What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
When an employee is injured on the job, workers’ compensation provides workers compensation coverage for medical expenses and a portion of the injured employee’s lost wages. Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that is required for most employers.
In general, workers’ compensation will cover:
Medical Expenses
Workers’ compensation will pay for the injured employee’s medical expenses related to the injury. This can include hospitalization, surgery, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages
Workers’ compensation will also provide benefits for a portion of the injured employee’s lost wages. The amount of wage replacement benefits will depend on the severity of the injury and the employee’s state of residence.
Permanent Disabilities
In some cases, an injury can result in a permanent disability. Workers’ compensation will provide benefits for permanent disabilities that prevent the injured employee from returning to work.
Death Benefits
If an employee is killed on the job, workers’ compensation will provide death benefits to the employee’s surviving spouse and dependent children.
Do Truck Drivers Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Missouri?
Missouri’s workers’ compensation law states that workers must have been injured while at work or performing their duties to qualify for workers’ comp.
What matters is that the truck driver is an employee and not an owner-operator, who is basically an independent contractor. For example, owner-operators are not required to be covered by workers’ compensation policy in Missouri. Thus, their workers’ comp coverage requests are often denied.
A workers’ comp claim is typically only available if the injury or death was work-related. For example, if a tractor-trailer driver died in an accident while driving his car to work, he would not be covered by workers’ comp unless it can be proven that his death occurred while engaging in employment duties. Injured truck drivers, however, would usually be covered if they were injured on the job.
What Type of Injuries Qualify for Truck Workers’ Compensation?
Truck accidents can result in a variety of injuries, including:
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Repetitive stress injuries
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Neck injuries
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Back injuries
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Spinal cord injuries
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Amputations
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Burns
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Respiratory or other injuries
Several injuries can occur to a truck driver while on the job. Workers’ compensation insurance providers may cover gradual or traumatic injuries sustained by truck drivers.
This means that if a collision occurs while the tractor and/or trailer are driving on a highway or if the truck is at rest at a loading dock, weigh station, truck stop, or rest area; it may be covered under this plan.
It’s important to remember that injured workers must report their injuries to their employer as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible for coverage.
Common Causes for Truck Drivers’ Injuries
Most truck drivers usually sustain workplace injuries in the following situations:
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Motor vehicle accidents
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Loading or unloading freight
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When making roadside repairs on the truck
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Slip and Fall entering or exiting the truck
How Much Is Workers’ Comp Insurance for Truck Drivers?
The workers’ comp cost for trucking companies can vary depending on several factors. The most crucial factor is the state in which the company operates. Each state has different laws governing workers’ compensation, so it’s essential to have a policy covering all bases.
The law in Missouri requires all businesses with at least five employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This means that employers are responsible for these payments.
Workers’ compensation employer rates in Missouri are generally based on several factors, including:
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Payroll and number of employees
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Location of your business
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Industry and risk factors
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Workers’ compensation coverage limits
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Claims history
Long haul trucking workers are usually much cheaper to insure under workers’ compensation than truck drivers. If a trucking employer needs a detailed workers’ comp calculation or assistance finding for an insurer, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in Springfield.
Comparing quotes from different comp insurance companies is the best way to ensure you get the best possible rate for your trucking company.
What Happens If a Truck Driver Is Injured Without Workers’ Compensation?
If an injury occurs, and there is no workers’ compensation insurance in place, the truck driver may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the employer.
However, it can be tricky to prove that the employer is liable for the accident. The driver would need to show that the employer was negligent in some way and that this negligence led to the accident.
For example, if the employer failed to maintain the trucks and this led to an accident, the truck driver may be able to hold the employer liable.
It’s essential to speak with a personal injury lawyer if you’ve been injured in a truck accident and don’t have workers’ compensation insurance.
Experienced Workers Compensation Lawyer for Truck Drivers
Workers’ compensation should be aggressively pursued by truck accident attorney St. Louis to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible. Overall, the facts of each case determine the amount of the workers’ compensation benefits.
Truck drivers who are injured on the job should always seek medical attention immediately. Afterward, they should speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible to ensure their rights are protected.
You shouldn’t have to worry about how you’re going to pay your medical bills or support your family after a work-related injury. An experienced St. Louis Workers’ Compensation Attorney will fight to get you the benefits you need and deserve.
Call (417) 217-7154 or contact us online for a free consultation with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer in Springfield, Missouri.
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