Workplace injuries can take a serious physical, financial, and emotional toll. Even a temporary disability can create uncertainty about medical bills, missed wages, and a family’s long-term stability. When an insurance company delays, undervalues, or denies a claim, the process can become even more stressful for an injured worker.
Holder Susan Slusher LLC represents injured and disabled clients in workers’ compensation cases throughout Missouri, including Columbia, Moberly, Fulton, and Boonville. The firm’s attorneys bring decades of legal experience, a strong litigation background, and a commitment to clear guidance for clients facing difficult legal and financial circumstances. If you were hurt on the job, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the claim process.
Understanding Missouri’s Workers’ Compensation Law
The Missouri Industrial Commission administers the state’s workers’ compensation program. Through this program, judges throughout Missouri resolve workplace illness or injury disputes between employees and employers.
Missouri’s Workers’ compensation process involves the following steps:
- Report your injuries to your employer: Under Missouri law, you have only 30 days to report your injury to your employer, though there are rare exceptions. Once reported, your employer can choose which doctor will treat you. If you want to choose your own physician, you have that right, but you must do so at your own expense.
- File a workers’ compensation claim: Generally, a workers’ comp claim must be filed within 2 years of suffering a workplace injury or illness.
- Claim review: Holder Susan Slusher LLC will carefully review every detail of your claim. We will investigate medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions. We will research pertinent case law, regulations, and statutes to build your strongest case.
- Legal proceedings: Pre-hearings, mediations, and hearings occur throughout your claim’s duration. Prehearings are conducted to update the process of your treatment or the status of your claim’s investigation. Mediations are a part of the process in which judges become involved in the case. Hearings are formal processes in which evidence is introduced to support cases.
- Appeal: Rulings by the Missouri Industrial Commission judges can be appealed by either side in work comp cases.
Workers’ compensation claims can be incredibly complex and require the knowledge, skill, and resources of an experienced workers’ comp attorney to ensure your rights and best interests are protected. The accomplished lawyers at Holder Susan Slusher LLC can help you successfully navigate the process and obtain the maximum compensation you deserve.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, you may be entitled to a variety of benefits, including:
- Medical expense payments
- Weekly paychecks up to two-thirds of your regular pay
- Lump-sum payments based on the degree of your disability
- Permanent, tax-free, disability payments up to two-thirds of your wages for the rest of your life
- Death benefits, which can include ongoing paychecks and burial expense payments
Protection from Employer Retaliation
It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for filing a workers’ comp claim. You should never feel intimidated or afraid to seek the compensation you rightfully need to heal and stay financially afloat during this difficult time. The law protects employees against employer retaliation, such as:
- Termination of employment
- Unfavorable treatment
- Reduction of hours
- Demotion
- Threats
Don’t let fear of retaliation prevent you from getting the help you need. If you’ve suffered a personal injury on the job, contact our office immediately to ensure your rights are protected.
When To Talk To An Attorney About Workers’ Compensation
An injured worker should consider speaking with an attorney if a claim is delayed, denied, undervalued, or disputed by an employer or insurance company. Legal guidance may also be important when the injury requires ongoing medical care, results in missed work, causes permanent restrictions, or raises questions about disability benefits.
A workers’ compensation attorney can help review medical records, gather evidence, address disputes, and prepare for hearings, mediations, or appeals when necessary. Speaking with an attorney early in the process can also help injured workers avoid mistakes that may affect their claim.
Why Choose Holder Susan Slusher LLC For A Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Holder Susan Slusher LLC brings decades of legal experience to claims involving injured and disabled clients throughout mid-Missouri.
Mike Holder focuses his practice on representing injured clients and has obtained tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts in personal injury matters. Chris Slusher has tried more than 60 jury trials in state and federal courtrooms and has handled complex cases involving serious harm, giving the firm valuable litigation experience when claims become disputed. Bogdan Susan is a founder and partner with deep ties to mid-Missouri and years of experience advocating for clients during difficult legal situations.
Together, the attorneys provide clear guidance, careful case preparation, and locally grounded representation for workers facing medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty after an on-the-job injury.
Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Columbia, MO
To discuss your claim, call 573-499-1700 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Timely legal guidance can help protect your rights and clarify the next steps after a work-related injury.