If you have been hurt on the job in Missouri, you may be wondering what kind of workers’ compensation settlement you can expect. Many people look for a simple average number, but the truth is that no two cases are exactly alike.
Settlements are based on numerous factors, and Missouri law plays a significant role in determining how much an injured worker may receive.
Average Workers’ Comp Settlements
Nationwide, the average workers’ compensation settlement typically ranges from $20,000 to $40,000. However, this range can vary significantly depending on the nature of your injury, your wages, and whether your injury causes permanent impairment.
In Missouri, settlements may fall within this range, but it is important to understand how other factors influence these outcomes.
Key Factors That Influence Missouri Workers’ Comp Settlements
Several factors can influence the value of a workers’ compensation settlement in Missouri. Some are universal to any workers’ comp claim, but others are specific to how Missouri law evaluates injuries. A St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand how certain factors may impact your case.
These include:
1. The Nature and Severity of Your Injury
The more serious the injury, the higher the potential settlement. Injuries that result in permanent partial or total disability will typically command larger settlements than those that heal fully with time.
2. The Body Part Injured
Missouri, like many states, assigns different compensation values to different body parts. The Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation provides a schedule of body parts and assigns each a specific number of weeks of compensation. For example, a hand injury is valued differently from a back or head injury.
3. Medical Treatment Costs
Settlements often take into account past medical treatment and anticipated future medical needs. In Missouri, workers’ comp covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the injury.
4. Lost Wages and Disability Ratings
Missouri law allows compensation for temporary total disability (TTD) while a worker is unable to perform any work. Once the worker reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI), the insurance company and treating physician assign a disability rating.
This rating has a significant impact on the final settlement amount for permanent partial disability (PPD) or permanent total disability (PTD).
5. Future Earning Capacity
An injury may affect your ability to return to your previous job or impact your future earning potential. This can have a significant impact on a workers’ compensation settlement. Vocational rehabilitation or permanent work restrictions can increase the claim’s value.
How Are Missouri Workers’ Compensation Benefits Calculated?
Missouri calculates workers’ compensation benefits based on two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage, subject to a state maximum. Missouri updates these maximums annually for temporary and permanent partial disability.
Permanent Partial Disability benefits are calculated using this formula:
- Average weekly wage x 66 2/3%
- Multiplied by the number of weeks assigned to the injured body part
- Multiplied by the disability percentage
For example, if you injure your hand and are found 20 percent disabled to that body part, the settlement would be calculated based on Missouri’s schedule for hand injuries, which is 175 weeks.
How Are Workers’ Compensation Settlements Structured in Missouri?
Most Missouri workers’ compensation settlements are paid as a lump sum. These settlements resolve the claim in full, typically including any future medical treatment unless otherwise specified. A structured settlement may be an option in cases involving serious injuries or disputes, but this is less common in Missouri.
Have a Workers’ Comp Claim? Contact a St. Louis Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
There is no universal “average” workers’ compensation settlement in Missouri because every injury, every job, and every claim is unique. Factors such as your disability rating, medical needs, and earning capacity, as defined under Missouri law, will determine the outcome.
The best way to understand the potential value of your specific case is to consult with an experienced St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyer. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
For more information, contact the best personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, MO at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers. We proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
