If you get injured while on the job in Missouri, you expect that your employer will be responsible and help you with any costs or losses incurred as a result. The state helps to ensure this happens by requiring employers to have workers’ compensation coverage. However, not every employer is required to have this coverage and some employers may try to skirt the law by not having coverage. So, how can you know if your employer has workers’ compensation insurance?
First, you need to understand the laws for workers’ compensation as explained by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The law says that if an employer has at least five employees, then it must have coverage. Employers do have the option of self-insuring, though. This could change the process of collecting benefits if you do get injured.
You also can check with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. In its website, there is a search engine that allows you to search for your employer and see the type of coverage carried. You can search if your employer has insurance through workers’ compensation or is self-insured. Of course, if your employer has made recent changes, they may not be reflected in the system.
You can always ask your employer for information on the insurance coverage. There should not be an issue providing the information if your employer is within the law and has proper coverage. Do keep in mind, if you work for a very small company that has fewer than five employees, there is no requirement for insurance coverage. This information is for education and is not legal advice.