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Table of Contents:
Why Proper Injury Reporting Matters
Immediate Steps After a Workplace Injury
Documentation Requirements for Kansas and Missouri Employers
Common Mistakes Employers Make
How Proper Handling Protects Everyone
When an employee gets hurt on the job, how an employer responds in those first few hours can make all the difference. At Haight Stang, LLC, we've spent nearly 50 years combined representing all sides of workers' compensation cases, and we've seen firsthand how proper injury handling protects both businesses and workers.
Whether you're managing a construction crew in Overland Park or running a warehouse in Independence, understanding your legal obligations under Kansas and Missouri workers' compensation laws isn't just about compliance—it's about protecting your business and doing right by your employees.
Why Proper Injury Reporting Matters
The moment an injury occurs, the clock starts ticking. In Missouri, employees have 30 days to report a work injury to their employer, but waiting that long creates problems for everyone involved. Kansas law requires employers to report injuries resulting in more than three days of lost work or medical treatment beyond first aid within 10 days. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties, but more importantly, delayed reporting often leads to disputed claims and unnecessary legal battles.
Proper handling from the start means fewer complications down the road. When employers take immediate, appropriate action, they create a clear record of what happened, demonstrate good faith, and often prevent minor injuries from becoming major disputes.
Immediate Steps After a Workplace Injury
The first priority is always the injured worker's health and safety. Here's what Kansas City employers should do immediately following a workplace accident:
Get Medical Care Immediately – Don’t wait to see if the injury improves. Even minor injuries can worsen without treatment. Missouri employees generally choose their own doctor; Kansas employers may designate the initial physician with proper advance notice.
Document the Incident – Create a written report with the date, time, location, witnesses, and how the injury occurred. Take photos of the scene when possible, especially for slip-and-falls or machinery incidents.
Notify Your Workers’ Compensation Carrier Promptly – Most policies require immediate notice. Delays can jeopardize coverage, even if the employee says they don’t plan to file a claim.
Provide Required Claim Forms – Missouri employers must provide a First Report of Injury; Kansas employers must file Form K-WC 101 with the Department of Labor. Failing to do this promptly is a common and avoidable mistake.
Documentation Requirements for Kansas and Missouri Employers
In Missouri, employers must file the First Report of Injury with the Division of Workers' Compensation and their insurance carrier within 30 days of learning about the injury. You'll also need to maintain records of the injury for at least three years.
In Kansas, the Report of Accident (Form K-WC 101) must be submitted to the Kansas Department of Labor within 10 days for injuries requiring more than first-aid treatment or resulting in more than three days of lost work. Keep copies of all correspondence, medical records, and claim forms related to the injury.
We've worked with countless employers who thought they were doing everything right, only to discover they missed a crucial filing deadline or failed to maintain adequate documentation. These seemingly small oversights can lead to penalties and make defending against fraudulent or exaggerated claims nearly impossible.
Common Mistakes Employers Make
Even well-intentioned employers sometimes handle workplace injuries in ways that create problems. Here are the mistakes we see most often:
Pressuring Employees Not to File Claims - This is illegal and creates liability exposure for the employer. Every injured worker has the right to file for workers' compensation benefits if they've suffered a work-related injury.
Failing to Investigate the Incident Thoroughly - Gathering witness statements and documenting conditions immediately after an accident is crucial. Memories fade, conditions change, and evidence disappears. A thorough investigation conducted right away protects everyone's interests.
Allowing Injured Workers to Continue Working Without Restrictions - If an employee is injured, allowing them to continue their regular duties without medical clearance can worsen the injury and increase the employer's liability.
Delaying Medical Treatment - Some employers hesitate to authorize medical care because they're concerned about costs or liability. However, prompt treatment usually leads to faster recovery and lower overall costs. Delayed treatment often turns minor injuries into serious, expensive claims.
How Proper Handling Protects Everyone
When Kansas City employers handle workplace injuries correctly, everyone benefits. Injured workers get the medical care and wage replacement benefits they need. Employers maintain better relationships with their workforce, reduce litigation costs, and often see lower workers' compensation premiums over time.
Understanding your obligations under Kansas and Missouri workers' compensation laws can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to run a business. The key is to have clear policies in place before an injury occurs, train your supervisors on proper procedures, and act quickly and appropriately when accidents happen.
Contact Haight Stang, LLC Today
At Haight Stang, LLC, our experience with workers' compensation cases gives us unique insight into what employers need to know—and what injured workers deserve. While we focus exclusively on representing injured workers, we understand the challenges employers face when workplace accidents occur.
If you're an injured worker who hasn't received the proper care or benefits after a workplace injury, or if your employer hasn't followed the procedures outlined here, contact our Kansas City workers' compensation attorneys today. We know your rights, and we'll fight to make sure you get the benefits you rightfully deserve.
Contact us online or call (913) 815-1347 today to learn more about how we protect the rights of injured workers throughout the Kansas City metro area. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation!