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Spooner & Perkins Attorneys at Law

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Parkville, MO 64152

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Workers Compensation FAQs | Parkville, MO & Kansas City

Workers Compensation FAQs for Parkville, MO and the Kansas City Metro Area

Filing for workers compensation benefits in Missouri can be stressful, especially when you're dealing with an injury and trying to protect your income. Whether you’re just starting your claim or trying to figure out what happens after a denial, having clear, local information is key.

At Spooner & Perkins Attorneys at Law, we work with injured workers across Parkville, Platte County, and the Kansas City metro area to make the workers compensation process easier to understand—and easier to win. This FAQ page addresses the most common questions we hear from our clients so you can make informed decisions about your health, your benefits, and your future.

If you need help navigating your claim, contact our Parkville workers compensation attorneys online or call us at 816-572-6324 today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Workers Compensation in Missouri

1. What is workers compensation, and how does it apply in Parkville, MO?

Workers compensation is a benefit system that provides wage replacement, medical care, and disability support to employees injured on the job. In Parkville and throughout Missouri, it covers both physical injuries and work-related illnesses.

2. What injuries qualify for a workers compensation claim?

Common covered workplace injuries in Missouri include:

  • Slip and falls at work
  • Repetitive use injuries (like carpal tunnel)
  • Machinery accidents
  • Job-related vehicle crashes
  • Exposure to toxic substances

As long as the injury occurred during the course and scope of your employment, it may qualify.

3. How soon must I report a work injury in Missouri?

Missouri law requires that you notify your employer within 30 days of the injury or diagnosis. In Parkville workplaces, this typically means informing your supervisor, HR manager, or employer representative.

4. Can I choose my own doctor after a work injury?

In most Missouri workers compensation cases, the employer or insurer selects the treating physician. If you see your own doctor without approval, you may have to pay out of pocket. However, we can help explore exceptions in Parkville claims.

5. What types of benefits are available through a Missouri workers comp claim?

Injured workers in Parkville and the Kansas City area may qualify for:

  • Paid medical treatment
  • Wage loss compensation (temporary total disability)
  • Permanent partial or total disability benefits
  • Death benefits (for surviving family members)
6. Can I be fired for filing a workers compensation claim in Missouri?

No. Missouri law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for exercising their right to file a compensation claim. If you've been fired or threatened in Parkville after reporting an injury, speak with a workers compensation lawyer immediately.

7. What should I do if my workers comp claim is denied?

If your claim has been denied, you're not alone. Many Parkville workers face denial for technical or unfair reasons. Our firm helps injured employees appeal denied claims and recover the benefits they deserve.

8. What if I can't return to my job after the injury?

If your doctor determines that you can no longer perform your previous work duties, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits or retraining programs. We assist Parkville workers in building strong medical and vocational documentation to support these claims.

9. Are pre-existing conditions covered?

They can be. Missouri workers compensation law allows benefits if your job aggravated or accelerated a pre-existing condition. This is common in Kansas City construction, warehouse, and manufacturing jobs.

10. How long does it take to receive workers comp benefits?

Timelines vary. Some claims are processed within weeks, while others—especially those involving disputes or appeals—can take several months. We keep clients in Parkville updated at every step to minimize surprises.

11. What is Missouri’s Second Injury Fund?

The Second Injury Fund provides additional compensation for workers who had a pre-existing disability and sustain a new work-related injury. It’s especially important for older or previously injured workers in the Kansas City metro who now face long-term impairments.

12. Can I file a lawsuit instead of a workers comp claim?

Not usually. In most Parkville and Missouri workplaces, workers compensation is the exclusive remedy for job-related injuries. However, you might have a separate claim if a third party (like a contractor or equipment manufacturer) was at fault.

13. What documents do I need to start a workers compensation claim?

To begin your claim in Parkville, you should collect:

  • An incident report or written notice to your employer
  • Medical records related to the injury
  • Witness statements (if applicable)
  • Any communication from the employer or insurer

Our team can help you gather and organize these materials to avoid delays or denials.

14. Can I get compensation for injuries that happened while working off-site?

Yes. If the injury occurred while performing work duties off-site—such as driving to a client, delivering goods, or visiting a job site—you may still be eligible for full benefits under Missouri law.

15. Should I accept a settlement from the insurance company?

Only after reviewing it with a Kansas City workers compensation attorney. Initial settlement offers often undervalue your long-term needs. We regularly negotiate higher offers for Parkville clients after calculating future care, disability, and lost income.

Still Have Questions? Speak with a Parkville Workers Compensation Lawyer

The Missouri workers compensation system can be confusing, especially if your claim was denied, delayed, or undervalued. Whether you're facing medical treatment issues, lost wages, or permanent disability concerns, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Spooner & Perkins Attorneys at Law, we help injured workers across Parkville, Platte County, and the greater Kansas City area get the answers and advocacy they need.

Contact our office in Parkville online or call 816-572-6324 today for a free consultation with a local workers compensation lawyer—and take the next step toward protecting your rights and recovery.