Dedicated Missouri Attorneys Serving Injured Public Employees

Public employees are those employees who work for some sort of government agency, although the list of public sector employees is vast, and includes everyone from school teachers to firefighters to bureaucrats and more. Because the range of jobs is so diverse, the injuries that those in the public sector are at risk of incurring are equally as diverse. The following considers some of the most common injuries to public employees, and what you should do if you have suffered an injury while performing a work-related duty:

Common Injuries to Public Employees

Certain public employees are at a greater risk of injury based on the fact that they work in inherently more dangerous positions. These include firefighters, police officers, correction officers, park rangers, and sanitation workers. Some threats that these workers face (depending upon the job) include transportation incidents, human and animal attacks, being hit by an object, exposure to dangerous materials, and of course all of the other traditional risks, such as the risk of a slip and fall (which is present in all industries). The above risks can lead to serious incidents that leave workers with tragic injuries, including crush injuries, burn injuries, diseases and infections, bone fracture injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, and other loss-of-use injuries. In some cases, accidents may be fatal. Other public sector employees in less high-risk positions are not immune from injuries. A teacher could be attacked by a student; a government office worker could develop a repetitive stress injury like carpal tunnel; or a parking enforcement officer could be involved in a serious car accident.

Recovering Benefits When You Are Injured on the Job in Missouri

If you have been injured while working in Missouri, even if you are a public sector employee, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. This is via workers' compensation insurance, which is paid by the state in the event that you are injured while on the job. Workers' compensation insurance entitles you to compensation for the full extent of necessary and reasonable medical expenses, as well as compensation for a portion of your lost wages if your injury prevents you from returning to work. In order to qualify for workers' compensation insurance, you must report the incident and your injuries to your employer immediately. You will also need to seek medical treatment, and make sure to inform the clinic or hospital where treatment is sought of the fact that you were injured on the job. All public employees, both full and part time, are covered by workers' compensation insurance in Missouri.

Work with an Experienced Workers' Compensation Attorney

If you are a public employee who has been injured while working and who has questions about your right to benefits, call the experienced attorneys at the offices of The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton today. We can help you to file a claim, understand what benefits you are entitled to, or appeal a denied claim. Our team has the experience and skill you're looking for - contact us today for a free consultation.