’ll still receive those benefits even if you caused the accident.

However, there are some important exceptions. If you were using alcohol or drugs or failed to follow your employer’s procedures when the accident occurred, your benefits could be drastically reduced.

If you end up filing a third-party liability lawsuit, then your award could be reduced if you were at fault. Missouri uses a pure comparative fault model, which means that damages are apportioned among the parties according to their responsibility for the accident.

It’s a common tactic of insurance companies to attempt to reduce payouts. If you’re unfairly being denied your full workers’ compensation benefits, Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight back. Call us today for a free consultation.

We Handle All Workers’ Compensation Claims

Certain jobs are more dangerous than others. But, a workplace injury can occur almost anywhere.

Most workplace accidents in Missouri occur in:

Construction
Manufacturing
Health care and social assistance
Public administration
Transportation and warehousing

Many injuries are caused by:

Lifting
Scaffolding accidents
Tool or equipment injury
Ingestion or inhalation of toxic substances
Slip and falls
Defective products

We know the complexities that come with handling workers’ compensation claims. We’re fierce advocates for your full benefits. And, we’ll make sure to explore all potential other sources of recovery, such as third-party claims. Call our experienced Kansas City workers’ compensation lawyers today. There’s no risk to you – it’s a free consultation.

Common Types of Workplace Injuries

Any number of disastrous injuries can occur at worksites. Some can be minor, and you might be back to work in a few days. Others leave you in rehab for months and leave your family financially devastated.

Some common workplace injuries are:

Brain injuries
Amputations
Catastrophic injuries
Back injuries
Muscle strains and tears
Contusions
Lacerations

Your workers’ compensation award depends on the severity of your injury and how long it knocks you out of work. So, it’s important to have an accurate assessment of your condition. The workers’ compensation attorneys at Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers will make sure you’re in the best position to get the full payment and support you deserve. Call our Kansas City, MO law office today for a free consultation.

How Long Do I Have to Claim Workers’ Comp Benefits?

You must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of your injury. Failure to do so could seriously jeopardize your right to compensation.

If you have a situation that requires filing a lawsuit in order to obtain the compensation you deserve, then you’ll have five years from the date of your injury. For wrongful death actions, you must file a lawsuit within three years.

Deadlines are critical to preserving your right to compensation. Don’t risk losing essential benefits due to missed deadlines. Call our Kansas City, MO law office today to talk to a trusted workers’ compensation attorney at Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers. Your initial consultation is free, so call now.

Call a Kansas City Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured on the job, you deserve to get the full amount of workers’ comp benefits. The accident attorneys in Kansas City at Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers have a reputation for success in getting injured workers the money they deserve. Call us today for a free consultation to see how we can help you.