Best Workers Compensation Attorneys in Kansas City

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Kansas City, Kansas?

  Residents may call 913) 596-3000 for non-emergencies.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Kansas City, Kansas?

  You can obtain a copy of a police report about your case from the Records Unit of the Kansas City Police Department, which is located in the lobby of Police Headquarters at 700 Minnesota Avenue. The first five pages of reports are free of charge.

  Note: Replaced the correct information for standard questions 1 and 2.

• Why is legal representation necessary for injured workers in Kansas City if workers' compensation is a right?

  You are entitled to workers' compensation but must meet deadlines and conditions. Usually, the employer, the insurance carrier, and the doctors they select are looking for ways to completely deny your claim or minimize the benefits you are entitled to. Kansas City attorneys can help obtain the appropriate medical attention for your injuries, temporary total disability payments for time missed from work, and fair compensation for any permanent disability your injuries may cause.

• Under Kansas City law, do injured employees have other means of compensation besides workers' compensation?

  It depends. In rare cases, you may be able to file a claim directly against your Kansas City employer. Most of the time, your other choice will be to sue a third party. This is the case when an accident or injury on the job was caused by someone or something not related to your employer. For example, if you were hurt at work by broken equipment, you might be able to sue the company that made or sold it.

• What are a few examples of occupational diseases that qualify for workers' compensation in Kansas City?

  Examples of common occupational and workplace illnesses include:

  • Asbestosis
  • Asthma
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Cardiac diseases
  • Loss of hearing or vision
  • Skin disorders Some injuries, such as those caused by repetitive tension, may also qualify as occupational illnesses under Kansas City's workers' compensation laws.

• Are Kansas City employees covered by workers’ comp when they are injured on the way to or from their jobs?

  No, but there may be some special cases. Workers' compensation insurance in Kansas City pays for injuries or illnesses that happen to workers while they are on the job. Therefore, workers' compensation doesn't cover employees on their way to and from work because they aren't getting paid for that time. However, some get paid for the time they spend traveling. Examples include running an official errand, traveling between job sites, and traveling as part of a job duty.

• Can injured employees in Kansas City choose their doctor if dissatisfied with their workers' compensation doctor?

  Yes, employees in Kansas City have the right to a second opinion under the Workers' Compensation Act. Workers' compensation attorneys refer clients to a different doctor for an examination, giving them peace of mind that all medical requirements have been met. This enables clients' workers' compensation cases to proceed forward.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.