Missouri Workers' Compensation Settlement Chart: What You Need to Know

How Missouri Uses the Settlement Chart

The Missouri Workers' Compensation Act relies on a standardized settlement chart to determine the maximum benefits an injured employee can receive. The chart assigns a dollar value to each injury type based on the employee's average weekly wage (AWW) and the severity of the condition. Employers and insurers use the chart to calculate temporary and permanent disability payments, ensuring consistent payouts across the state.

Key Components of the Chart

The chart is divided into three main sections:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – payments while the employee cannot work at all.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – payments for reduced work capacity.
• Permanent Disability (PD) – lump‑sum or ongoing payments for lasting impairment.

Each injury category, such as "Crush Injury" or "Repetitive Stress Injury," has a specific dollar amount. The amount is multiplied by the employee's AWW, capped by a statutory maximum. The chart is updated annually to reflect wage inflation and legislative changes.

Calculating Your Benefit

To estimate a settlement, follow these steps:

• Determine your AWW by averaging the highest 12 weeks of earnings.
• Identify the injury code that matches your condition.
• Locate the chart value for that code.
• Multiply the chart value by your AWW and apply any statutory caps.

Example: A worker with a 15‑year tenure earns $1,200 weekly and suffers a "Crush Injury" with a chart value of 8. The calculation is 8 × $1,200 = $9,600, subject to the state cap of $18,000 for temporary total disability.

Filing and Appeal Timeline

Missouri's statute of limitations is strict: claims must be filed within 90 days of injury. If the initial settlement is contested, the employee has 30 days to appeal to the Missouri Workers' Compensation Commission. Understanding the timeline is crucial to preserving rights and maximizing recovery.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

• Underestimating AWW: Many workers use current wages instead of the average of the highest 12 weeks, leading to lower benefits.

• Misclassifying injuries: Selecting an incorrect injury code can reduce the chart value dramatically.

• Ignoring caps: Some benefits are capped by the state, so exceeding that amount does not increase compensation.

Tip: Keep detailed medical records and wage statements; they are essential during negotiations and appeals.

When to Seek Legal Advice

If the insurer offers a settlement that seems lower than the chart value or if you face a denial, consult an experienced workers' compensation attorney. A lawyer can verify the correct AWW, injury classification, and ensure the settlement complies with Missouri law.