St. Louis Workplace Accident Lawyer

If you have been hurt on the job in St. Louis, MO, you are likely overwhelmed with medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your future. You do not have to handle this alone. A skilled work injury attorney can help you understand your rights, determine what benefits you are entitled to, and fight for the compensation you need.

Do not risk leaving money on the table—take action now. Call Goldblatt + Singer at (314) 231-4100 or contact us online for a free consultation with a St. Louis work injury lawyer. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing and getting back on your feet. 

What Counts as a Workplace Accident?

Workplace accidents come in all shapes and sizes. Some are quick and obvious—like falling off a ladder or getting hit by a piece of equipment. Others take longer to show up, like repetitive strain injuries or illnesses caused by toxic exposure at work. No matter how the injury happens, you may have a valid claim if it occurred while you were on the job.

Some of the most common workplace accidents in St. Louis include:

• Slip and fall accidents – Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting can cause serious falls.
• Machinery accidents – Equipment failures or lack of proper safety measures can lead to devastating injuries.
• Toxic exposure – Working around chemicals, asbestos, or hazardous fumes can lead to long-term health issues.
• Transportation-related accidents – Truck drivers, delivery workers, and even office employees who travel for work can get into crashes on the clock.
• Overexertion injuries – Lifting heavy objects or performing repetitive motions can cause strains, sprains, and other painful injuries.

No matter the type of accident, workplace injuries can disrupt your life and leave you facing medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future. 

Missouri Workers’ Compensation: What You Need to Know

In Missouri, employers with five or more employees (or just one employee in the construction industry) must carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you get hurt on the job, file a claim to secure benefits that will cover your medical bills and pay partial wages while you are out of work.

Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, the process is not always that straightforward. Insurance companies often try to deny claims or pay out as little as possible. That’s why having a work accident lawyer on your side can make a huge difference. They will make sure you do not get shortchanged and help you appeal if your claim gets denied. 

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you will receive benefits to help you recover and stay financially stable while out of work. Here’s what you can expect:

• Medical treatment – Your necessary doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions, and rehabilitation costs should be covered.
• Lost wages – Workers’ comp provides a portion of your regular income while you cannot work.
• Disability benefits – If your injury is severe, you may qualify for temporary or permanent disability payments.

These benefits are designed to support injured workers, but the claims process is not always easy. If you run into challenges getting the compensation you are owed, legal guidance can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.

When Can You Sue Outside of Workers’ Comp?

Workers’ comp laws prevent you from suing your employer in most cases. But there are exceptions. If a third party or a defective product injured you, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. A work injury attorney can help you determine if you have a case and what kind of compensation you might recover beyond what workers’ comp offers. 

Challenges Workers Face When Filing a Claim

Insurance companies do not make it easy to get the benefits you deserve. The most common roadblocks injured workers face include:

• Denied workers’ compensation claims – Insurers may argue your injury is not work-related or claim you missed the deadline to report it.
• Low settlement offers – The insurance company might propose a payout that fails to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
• Independent medical examination (IME) disputes – Your employer’s insurer may require you to see their doctor, who could downplay your injuries to minimize your benefits.
• Employer retaliation – Some workers hesitate to file claims. They fear being fired or mistreated. While Missouri law protects employees from retaliation, it still happens.

Fighting against these tactics can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. Understanding your rights and seeking legal support can make all the difference in securing the benefits you deserve. 

How to Strengthen Your Work Injury Claim

If you have been injured on the job, taking the right steps can protect your rights and strengthen your claim. Here’s what you should do:

• Report the injury immediately – Notify your employer immediately and document the incident correctly.
• Seek medical attention – See a doctor even if the injury seems minor. Some conditions take time to develop.
• Follow doctor’s orders – Sticking to your treatment plan prevents the insurance company from downplaying your injury.
• Keep records – Save medical bills, doctor’s notes, accident reports, and any communication with your employer or their insurer.
• Talk to a work accident lawyer – An attorney can guide you through the process and fight for the full benefits you are entitled to.

A workplace injury can put your health and finances at risk, but these steps can help you recover and secure the compensation you need. 

FAQs About Workplace Injuries in St. Louis

Following are the answers to some often-asked questions about work injuries. 

What if my employer says I’m not covered by workers’ comp?

Workers’ compensation insurance covers most Missouri employees. However, some employers avoid paying benefits by misclassifying workers as independent contractors. If your employer claims you are not eligible, consult a lawyer immediately to protect your rights and explore your legal options. 

How long do I have to file a claim?

You must report your workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident to protect your right to benefits. After reporting, you have up to two years, in most cases, to file a formal workers’ compensation claim and seek the compensation you deserve. 

Can I see my own doctor?

Under Missouri law, your employer can choose your treating doctor for a work-related injury. If you seek medical treatment from your own doctor without prior approval, workers’ compensation may refuse to cover your medical expenses, leaving you responsible for the costs. 

What if a third party caused my injury?

If a third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver, caused your workplace injury, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. This can provide additional compensation beyond workers’ comp, including pain and suffering damages. 

Can I get fired for filing a workers’ comp claim?

No, your employer cannot legally retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If they fire, demote, harass, or otherwise punish you for exercising your rights, you may have grounds for a lawsuit and could be entitled to additional compensation. 

Why Work with a St. Louis Work Injury Attorney?

Filing a workers’ comp claim might seem simple, but insurance companies do not make it easy. They deny claims, drag out payments, and try to lowball settlements. A good work injury lawyer knows how to deal with these tactics and fight to get you the benefits you deserve. Here’s what they can do for you:

• Handle all paperwork and deadlines – A lawyer files your claim correctly and on time, preventing costly mistakes.
• Negotiate with insurance companies – Insurers often try to minimize payouts, but an attorney can push for a fair settlement that covers medical expenses and lost wages.
• File an appeal if your claim is denied – If your claim is rejected, a lawyer can challenge the decision and present substantial evidence to support your case.
• Identify other compensation sources – Sometimes, you may also have a third-party claim for additional damages.

Having a skilled attorney on your side can make all the difference in securing the benefits you need. 

Workplace Safety and OSHA Regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes workplace safety regulations to protect employees from harm. Employers must legally follow these rules, ensuring a safe working environment. When they fail to comply, workplace accidents and serious injuries can occur. If your employer violated OSHA standards and that violation contributed to your injury, it could serve as crucial evidence in your workers’ compensation claim or a potential third-party lawsuit. Proving an OSHA violation can increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. 

What Happens If a Workplace Injury Leads to Death?

If a workplace accident leads to a fatality, the worker’s family may be able to get wrongful death benefits under Missouri law. These benefits can help with funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one. Spouses, kids, and other dependents are usually eligible. If the death happened because of a third party’s fault, as in the case of a faulty machine or an accident caused by someone other than the employer or a co-worker, the family might also have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. It is a heartbreaking situation, but getting legal help can make a huge difference in securing the support you need. 

Do Not Wait—Get Legal Help Now

Workplace injuries can disrupt your life, leaving you with medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your future. The last thing you need is an insurance company cutting corners on your claim. A work accident lawyer can fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job in St. Louis, do not wait—contact Goldblatt + Singer today. Call us at (314) 231-4100 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us help you protect your rights and secure the benefits you need.