Workers' Compensation: Missouri

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Kevin Hess, Fisher Phillips

Updating Author: Crystal Potch-Seto

Summary

• Some employers must post the Missouri Workers' Compensation Poster in the workplace, depending on the size of the workforce and the industry in which the employer operates. See Notice Requirements.
• Most employers must carry workers' compensation insurance or be self-insured, with two notable exceptions. See Covered Employers.
• All employers, whether full-time or part-time, are covered, with few exceptions. See Covered Employees.
• All injuries or illnesses arising out of and in the course of employment are covered by workers' compensation insurance. See Compensable Injuries and Illnesses.
• Employers may not be liable for all injuries incurred under specific circumstances. See Employer Defenses to Workers' Compensation Claims.
• Workers' compensation insurance pays for all medical costs as well as partial payment of wages due to lost time and other benefits. See Benefits.
• All claims must be made within two years of the date of the accident or the last payment of benefits. See Claims Procedure.
• Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who file or pursue workers' compensation claims or who participate in workers' compensation-related investigations. The Missouri Supreme Court has also articulated a specific standard by which employees must bring workers' compensation retaliation claims. See Retaliation and Discrimination.