An Overview of the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ Compensation in Missouri

Workers’ compensation is a mandatory form of insurance for employers in Missouri. It protects employees, who are entitled to receive a benefit from their employer if they are injured on the job or encounter any dangerous hazards at work. The workers’ compensation insurance pays for their treatment costs, lost average weekly wage, and other expenses associated with their injury.

Workers’ compensation in Missouri is regulated by the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). It is a state-run organization that helps to provide injured workers with the compensation they deserve. This institution aims to ensure the “health and safety of Missouri’s workforce by providing timely access to just compensation for lost wages, medical care, and disability benefits through fair adjudication.”

If you have sustained a work injury and seek compensation, you may need to approach the DWC to facilitate payment. In that case, you might need the help of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to represent and support you throughout the process.

Units of the Missouri DWC

The DWC is divided into six units with different responsibilities as follows:

• Case Administration and Review Unit: This unit represents the entry point for Missouri workers’ compensation claims that make it to the division. The unit is responsible for processing claims and answers, lost time reports, medical reports, and all other documentation that may be required to establish a claim.
• The Docketing and Adjudicating Unit: This unit functions across established local docketing offices throughout the state. Their role is to help resolve cases of work-related injuries or occupational disease promptly. The unit functions with the help of administrative law judges to discharge their dispute resolution function.
• Fraud and Non-compliance Unit: This unit handles and investigates cases of (alleged) workers’ comp fraud or non-compliance with Missouri law by employers. If the unit finds a reasonable indication of a fraudulent intention behind a workers’ compensation claim, the case would be referred to the attorney general’s office for further action. If you suspect a case of workers’ comp fraud or if your employer has failed to take out the required workers’ compensation insurance, you can call the unit on 800-592-6003 to file a complaint.
• Insurance Unit: This unit serves employers who wish to self-insure their employee compensation liability. The unit receives self-insurance applications from employers and grants the appropriate permission if they qualify. They also continue to monitor the employers’ finances and may revoke the permission to self-insure if necessary.
• Legal Unit: The legal unit is responsible for all legal matters within the division, including; responding to legal questions, enforcing the decision of the administrative law judges, and other dispute resolution functions. The unit also has a customer service section, so you can contact them for answers if you have any questions. Alternatively, you could contact a St. Louis workers’ compensation attorney who might be able to give you the information you seek.
• Second Injury Fund Unit: The primary function of this unit is the collection of the Second Injury overcharge from insurance companies and self-insuring employers.

What to Do if Your Missouri Workers Compensation Claim Is Rejected

If your workers’ compensation claim does not succeed before the docketing and adjudication unit, you can file an appeal before the Division of Workers’ Compensation Appellate Commission.

This commission comprises three commissioners with jurisdiction to hear and decide appeals from workers who disagree with decisions made by the administrative judges of the Division of Workers’ Compensation.

Even though the option of an appeal gives some hope in the face of a refusal, it might be better to do everything possible to avoid a denial in the first instance. One way to achieve this is by seeking professional legal help from a workers’ compensation lawyer. They can help you avoid mistakes by ensuring your application is in order and with the necessary documentation.