St. Louis Workplace Injury Lawyer

Getting hurt at work can leave you overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. We’re here to answer your questions, and help you navigate about the choices ahead.

Why Choose Thompson Law for Your St. Louis Workplace Injury Case

Taking On Insurers and Employers

Years on the insurance-defense side provide insight into how insurers and third-party administrators evaluate and dispute workplace injury claims.

Every Avenue of Recovery

We identify and pursue every possible path to recovery, including workers’ compensation and separate third-party claims.

Resources for Complex Cases

Multiple parties, extensive records, and competing insurers can make workplace injury cases especially demanding. Tyler commits the time and resources needed to build them properly.

Trial-Ready Advocacy

Every case is prepared for litigation, giving insurers a reason to take your claim seriously whether it involves workers’ compensation or a third-party claim.

What To Do After a Workplace Injury in Missouri

1. Seek Prompt Medical Care

Seek appropriate medical care, follow your provider’s treatment plan, and keep a record of your appointments and treatment.

2. Report the Injury Promptly

Missouri law gives you 30 days to report a workplace injury under §287.420 RSMo, but reporting it sooner is generally best.

3. Document the Circumstances

Write down when, where, and how the injury occurred, what you were doing, who was present, and any equipment involved.

4. Preserve Relevant Information

Keep the names of witnesses along with photos, video, equipment details, work orders, incident reports, and other information related to the injury.

5. Maintain Your Records

Save medical bills, work restrictions, wage statements, and correspondence related to your injury and workers’ compensation claim.

6. Follow Your Treatment and Work Restrictions

Follow your provider’s recommendations and let your employer know about any restrictions that affect your ability to work.

7. Talk To An Attorney

If your claim is delayed or denied, or another party may share responsibility, an attorney can help you understand your options and next steps.

How Thompson Law Handles Your Workplace Injury Claim

Investigating the Accident

We investigate what caused your accident , unsafe conditions, defective equipment, inadequate training, or another party’s actions, to determine who may be responsible.

Evaluating Your Claim

Missouri has specific requirements for an injury to qualify for benefits. We examine the facts of your case to see where you stand.

Documenting Your Injuries

Medical records, treatment notes, and provider opinions establish the extent of your injury. We make sure that evidence clearly shows how it affects your ability to work and recover.

Calculating Your Benefits

Disability benefits are determined by statutory formulas based on your case details. We review these calculations to help ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

Preserving Key Evidence

Reports, records, and witness statements get harder to obtain over time. We move quickly to preserve what your claim needs.

Protecting Your Benefits From Disputes and Delays

Employers and insurers may dispute your injury or disability status. We counter these claims with facts and evidence to protect your benefits.

Investigating Third-Party Claims

A negligent driver, defective equipment, or another company may also share fault. We look into whether a third-party claim gives you another path to recovery.

Taking on Insurers

Insurers have their own interests to protect when evaluating your claim. We handle the communication and negotiation so you don’t have to.

Preparing for Court

We approach every case with litigation in mind. If the insurer will not resolve your claim fairly, we are prepared to pursue your case through the appropriate legal process.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries in St. Louis

Machinery and Equipment Accidents

Industrial machinery, manufacturing equipment, and power tools can cause severe injuries when equipment malfunctions or proper safeguards are missing.

Falls From Heights

Construction, maintenance, and other elevated work can expose employees to significant fall risks and potentially life-changing injuries.

Falling Objects

Tools, materials, and equipment that fall from above can cause serious head, neck, back, and other impact injuries.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Employees who drive for work can suffer injuries in collisions, including accidents caused by another driver.

Repetitive Motion and Overuse

Repetitive tasks can gradually damage muscles, joints, and tendons. Whether an injury qualifies for benefits depends on the medical evidence and Missouri’s specific workers’ compensation requirements.

Unsafe Work Conditions

Hazardous worksite conditions, inadequate safeguards, and unaddressed safety concerns can contribute to preventable workplace injuries.

Hazardous Substance Exposure

Chemicals, dust, fumes, excessive noise, and other workplace exposures can cause immediate injuries or develop into serious health problems over time.

Workplace Violence

Missouri workers’ compensation law addresses certain injuries resulting from unprovoked violence or assault that occurs in the course of employment.

Workplace Injuries We Handle In St.Louis

Thompson Law represents workers facing injuries ranging from common workplace accidents to serious and life-altering conditions, with the legal issues depending on how the injury occurred and the circumstances of the claim.

Construction Accidents
Manufacturing and Factory Injuries
Warehouse and Material-Handling Injuries
Machinery and Equipment Accidents
Falls and Slip-and-Fall Injuries
Repetitive-Motion and Overuse Injuries
Back, Neck, and Spinal Injuries
Fractures and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Crush Injuries, Amputations, and Burns
Occupational and Vehicle-Related Injuries

This list is not exhaustive. The types of injuries covered and available legal options depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.

Injuries That Can Happen at WorkPlace

Workplace injuries can take many forms, and the type of injury can affect your treatment, and the circumstances surrounding the injury also matter when determining what benefits may apply.

Back and Spinal Injuries

Lifting, falls, and machinery accidents can cause serious injuries to the back, neck, and spine.

Neck and Shoulder Injuries

Sudden accidents and repetitive strain can cause muscle, tendon, nerve, and other neck or shoulder injuries.

Broken Bones

Falls, machinery accidents, and falling objects can cause fractures that require significant treatment and recovery time.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Falls and blows to the head can cause concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries.

Crush Injuries and Amputations

Machinery and heavy equipment accidents can cause severe crushing injuries or result in the loss of a limb.

Burns

Workplace fires, chemical exposure, and contact with hot equipment can cause serious burns requiring extensive treatment.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, and tendon injuries can result from sudden accidents, lifting, or repeated physical demands.

Occupational Diseases

Some workplace conditions develop gradually from repeated exposure to chemicals, dust, noise, or other hazards.

Who Else May Be Responsible for Your Workplace Injury?

Workers’ compensation may not be your only source of recovery after a workplace injury. When someone other than your employer contributed to the accident, a separate third-party claim may be available.

Employer Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ comp is generally your exclusive remedy against your employer under §287.120 RSMo, even if they were negligent. However, this protection does not extend to other responsible parties.

Third-Party Motorists

If you are injured in a work-related auto accident caused by a negligent driver, you can pursue a personal injury claim alongside your workers’ comp claim.

Equipment Manufacturers

When defective tools or machinery cause a workplace injury, a product liability claim can provide additional recovery beyond workers’ compensation.

Property Owners and Contractors

Negligent property owners or independent contractors who fail to maintain safe job sites can be held liable through separate third-party claims.

Subcontractors and Vendors

Other businesses or vendors on site whose negligence contributes to an accident may share liability under a separate third-party claim.

Third-party claims are fact-specific and involve different legal rules than your workers’ compensation benefits.

Evidence That Can Support Your Workplace Injury Claim

Workplace injury cases often run on two tracks at once, a workers’ comp claim and a possible third-party claim , and the evidence that supports one can matter for both.

1. Accident and Incident Reports

Reports filed with your employer, or with OSHA, document what happened and are often the starting point for either claim.

2. Medical Records

Treatment notes, diagnosis, work restrictions, and provider opinions establish the extent of your injury and its impact on your ability to work.

3. Safety Records and Equipment Logs

Inspection and maintenance records can show whether equipment was properly cared for, or whether known hazards went unaddressed.

4. Photographs and Video

Images of the scene, the hazard, or the equipment involved – captured before anything is repaired, replaced, or cleaned up.

5. Witness Statements

Coworkers or others on-site may be able to describe what happened or speak to conditions that existed beforehand.

6. Employment and Wage Records

Pay stubs, schedules, and employment records help establish your average weekly wage and any income you’ve lost.

7. Contracts Between Companies on the Job Site

When more than one company is involved, agreements between them can clarify who was responsible for safety where you were injured.

This list is for informational purposes only, always consult an attorney before taking any action to collect or preserve evidence.

The Other Claim After a Workplace Injury

A workplace injury doesn’t always end with workers’ comp. If someone else contributed to the accident, you may have a separate claim that could provide compensation workers’ comp does not.

	Workers’ Compensation	Third-Party Claim
Who is involved	Your employer’s workers’ comp insurer	Another party responsible for the accident
Is fault required?	No, if the injury qualifies for workers’ comp	Yes, you generally must establish the third party’s negligence
What may be recovered	Medical treatment and disability benefits	Medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering
Pain and suffering	Not available	May be available

Compensation You May Recover After a Workplace Injury

Your potential recovery depends on your injury, work capacity, and liability factors. Benefits may include:

Medical Expenses

Workers’ compensation covers necessary medical treatment for work injuries, including doctor visits, surgery, and physical therapy.

Temporary Disability Benefits

These benefits replace a portion of lost wages while you are temporarily unable to work due to your injury.

Permanent Disability Benefits

If an injury leaves a lasting impairment, you may be eligible for partial or total permanent disability benefits based on the injury’s severity.

Lost Income

Workers’ compensation can replace wages lost during recovery. Additional recovery for lost income may be available through a third-party claim.

Loss of Earning Capacity

If a permanent injury limits your future earning potential, you may be able to seek compensation through a third-party claim.

Pain and Suffering

While generally not covered by workers’ compensation, these damages may be recoverable through a separate third-party personal injury claim.

Wrongful Death Benefits

When a work-related injury is fatal, eligible dependents may receive death benefits through workers’ compensation or a third-party claim.

Other Related Expenses

Depending on your situation, you may recover costs for necessary expenses like medical equipment, transportation, or home assistance.

This information is provided for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.

How Much Is a Workplace Injury Claim Worth?

There’s no standard value for a workplace injury claim. Workers’ compensation benefits are based on statutory formulas, and the amount available can depend on several factors, including:

Severity of the injury and required treatment
Your average weekly wage
Whether your disability is temporary or permanent
Your ability to return to work and any restrictions
Future medical needs
Whether a third party may also be responsible
Available insurance coverage

Missouri Workers' Compensation Law: What Applies to Your Case

Exclusive Remedy

Missouri generally limits an injured worker’s claim against their employer to workers’ compensation benefits for covered workplace injuries. This protection generally does not extend to third parties who may also be responsible for the accident.

30-Day Injury Notice

Missouri generally requires written notice to your employer within 30 days of a workplace injury. Missing that deadline can affect your claim, although exceptions may apply depending on what your employer knew and whether the delay caused harm.

Claim Filing Deadline

You generally have two years from the date of injury, or your last benefit payment, to file a workers’ compensation claim. That period may extend to three years if your employer fails to report the injury to the Division.

Medical Treatment

Your employer or its workers’ compensation insurer generally has the right to select your treating physician. You may see your own doctor, but treatment obtained without authorization may not be covered by workers’ compensation.

Employer Reporting Requirements

Your employer or its insurer generally must report your injury to the Division within 30 days after learning about it. Failure to make that report can create compliance issues and may extend your filing deadline in certain circumstances.

Third-Party Recovery

A workplace accident may also support a separate claim against someone other than your employer. If you recover from that third party, the workers’ compensation insurer may have reimbursement rights against that recovery.

Missouri workers’ compensation laws can change, and individual circumstances vary, consult an attorney for advice specific to your case.

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16 yrs

of legal experience

$6M+

Recovered for clients

100+

Cases resolved

MO + IL

Licensed to practice

Client Reviews

After a very negative experience with our first personal injury lawyer, Tyler Thompson renewed our faith in the legal system and exceeded our expectations as our represention. Tyler was very communicative, compassionate, diligent in moving our case along, and found us the right specialist who finally was able to give us an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. We highly recommend Tyler and the Thompson Law STL Firm! “

After being unsatisfied with my initial representation, I contacted Tyler who was determined, informative and confident in my case from start to finish. Through the process, he offered updates and was able to get the matter resolved to satisfaction. Beyond this, he was personable and a pleasure to be represented by- after my case finally settled, he called me that day and offered to drop the check off to me at my work. I'll be sure to share his contact with anyone who may need representation. Thank you, Tyler!

Can't speak highly enough of Tyler! He always kept me up to date on the case and was able to get my settlement higher than what the other party wanted to pay. He was timely and all around a nice guy. He even picked me up on the way to mediation. He always listened to me and I really feel like at every step of the way had my best interest at heart. I wish I could give him 10 stars out of 5!

Tyler Thompson was my attorney during a car accident situation where I was injured. He worked for a different firm at the time I hired him originally, but I liked him so much and felt he had strong character and integrity, I made the decision to stick with him as my attorney when he no longer worked there. Well, I couldn't have made a better decision. Tyler is not just a good attorney who delivers when he says he will, he is also a good person.

Injured at Workplace

You don’t have to handle the claim alone. Contact Thompson Law for support.

Meet Your Attorney

Choose an Attorney Who Understands the Insurance Claims Process From Both Sides

Meet Tyler Thompson, an experienced St. Louis personal injury attorney with more than 12 years of legal experience. Before focusing on representing injured individuals, Tyler worked in insurance defense, including serving as in-house counsel for a national insurance company.

That experience gives Tyler a firsthand understanding of how insurance companies evaluate personal injury claims. He knows the questions insurers may ask, the factors they consider, and the issues that can affect the value of a claim.

Today, Tyler uses that experience to build strong cases for injured clients and negotiate with insurance companies from a position of knowledge. His goal is to help clients understand their options and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Louis Workplace Injury Claims

Can I sue my employer for my workplace injury?

Generally, no. Under §287.120 RSMo, workers’ compensation is generally your exclusive remedy against your employer for a covered workplace injury. A separate claim may still be available against another party whose actions contributed to the injury.

How long do I have to report a workplace injury?

Missouri generally requires written notice to your employer within 30 days of the injury. Reporting later does not automatically end your claim, but it can give your employer a defense to raise.

How long do I have to file a workers’ comp claim?

Missouri generally gives you two years to file a workers’ compensation claim from the date of injury or your last benefit payment. The deadline may extend to three years if your employer failed to report the injury to the Division.

What if my employer says my injury didn’t happen at work?

Whether an injury is compensable depends on the circumstances of the accident and the available medical evidence. If the insurer or employer disputes that connection, those issues may need to be addressed through the claims process.

Can I choose my own doctor?

Generally, your employer or its workers’ compensation insurer selects the authorized treating physician. You can see another doctor, but workers’ compensation may not be responsible for that treatment without authorization.

What if I was partly at fault for my own injury?

Workers’ compensation generally does not depend on proving that your employer was at fault for the accident. However, Missouri law allows a 25% to 50% reduction in benefits for certain violations involving safety devices or rules.

What if someone other than my employer caused my accident?

A separate third-party claim may be available when another person or company contributed to your workplace injury. Depending on the circumstances, that could include a negligent driver, equipment manufacturer, property owner, or another business.

What if my workers’ comp claim is denied?

A denied claim does not necessarily mean you are unable to pursue benefits. The reason for the denial and the evidence supporting your injury can help determine what options are available.

What if I was fired after reporting my injury?

A termination following a workplace injury report may raise issues separate from your workers’ compensation claim. Whether you have a potential retaliation claim depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the termination.

Get Your Free Case Review with a St. Louis Workplace Injury Lawyer

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