If you are injured on the job in Missouri, you probably will file a workers’ compensation claim. You will receive benefits as set out under the law. Throughout the process, you may have to attend hearings or other meetings about your benefits to ensure you receive what is due to you. There are several different types of hearings or meeting you may attend.
According to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, when you first file your workers’ compensation claim, it may go in for mediation. This is where everyone involved sits down to discuss your initial claim and reaches a settlement agreement. You may also have a pre-hearing where you discuss any issues surrounding your claim that need resolved before the hearing. It also allows you to present a settlement and have that approved, so you do not have to wait for the actual hearing to take place.
If you feel your employer is not giving you all the benefits you are entitled to, then you can request a hardship hearing. At this hearing you can ask for a payment for medical expenses and lost wages. A final award can be issued at this type of hearing.
If you go to the final hearing, then your claim is being reviewed at the request of your employer who wishes to end your benefits. This hearing is held when your employer believes you are ready to return to work in full capacity or that your case is otherwise ready to be dismissed. This information is for education and is not legal advice.