Missouri Workers' Compensation Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Missouri workers' comp attorneys who handle claims before the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation and the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission. From auto and aerospace manufacturing in Kansas City and St. Louis, to logistics and trucking along the I-70 corridor, to construction and trades statewide, we'll match you with the right attorney at no cost to get started.

Notice within 30 days under R.S.Mo. § 287.420, and the formal Claim for Compensation must be filed within 2 years of injury or last payment under § 287.430. Occupational disease has separate timing rules.

The employer. Under R.S.Mo. § 287.140, the employer chooses the authorized treating physician. The worker can request a change with Division approval, but going outside authorized care typically means the bills aren't covered.

Since 2005, Missouri requires the work accident to be the 'prevailing factor' in causing both the injury and resulting disability under R.S.Mo. § 287.020. That's stricter than 'major contributing cause' — pre-existing degenerative conditions and aggravation cases are heavily contested.

Missouri caps workers' comp attorney fees at 25% of recovery under R.S.Mo. § 287.260, subject to Division approval. Third-party tort claims run on standard 33%–40% contingency outside the comp system.

Generally no — exclusive remedy under R.S.Mo. § 287.120. After the 2005 reforms, co-employee suits are barred unless the co-employee engaged in 'something more' than simple negligence. Third-party claims against non-employers are not barred.

Medical treatment, TTD at 66 2/3% of AWW (capped), permanent partial disability based on impairment rating and statutory schedule, permanent total disability, and death benefits.

Missouri recognizes a retaliation claim under R.S.Mo. § 287.780 for terminating an employee for asserting workers' comp rights — including punitive damages in egregious cases.

Why Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Missouri?

Missouri's Workers' Compensation Law (R.S.Mo. Ch. 287) is administered by the Division of Workers' Compensation. TTD pays 66 2/3% of AWW under § 287.170. After the 2005 reforms, Missouri applies a strict 'prevailing factor' causation standard under § 287.020 — the work injury must be the prevailing factor in causing both the injury and resulting disability, which is harder to meet than the 'major contributing cause' standard in some other states. The employer picks the treating physician under § 287.140. Attorney fees are capped at 25% under § 287.260, subject to Division approval. Ford (Claycomo), GM (Wentzville), Boeing (St. Louis), and substantial Kansas City and St. Louis logistics generate steady claims. An experienced Missouri attorney develops the prevailing-factor causation record, secures the right rating, and preserves third-party claims.

When Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Missouri?

Our network includes Missouri workers' compensation attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Workers' Compensation Cases in Missouri

From the moment you connect with a Missouri workers' compensation attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Failing to establish prevailing-factor causation with a treating-physician narrative

Missing the 30-day notice or 2-year filing deadline under §§ 287.420, 287.430

Going to a non-authorized doctor without Division approval

Accepting an impairment rating without an IME

Settling before reaching MMI and addressing future medical needs

Missing a § 287.150 third-party claim against equipment makers, contractors, or at-fault drivers

Failing to establish prevailing-factor causation with a treating-physician narrative

Missing the 30-day notice or 2-year filing deadline under §§ 287.420, 287.430

Going to a non-authorized doctor without Division approval

Accepting an impairment rating without an IME

Settling before reaching MMI and addressing future medical needs

Missing a § 287.150 third-party claim against equipment makers, contractors, or at-fault drivers

Common Missouri Workers' Compensation Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Missouri Workers' Compensation Attorneys Cost?

25%

Typical starting contingency fee — you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

Missouri caps workers' comp attorney fees at 25% of recovery under R.S.Mo. § 287.260, subject to Division approval. Third-party tort claims (motor vehicle, product liability, contractor) run outside the comp system on standard 33%–40% personal-injury contingency.

What Can Your Missouri Workers' Compensation Compensation Include?

Medical Benefits

Reasonable and necessary medical treatment under R.S.Mo. § 287.140, including future medical when needed for the work injury.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

66 2/3% of average weekly wage under R.S.Mo. § 287.170, capped at the state-adjusted maximum.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

Statutory weeks for body-as-a-whole and scheduled members under § 287.190, multiplied by impairment percentage and PPD weekly rate.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

66 2/3% of AWW for life under R.S.Mo. § 287.200 when the worker can't return to gainful employment.

Second Injury Fund

Missouri's Second Injury Fund under § 287.220 covers combinations of pre-existing disabilities and the work injury, though post-2014 reforms limit access.

Death Benefits

Weekly benefits to surviving spouse and dependents under R.S.Mo. § 287.240, plus burial expenses.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Missouri Workers' Compensation Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Missouri?

When Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Missouri?

Types of Workers' Compensation Cases in Missouri

Common Missouri Workers' Compensation Mistakes

How Much Do Missouri Workers' Compensation Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Missouri Workers' Compensation Compensation Include?

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