Kansas City Workers Compensation Lawyer

When you suffer an injury at work, it can disrupt your life significantly, not just physically but also financially. That's where our Kansas City workers compensation lawyer steps in, helping you navigate the claims process to secure the benefits you deserve.

At Fincher Law, we understand how crucial it is to get you the compensation that aids your recovery and supports your family during this tough time. Our dedicated law office is committed to safeguarding the rights of injured workers throughout Kansas City.

We know that dealing with a workplace injury is stressful and complicated. That's why our Kansas City workers' compensation lawyer works tirelessly to simplify the process for you. We take care of all the legal issues, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

By choosing Fincher Law, you ensure your workers' compensation claim is in experienced hands, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.

Our Kansas City Workers Compensation Lawyer Defends Your Rights

When you file a workers' compensation claim, you might face resistance from employers or insurance companies. Our law firm protects against such challenges, ensuring your rights are not overlooked.

Our workers' compensation attorney uses this knowledge to defend your claim robustly, ensuring you receive fair treatment. We also keep you informed throughout the process so you understand your rights and the status of your claim.

What is Workers Compensation?

Workers compensation is an insurance program the state requires to benefit employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. This insurance helps pay for injured workers' medical expenses, rehabilitation bills, and lost wages. The aim is to help employees recover and return to work without the financial burden of the injury.

The program is a no-fault system, meaning workers can recover benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury. This setup simplifies the process and means most workers cannot sue their employers for the injury. Understanding the scope and limitations of workers' compensation is critical for workers who have suffered a workplace injury.

Types of Injuries Covered by Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation is designed to provide financial support and medical care to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses due to their jobs. Below are some common injuries that are typically covered under workers' compensation insurance.

• Slip-and-fall injuries. These occur when an employee slips on a wet or uneven surface. Workers' compensation covers medical treatment and any time off needed for recovery.
• Repetitive motion injuries. Tasks that require repetitive motions can lead to medical issues like carpal tunnel syndrome. These injuries are eligible for compensation under workers' compensation insurance.
• Machinery-related injuries. Workers who use heavy machinery are at risk of severe injuries. Workers' compensation provides financial support for their recovery and rehabilitation.
• Chemical exposures. Exposure to harmful chemicals in the workplace can cause serious health issues. Workers' compensation can cover medical expenses and lost pay from such exposures.
• Burns. Workers' compensation covers burns from fires or explosions at work. This includes treatment costs and compensation for any permanent damage.
• Occupational illnesses. Diseases that develop due to workplace conditions, like asbestosis from asbestos exposure, are covered. The law ensures workers receive necessary medical care.
• Mental health issues. Workers' compensation may cover treatment and recovery costs if work-related physical injuries cause the claimant to endure related psychological symptoms.   

Eligibility Requirements for Filing a Claim

To file a worker's compensation claim, you must be an employee of a business with workers' compensation insurance. The injury or illness must be directly tied to your job duties or work environment. Reporting the injury quickly is also crucial; delays can complicate the claim process.

In addition, you must follow the prescribed procedures to seek medical treatment and file a claim. This includes seeing an approved healthcare provider if the insurance carrier requires it.

Common Workplace Injuries and Their Causes

Workplace injuries can vary widely, from minor accidents to life-altering events.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common workplace accidents. They can occur due to wet floors, poor lighting, or tripping hazards. These accidents can result in various injuries, from bruises to broken bones.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repetitive tasks can lead to repetitive motion injuries, especially in ergonomically poor setups. Workers performing these tasks often develop conditions over time that affect muscles, nerves, and tendons, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Machinery-Related Injuries

Operating heavy machinery without proper safety measures can lead to serious injuries. These injuries often occur due to malfunctions, misuse, or lack of safety gear.

Chemical Injuries

Workers exposed to hazardous chemicals without adequate protective equipment can suffer burns, respiratory problems, and other serious health issues. Chemical injuries are an important issue covered under OSHA as well.

Burns

Burns in the workplace may result from direct contact with hot surfaces, steam, fire, or chemical exposures. They need immediate medical attention, which might lead to significant medical bills.

Occupational Illnesses

Long-term exposure to harmful substances or stressful conditions can lead to occupational illnesses. These might include lung diseases, heart conditions, and chronic stress-related illnesses.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

Experiencing a workplace injury can be overwhelming, but knowing the right steps afterward is essential for protecting your health and ensuring you receive the compensation you're entitled to. Here's what you should do after a workplace injury.

• Report the injury and notify your employer immediately. Documentation is crucial for the worker's compensation process.
• Seek medical attention. Get medical help right away. Your health is the priority, and prompt care can support your compensation claim.
• Document everything. Save records of all medical care and expenses related to the injury. This information will be important for your claim.
• File a claim. File a worker's compensation claim through your employer as soon as possible. Delaying can jeopardize your benefits.
• Follow medical advice. Follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends. This not only helps your recovery but also strengthens your claim.
• Consult a lawyer. Consider consulting a worker's compensation lawyer. Legal advice can be crucial, especially if your claim is complex.
• Prepare for pushback. Be prepared for possible challenges from your employer or their insurance company. A lawyer can help you handle these.

What to Do if Your Workers Compensation Claim is Denied

If your claim is denied, don't lose hope. You can contest the decision. Knowing why your claim was denied is the initial step in addressing the issue.

In some situations, claims are denied due to simple errors in the application or missing information. You can often resolve these issues by submitting the correct information. However, if the denial is based on deeper issues, you may need to take additional steps.

Common Reasons for Claim Denials

Sometimes, workers' compensation claims are denied for reasons such as alleged injuries not being work-related or insufficient evidence of the injury. If this happens, you can:

Filing an Appeal

You can submit an appeal against the decision. This involves a legal process where you can argue your case, often before an administrative judge. An appeal allows you to present more evidence and clarify misunderstandings.

Gathering Additional Evidence

Collecting more detailed medical records or getting witness statements can support your appeal. Sometimes, additional diagnostic tests or expert opinions are necessary to prove the extent and cause of your catastrophic injuries.

Types of Compensation Available

Workers compensation offers various types of benefits, depending on the nature of the injury and its impact on your ability to work.

Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs

These benefits cover all necessary medical treatments related to your workplace injury. This includes hospital visits, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation costs. We can submit a workers' compensation claim for an on-the-job injury.

Temporary or Permanent Disability Benefits

If your injury stops you from working significantly, you may be eligible for disability benefits. These benefits are designed to compensate for your lost wages and are categorized based on whether the disability is temporary or permanent.

Compensation for Lost Wages

If you cannot work while recovering, workers' compensation typically provides monetary benefits to offset your lost income. These benefits are determined based on a percentage of your usual wages. Let our workers' compensation attorneys help you.

How Our Kansas City Workers Compensation Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the complexities of a workers' compensation claim can be challenging, especially when you're focused on recovering from an injury. Our Kansas City Workers' Compensation Lawyer is here to provide the support and expertise you need throughout the process.

Here’s how we can assist you in securing the benefits you deserve.

• Expert guidance. We guide you through the workers' compensation claim process, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
• Maximizing your claim. We put forth our best effort to ensure you receive all benefits you are entitled to under the law. This includes negotiating with insurance companies and employers.
• Handling denials. If your claim is denied, we can help you submit an appeal and fight for you at hearings. We are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Our Kansas City Workers' Compensation Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

If you've suffered a workplace injury, contact Fincher Law today. Our experienced Kansas City workers' compensation lawyers are ready to help you secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life. We always put our clients first.

If you have suffered a work-related injury, lean on our experience in workers' compensation cases. Call us now for a free consultation. Let us help you maximize your workers' compensation benefits.