Time matters when you experience an injury at work. Missouri’s workers’ compensation laws set clear deadlines for reporting an injury and filing a claim.
Missing these deadlines can lead to a denied claim, even if the injury is serious. It is important to understand the rules so you do not lose the benefits you may deserve.
What is the deadline for reporting a work injury?
Missouri law gives injured workers 30 days to report a workplace injury. The countdown starts on the day the injury occurs. If the injury developed over time, such as with repetitive stress injuries, the clock begins when the worker first notices symptoms and connects them to the job.
How should you report a work injury?
The report must go to a supervisor, manager or employer. Verbal reports may count, but written reports create better records and can help avoid confusion later. The report should include the date, time, place and nature of the injury. It should also describe how the injury happened. Giving clear and honest details can help the employer file the claim correctly and begin the process with the insurance company.
What happens if you do not report your injury?
Waiting too long to report an injury can cause serious problems. If a worker misses the 30-day deadline, the employer and insurer may refuse to pay medical bills or lost wages. In some cases, the claim may still move forward if the worker can show a good reason for the delay, such as not knowing the injury was work-related. However, this can become harder to prove as more time passes.
Prompt reporting helps protect your rights as a worker. It also allows the employer to investigate the injury and provide workers’ compensation quickly. Waiting too long to report an injury may not only delay recovery but also lead to denied benefits.