Head injuries at work don’t just happen and disappear. They stick with you, affecting everything from your ability to think clearly to your capacity to earn a living. If you’ve suffered a head injury on the job in Missouri, you’re probably dealing with more than just physical pain. There are medical bills piling up, lost wages you can’t recover, and the looming question of how you’ll support yourself and your family.
Unfortunately, many workers who suffer traumatic brain injuries don’t realize they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to heal. But understanding your rights and the true cost of these injuries is the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.
What Counts as a Head Injury at Work?
A head injury at the workplace can happen in countless ways. Construction workers might experience falls from scaffolding or be struck by falling objects. Factory employees could suffer injuries from machinery accidents. Even office workers aren’t immune, as slip and fall accidents can result in serious head trauma.
These workplace head injuries range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). What many people don’t realize is that even a “minor” head injury can have lasting consequences. You might experience:
- Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
- Persistent headaches and dizziness
- Changes in mood or personality
- Vision or hearing problems
- Difficulty sleeping or chronic fatigue
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that TBIs contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability annually. When these injuries happen on the job, they can derail your entire life.
Understanding Head Injury Workers’ Comp in Missouri
If you’ve suffered a head injury at work, Missouri’s workers’ compensation system is designed to protect you. Head injury workers’ comp covers medical expenses related to your injury, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. It also provides compensation for lost wages while you’re unable to work.
But here’s the reality: getting what you deserve isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies don’t make it easy. They may try to downplay the severity of your injury, claim it wasn’t work-related, or offer a settlement that falls far short of covering your actual costs.
This is where understanding head injury at work compensation becomes critical. You need to know what you’re entitled to and how to fight for it. Missouri’s workers’ compensation system requires employers with five or more employees (or even one employee in construction) to carry workers’ comp insurance. If your employer is covered, you have rights.
The Hidden Costs of Workplace Head Injuries
The financial impact of a head injury extends far beyond your immediate medical bills. Consider the full picture:
Medical Treatment: Emergency room visits, CT scans, MRIs, neurological consultations, medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and potentially years of follow-up care all add up quickly.
Lost Income: If your head injury prevents you from working, even temporarily, the lost wages can be devastating. For severe TBIs, you might face permanent disability and the loss of your career entirely.
Long-term Care: Many head injury victims require ongoing medical supervision, assistance with daily activities, or specialized care facilities. These costs can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.
Quality of Life: While harder to quantify, the impact on your relationships, mental health, and ability to enjoy life has real value. Workers’ compensation for head injury should account for these losses.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Head Injury Workers Compensation
You might be thinking, “Can’t I just file the claim myself?” Technically, yes. But here’s what you need to know: insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize what they pay out. They know the system inside and out, and they use that knowledge to their advantage.
When you’re dealing with a serious injury like a TBI, you’re fighting an uphill battle on your own. You’re trying to heal while navigating complex legal paperwork, meeting strict deadlines, and negotiating with insurance adjusters trained to get you to accept less than you deserve.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney levels the playing field. They understand how to document your injury properly, gather the right medical evidence, meet all filing deadlines, and negotiate from a position of strength. More importantly, they’re not afraid to take your case to court if the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation.
At Tolbert Beadle, we’ve handled thousands of workers’ compensation cases over our combined 50-plus years of experience. We know the tactics insurance companies use, and we know how to counter them.
Filing Your Workers Compensation Head Injury Claim
The clock starts ticking the moment you’re injured. In Missouri, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days. From there, your employer should file a report with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Don’t wait or try to “tough it out.” Head injuries can worsen quickly, and delaying treatment hurts both your health and your claim.
- Report the injury: Tell your supervisor in writing as soon as possible. Keep a copy for your records.
- Document everything: Take photos of the accident scene if possible, get witness statements, and keep all medical records and bills.
- Follow your doctor’s orders: Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans. Gaps in treatment give insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.
- Contact a lawyer: Don’t give statements to insurance adjusters or sign anything without legal advice. What seems harmless can be used against you later.
Remember, you only have two years from the date of injury to file a workers’ compensation claim in Missouri. While that might seem like plenty of time, the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
The Reality of Head Injury Workers Comp Settlements
When it comes to settling a head injury workers comp case, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every injury is different, and so is every settlement. The value of your case depends on factors like the severity of your injury, your medical expenses, lost wages, degree of permanent disability, and your ability to return to work.
What we can tell you is this: first offers from insurance companies are almost always too low. They’re hoping you’ll take quick money because you’re desperate. Don’t fall for it. Once you settle, you typically can’t come back for more money later, even if your condition worsens.
This is why having an attorney who knows how to properly value your case is so important. We look at the full picture: your current medical bills, future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and the impact on your quality of life. We fight for maximum compensation, not just the minimum the insurance company is willing to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a workers’ comp claim for a head injury in Missouri?
You have 30 days to report the injury to your employer and two years from the date of injury to file a formal claim with the Division of Workers’ Compensation. However, it’s best to act as quickly as possible to protect your rights.
What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance?
If your employer is required to carry workers’ comp insurance but doesn’t, they can be held personally liable for your injuries. You may be able to file a civil lawsuit against them. An experienced attorney can help you understand your options.
Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?
No. Missouri law protects you from retaliation for filing a legitimate workers’ comp claim. If you’re fired or otherwise punished for exercising your rights, you may have additional legal claims against your employer.
What if the insurance company denies my claim?
You have the right to appeal a denied claim. The appeals process involves hearings before an administrative law judge. Having legal representation significantly increases your chances of success on appeal.
How much does it cost to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer?
At Tolbert Beadle, we work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. There’s no financial risk to you for getting the legal help you need.
Don’t Face This Alone
Head injuries change lives. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a workplace head injury, you need more than just medical care. You need someone in your corner who will fight for your rights and make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to under Missouri law.
The personal injury and workers’ compensation attorneys at Tolbert Beadle have spent decades helping injured workers across Missouri get the compensation they deserve. We’ve resolved over 20,000 cases and secured more than $100 million in compensation for our clients. We know what it takes to win, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you when you’re at your most vulnerable. Contact Tolbert Beadle today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you understand what you can expect moving forward. You focus on healing. We’ll handle the rest.
Call our office at 1-800-887-4030 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We have offices in Springfield, Jefferson City, and Columbia to serve you throughout Missouri. When you need justice, we’re here to fight for you.
