Five Reasons Why You May Not Have Access to Workers' Compensation

You may not be covered by Missouri workers' compensation insurance. What should you do if you are injured on the job?

Workers’ compensation laws protect workers who suffer a job-related injury or illness. Missouri workers’ compensation laws require that injured workers be compensated for their financial losses on account of medical bills and lost earnings. Employers pay for this program to cover their employees with insurance. Different states charge different rates to the employers. The minimum level of benefits for an injured employee varies from state to state.

Employers Contributions at a Record Low

Many employers say they are concerned about the amount they are paying for workers’ compensation. However, statistics show that employers are currently paying a record low amount to workers’ compensation programs. Given the rising healthcare costs, that amount is not enough to provide the necessary financial support to injured employees.

Percentage of Employee Compensation

Private employers in the United States pay an average of $31.32 per hour to their employees. Workers’ compensation accounts for only 44 percent of that hourly rate. The workers’ compensation program represents only around 1.4 percent of the wage paid to the employees.

Injured Workers Carry the Costs of Work-Related Injuries

After the changes in workers’ compensation laws at the state level, workers’ compensation benefits represent roughly around 20 percent of the cost of reported injuries or illnesses. In most cases, injured workers and their families carry a major percentage of the costs of their work-related injuries and illnesses.

Employees Not Covered by Workers' Compensation

In general, Missouri workers’ compensation insurance does not cover certain employees, such as contract workers, temporary workers, and self-employed workers. Companies with less than five workers are not required to pay for workers’ compensation. This means that the employees of such companies are not covered by workers’ compensation. According to the latest statistics, independent contractors or contingent workers accounted for 30 percent of workers or around 42.6 million people. The numbers are expected to increase by 2020. This means that a major percentage of the country’s workforce does not have access to workers’ compensation benefits.

If you have been injured on the job you deserve to be aware of your legal rights. Get in touch with a Missouri workers' compensation attorney. Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300.