Springfield Vehicle and Heavy Equipment Accidents Lawyers
Our Missouri Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Help You Get the Benefits You Are Entitled to When Vehicle and Heavy Equipment Accidents Happen
For many workers, operating heavy equipment and vehicles such as trucks, lifts, loaders, or cranes is an everyday part of their job. With this type of heavy machinery, even a minor mishap can result in severe and potentially life threatening injuries. At The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton, we defend and protect you when vehicle and heavy equipment accidents occur. As Missouri workers' compensation attorneys serving clients throughout the Springfield and Joplin areas, we have more than 45 years combined experience helping workers get the benefits they are entitled to through Missouri workers' compensation claims.
Contact Webster & Carlton online or at (417) 545-3775 for a free case evaluation today.
Representing You When Serious on-the-Job Accidents and Injuries Occur
At The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton, we act as a strong legal advocate on your side, providing the aggressive legal representation you need when accidents involving work related vehicles and heavy equipment happen. According to research from the WorkSAFE Center, a program of Missouri Employers Mutual, heavy machinery related accidents and those involving various types of trucks and motor vehicles are among the leading causes of work related injuries, roughly 14% of which end up proving fatal. Common ways in which these on-the-job accidents occur include:
- Vehicle collisions;
- Rollover accidents;
- Getting stuck or caught between vehicles and machinery;
- Machinery malfunctions;
- Overuse and repetitive strain over the course of operations.
As experienced workers' compensation attorneys in Missouri, we represent construction workers, farmers, machinists, factory workers, truck drivers, and other heavy equipment operators who are injured on the job, helping them and their families get the benefits they need to recover.
Missouri Workers' Compensation Benefits
When vehicle and heavy equipment accidents happen, the injuries that result are often severe. At The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton, we represent workers who have suffered the following:
- Soft tissue injuries, such as strained or torn muscles and ligaments;
- Broken bones and multiple fractures;
- Back and neck injuries, causing damage to discs and vertebrae;
- Head injuries, resulting in concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI);
- Crushing injuries, resulting in loss of limbs and damage to internal organs;
- Spinal cord injuries, causing temporary or permanent paralysis.
For these and other types of work related injuries, you may be entitled to benefits through the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC). These benefits include compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages, along with payments for any permanent disabilities you suffer. In the event injuries prove fatal, they can also help ensure your family is provided for, now and in the years to come.
Common Questions and Answers
1. What if my workers' compensation claim is denied? If your workers' compensation claim is denied, don’t lose hope. There are several reasons a claim might be denied, such as insufficient evidence, missed deadlines, or issues with the claim's validity. Our attorneys can help you understand the specific reasons for the denial and guide you through the appeals process. This may involve gathering additional evidence, filing a formal appeal with the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation, and presenting your case to a judge if necessary. We’ll work diligently to ensure you have the best chance of securing the benefits you deserve.
2. How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim? In Missouri, you typically have 30 days to report your injury to your employer and two years to file a workers' compensation claim. Reporting your injury promptly is crucial because delays can impact your eligibility for benefits. The two-year filing period starts from the date of the injury or from when you discover your injury is work-related. It's important to act quickly and consult with an attorney to ensure all deadlines are met and your claim is filed correctly.
3. What types of benefits can I receive through workers' compensation? Workers' compensation benefits can cover various aspects of your recovery and losses. These include:
- Medical Benefits: Coverage for medical expenses related to your injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Wage Loss Benefits: Compensation for lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injury. This typically includes temporary total disability benefits for the time you are unable to work and permanent partial or total disability benefits if you have lasting impairments.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Services to help you return to work or retrain for a different job if you cannot return to your previous position.
- Disability Benefits: Payments for any permanent disabilities resulting from your injury.
- Death Benefits: If the injury results in death, benefits may include compensation for funeral expenses and support for dependents.
Reach Out to Our Missouri Workers' Compensation Attorneys
At The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton, we provide the personalized, professional legal representation you need to get the benefits you deserve when vehicle and heavy equipment accidents occur. Reach out and contact our Missouri workers' compensation attorneys today to request a free consultation to discuss how we can help you.
Stay In The Know
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Why Do I Need a Missouri Workers’ Compensation Attorney?A workers’ compensation claim can take several months, even years, to resolve, especially if you continue to suffer from the effects of your work-related injury. Your employer and its insurance company will be represented by highly skilled attorneys who know how to exploit an injured employee. You need to level the playing field by hiring a Missouri workers’ compensation lawyer who will fight on your behalf.
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What Happens If My Employer Denies Me Workers’ Compensation Benefits?In many cases, your employer or their insurance company will promptly pay any workers’ compensation benefits. But if they deny benefits–or stop paying them before you receive what you believe you are entitled to under the law–then you have the right to file a claim with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. An administrative law judge appointed by the Division will review your claim and either conduct mediation between you and your employer, or alternatively hold a formal hearing to determine your right to compensation.
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What Kinds of Injuries Are Covered?
Under Missouri law, workers’ compensation only covers injuries that arise “out of and in the course of employment.” This includes accidents that occur during your work shift. It also includes “occupational diseases” contracted at work, provided workplace exposure was the “prevailing” cause.
Workers’ compensation is not necessarily limited to injuries suffered at your normal workplace. If your job requires you to travel–i.e., make deliveries or conduct on-site work with clients–you may be compensated for injuries sustained in the course of such travel. However, Missouri workers’ compensation law specifically excludes injuries sustained while commuting from home to work and back, even if you use a company-owned car.
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