If you’ve been hurt on the job, you may be searching for trustworthy workplace accidents lawyers. At Price & Randle Injury Attorneys, we’re here to help people in Central Missouri understand their rights and options after a workplace injury. This article will walk you through the basics of workplace accidents, who is responsible for safety, and how our team can guide you through both workers’ compensation and third-party claims.
Understanding Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can happen in any industry. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, or an office, injuries can occur when you least expect them. Common causes include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Faulty equipment or machinery
- Unsafe working conditions
- Lack of proper training or supervision
- Exposure to harmful substances
After an accident, you may face medical bills, lost wages, and stress about your future. That’s why it’s important to know your legal rights and contact a workplace accident lawyer.
Who Is Responsible for Preventing Workplace Accidents?
Both employers and employees play a role in preventing workplace accidents, but the main responsibility falls on employers. Under Missouri law, employers must:
- Provide a safe work environment
- Maintain equipment and facilities
- Offer safety training and protective gear
- Follow state and federal safety regulations (like OSHA)
If an employer fails to meet these duties, they may be held liable for injuries that occur. Employees also need to follow safety rules and report hazards, but the law expects employers to take the lead in accident prevention.
What Should You Do After a Workplace Accident?
If you’re injured at work, here’s what you should do:
- Report the injury to your supervisor right away.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Document everything—take notes, photos, and collect witness names.
- Contact a workplace accidents lawyer to understand your rights.
Taking these steps can protect your health and your legal claim.
Workers’ Compensation in Missouri
Most Missouri workers are covered by workers’ compensation. This system provides benefits like:
- Medical expenses for injury treatment
- Partial wage replacement if you miss work
- Disability payments if you can’t return to your job
You don’t have to prove your employer was at fault to get these benefits. However, workers’ comp may not cover all your losses, such as pain and suffering or full wage replacement.
Third-Party Personal Injury Claims
Sometimes, someone other than your employer is responsible for your injury. This could be:
- A contractor on a job site
- A manufacturer of defective equipment
- A driver who causes a work-related car accident
In these cases, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim. This type of claim can help you recover additional damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and full lost wages. You can pursue both workers’ comp and a third-party claim at the same time.
Types of Compensation You May Recover
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for:
| Type of Compensation | Workers’ Comp | Third-Party Claim |
| Medical Bills | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Partial Lost Wages | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Full Lost Wages | ✔️ | |
| Pain & Suffering | ✔️ | |
| Emotional Distress | ✔️ | |
| Disability Benefits | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Wrongful Death | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Why You Need a Workplace Accidents Lawyer
Navigating a workplace injury claim can be confusing. Insurance companies may try to minimize your payout, and third-party claims are often complex. Our attorneys at Price & Randle can:
- Investigate your accident and gather evidence
- Identify all responsible parties
- Handle workers’ comp and personal injury claims together
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Take your case to court if necessary
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win for you.
Real Example: Helping Injured Workers in Missouri
At Price & Randle, we’ve helped clients recover compensation after serious workplace accidents. For example, we represented a worker injured by faulty equipment on a construction site. Our team secured both workers’ comp benefits and additional damages from the equipment manufacturer, helping the client cover medical bills and lost income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for my medical bills after a workplace accident?
Usually, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance covers medical bills. If a third party is at fault, you may recover more through a separate claim.
Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury?
In most cases, you can’t sue your employer directly due to Missouri’s workers’ comp laws. However, you can sue third parties who contributed to your injury.
How long do I have to file a claim?
You should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Missouri law gives you two years to file a workers’ comp claim, and third-party claims may have different deadlines.
What if my employer denies my workers’ compensation claim?
If your claim is denied, you still have options. You can appeal the decision through the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. It’s helpful to have a workplace accidents lawyer guide you through the appeals process and represent your interests.
Can I be fired for filing a workplace injury claim?
Missouri law protects employees from retaliation for reporting injuries or filing workers’ compensation claims. If you believe you were fired or treated unfairly because you made a claim, you should contact an attorney right away.
What if I were partially at fault for my workplace accident?
You may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits even if you were partly responsible for the accident. Workers’ comp in Missouri is a no-fault system, so benefits are generally available regardless of who caused the injury. However, third-party claims may be affected by your level of fault.
Internal Resources
To learn more about your options, visit our Workplace Accidents page. You can also explore our Personal Injury overview and Attorney Bios to see how we can help.
Contact Price & Randle Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured at work, don’t wait. Contact Price & Randle Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. We’re committed to helping Central Missouri families get the compensation they deserve.
Call us today or reach out online to get started.
