Workplace accidents can lead to debilitating injuries that may result in high medical expenses, lost earnings, and the inability to work in the future. Although individuals who work in the construction or building industries are most susceptible to workplace accidents and injuries, these incidents can happen in other sectors as well.
If you recently suffered injuries while on the job, you need to consult with an experienced attorney right away. Our Kansas City workers’ compensation lawyers at Bruning Law Firm can swiftly investigate your circumstances and pursue a claim with your employer’s insurance company. In some cases, we can also file a third-party claim against a negligent individual or entity for compensation.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Kansas City workers’ comp lawyer, please contact us online.
Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Our Kansas City Workers’ Comp Lawyers?
- How Much Money Is Your Kansas City Workers’ Comp Case Worth?
- Common Locations for Workplace Accidents and Injuries in Kansas City
- Types of Accidents in Kansas City that Lead to Workplace Injuries
- Common Workplace Injuries and Illnesses in Kansas City
- Fighting the Insurance Company in a Kansas City Workers’ Comp Case
- Essential Steps to Take after Suffering an Illness or Injury While on the Job in Kansas City
- Talk With Our Skilled Kansas City Workers' Comp Lawyers Right Away
Why Choose Our Kansas City Workers’ Comp Lawyers
If you sustained injuries in a recent workplace accident, you want a strong and aggressive legal team fighting for your rights.
At Bruning Law Firm, we can zealously advocate for your interests during insurance company negotiations. Moreover, we can represent you at hearings and other legal proceedings throughout your case.
Our team has more than 35 years of experience handling personal injury and workers’ comp cases and has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our injured clients. You can review some of our most recent case results here. We also have a 10.0 Avvo rating from our clients.
Our firm has office locations in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Wichita, but we regularly represent accident victims in the neighboring State of Illinois. Let us help you secure the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve for your injuries today.
How Much Money Is Your Kansas City Workers’ Comp Case Worth?
Determining the value of a Kansas City workers’ compensation case involves various factors, ranging from the severity of injuries to the effects on the worker’s ability to work and overall quality of life.
When an employee in Kansas City suffers injuries on the job, they may be entitled to several types of workers’ compensation benefits. The main purpose of these benefits is to provide financial assistance and support during recovery.
One critical benefit is medical treatment coverage. Injured workers are eligible to receive compensation for all necessary medical treatment related to their work injury.
This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, and rehabilitation services. Essentially, the goal is to ensure that the injured worker receives the necessary care without bearing the financial burden themselves.
Another crucial benefit is wage replacement. When an injury prevents a worker from returning to work or performing their job at full capacity, they may receive temporary or permanent disability benefits.
Temporary disability benefits provide compensation for lost wages during the recovery period. However, permanent disability benefits offer ongoing financial support for workers who are unable to return to their previous level of employment due to the severity of their injury.
In cases where the injury results in permanent impairment or disability, additional benefits may be available. These benefits aim to compensate for the long-term effect of the injury on the worker’s earning capacity and overall quality of life.
The amount of compensation awarded for permanent disability is typically based on various factors, including the extent of the impairment and its effect on the worker’s ability to work.
Aside from medical and wage replacement benefits, injured workers may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services. These services help injured workers transition to new careers or re-enter the workforce by providing job training, education, and job placement assistance.
The goal of vocational rehabilitation is to restore the worker’s ability to earn a living and maintain financial independence despite their injury.
In addition to these potential workers' comp benefits, injured workers who may file a third-party claim (or lawsuit) may recover damages, including additional compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, lost quality of life, inconvenience, and pain and suffering.
Ultimately, the total value of a Kansas City workers’ compensation case hinges on the specific circumstances surrounding the injury and its effect on the worker’s life.
While monetary compensation cannot fully undo the harm resulting from a work-related injury, it can play a crucial role in providing financial stability to injured workers during their rehabilitation journey.
Common Locations for Workplace Accidents and Injuries in Kansas City
In Kansas City, Missouri, workplace accidents can occur in various locations across different industries.
One common location for workplace accidents is manufacturing facilities. These sites often involve heavy machinery, assembly lines, and repetitive tasks, increasing the risk of accidents, such as falls, crush injuries, and equipment-related incidents.
Construction sites also pose significant risks for workers. From building new structures to renovating existing ones, construction workers face hazards, including falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, and accidents involving tools and machinery.
Warehouses and distribution centers are another hotspot for workplace accidents. Workers in these environments may encounter risks like slips and falls, overexertion injuries from lifting heavy objects, and accidents involving forklifts and other material-handling equipment.
Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, are not immune to workplace accidents either. Healthcare workers face various risks, including exposure to infectious diseases, slips and falls while moving patients, and injuries related to lifting and moving equipment.
Retail establishments also see their fair share of workplace injuries. Employees in retail settings may experience slips and falls, lifting injuries from stocking shelves, and accidents involving equipment, such as pallet jacks and cash registers.
Office environments, although generally safer, are not without risk. Workers may suffer from ergonomic injuries due to poor workstation setup, slips and falls, and repetitive strain injuries from tasks like typing and using a computer mouse.
Transportation-related workplaces, including trucking companies, taxi services, and public transportation agencies, also experience workplace accidents. Workers in these settings face risks such as vehicle accidents, slips and falls while boarding or alighting vehicles, and injuries related to loading and unloading cargo.
If you suffered injuries in a workplace accident at one of these locations, our legal team can investigate the circumstances and determine your claim filing eligibility.
Types of Accidents in Kansas City that Lead to Workplace Injuries
Many accidents can lead to Kansas City workplace injuries, posing risks to employees across different industries.
- One common type of accident that can result in workplace injuries is slips, trips, and falls. These accidents can occur due to wet or slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, cluttered walkways, or inadequate lighting.
- Another prevalent type of accident is being struck by objects. This can include being hit by falling tools, equipment, or materials, as well as being struck by moving vehicles or machinery.
- Accidents involving overexertion are also common contributors to workplace injuries. These accidents often occur when workers engage in activities that require excessive physical effort, such as lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects.
- Contact with machinery or equipment is another significant cause of workplace injuries in Kansas City. This can involve getting caught in machinery, entangled in moving parts, or crushed by heavy equipment.
- Transportation-related accidents also pose risks to workers in Kansas City. Whether driving company vehicles, operating machinery, or working near traffic areas, employees may risk being involved in accidents like collisions or rollovers.
If you suffered injuries in one of these types of accidents, consult a Kansas City workers’ comp lawyer right away. At Bruning Law Firm, our team can answer all of your questions and take the steps necessary to pursue a favorable workers’ comp award on your behalf.
Common Workplace Injuries and Illnesses in Kansas City
In Kansas City, a variety of workplace injuries and illnesses require specific medical treatment to facilitate recovery:
- One of the most common workplace injuries is musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which include strains, sprains, and repetitive strain injuries. These injuries often result from overexertion, repetitive motions, or awkward postures. Treatment for MSDs typically involves rest, physical therapy, pain management, and, in some cases, surgical intervention to repair damaged tissues or joints.
- Another prevalent type of workplace injury is traumatic injuries, such as fractures, lacerations, and contusions. These injuries can occur due to slips, falls, being struck by objects, or accidents involving machinery or equipment. Medical treatment for traumatic injuries may include wound care, splinting, casting, suturing, and, in severe cases, surgery to repair fractures or internal injuries.
- Occupational illnesses are also common in Kansas City workplaces, with exposure to hazardous substances or conditions being a significant risk factor. These illnesses can range from respiratory conditions (like those caused by exposure to airborne pollutants) to skin disorders caused by contact with chemicals or irritants. Medical treatment for occupational illnesses often involves symptom management, medication, and preventive measures to minimize further exposure to harmful substances.
In addition to physical injuries and illnesses, psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, can also affect workers in Kansas City. These conditions may arise from work-related stressors, traumatic events, or a hostile work environment.
If you suffered any of these medical complications in a Kansas City workplace accident, our team can handle the legal components of your claim while you focus on attending medical appointments and making a full recovery.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Kansas City Workers’ Comp Case
Fighting the insurance company in a Kansas City workers’ comp case can be challenging, but having an experienced lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, leaving injured workers struggling to obtain the compensation they rightfully deserve.
An experienced lawyer can navigate the process for you, aggressively advocate for your rights, and help build a strong case to secure the benefits you need.
One way a lawyer can assist is by gathering evidence to support your claim. This may include medical records, witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and their effect on your ability to work.
Additionally, a lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. They may communicate with adjusters, review settlement offers, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and any other damages you’ve incurred due to your workplace injury.
If your claim is denied or disputed, an experienced lawyer can represent you in hearings or appeals before the Division of Workers’ Compensation. They can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue your case to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the benefits you deserve under the law.
Furthermore, having a lawyer on your side can provide peace of mind during a stressful and uncertain time. They can offer guidance, support, and reassurance throughout the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery and overall well-being.
At Bruning Law Firm, we can provide the advocacy and support you need to navigate the workers’ compensation system and secure the benefits you deserve.
Essential Steps to Take after Suffering an Illness or Injury While on the Job in Kansas City
After experiencing an illness or injury while on the job in Kansas City, to ensure proper care and protect your rights:
- First, seek immediate medical attention. Your health is the top priority, so don’t wait to call for help or visit the nearest emergency room or healthcare facility.
- Next, report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. In Kansas City, it’s typically necessary to notify your employer within a certain timeframe to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This step helps to establish a written record of the incident.
- Document the details of the illness or injury, including how it occurred and any symptoms you’re experiencing. This information will be valuable when filing a workers’ comp claim or seeking legal assistance.
- Additionally, follow your doctor’s orders for treatment and recovery. Adhering to prescribed medical care can help expedite your healing process and prevent further complications.
Finally, consider seeking guidance from a qualified Kansas City workers’ compensation lawyer. At Bruning Law Firm, we can navigate the claims filing process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout.
Talk With Our Skilled Kansas City Workers' Comp Lawyers Right Away
After suffering injuries in an accident while at work, it’s essential that you contact a knowledgeable workers’ comp lawyer right away, at Bruning Law Firm, we can promptly investigate the circumstances of your workplace accident and determine your legal options for moving forward.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with our skilled Kansas City workers’ comp lawyers, please contact us today at (314) 735-8100.
