If you are injured on the job in Missouri, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and disability. But who actually pays this compensation? At T.K. Thompson & Associates, we help injured workers in Liberty, Missouri, navigate the claims process and ensure they receive the benefits they deserve.

1. Workers’ Compensation Insurance Providers

In most cases, workers’ compensation benefits are paid by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. Missouri law requires most employers with five or more employees (or one or more employees in the construction industry) to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If an employee is injured while performing job-related duties, the insurance company is responsible for paying medical expenses, wage replacement, and disability benefits.

2. Employers That Are Self-Insured

Some large employers in Missouri are self-insured, meaning they pay workers’ compensation claims directly instead of through an insurance carrier. These employers must be approved by the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation and must prove they have the financial resources to cover injury claims.

3. The Missouri Second Injury Fund

In some situations, an injured worker may receive benefits from the Missouri Second Injury Fund (SIF), which is funded by a tax on employers' workers' compensation insurance policies. The SIF may provide benefits when:

• A worker with a pre-existing disability suffers a new workplace injury that worsens their condition.
• An employer fails to carry workers’ compensation insurance as required by law.
• An injured worker is eligible for death benefits, vocational rehabilitation, or permanent total disability benefits beyond what the employer provides.

4. What Happens If an Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

If an employer fails to carry the required workers’ compensation insurance, the injured worker may still be able to receive benefits through the Missouri Second Injury Fund. Additionally, the employer may face legal penalties, fines, and even criminal charges for failing to comply with the law.

Get Legal Help for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you’ve been injured at work in Liberty, Missouri, understanding who is responsible for your compensation is crucial. At T.K. Thompson & Associates, we help workers file claims, appeal denied benefits, and fight for the compensation they are legally entitled to receive.