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Missouri Workers' Compensation Laws

Missouri workers' compensation law requires employers with 5 or more employees to carry coverage (1 or more in construction). TTD benefits pay 66 2/3% of average weekly wage with a maximum of $1,280.84/week (July 2025-June 2026). Benefits are capped at 400 weeks. Missouri has a Second Injury Fund that covers enhanced disability when a current injury combines with a pre-existing condition.

Last verified: 2026-02-25

Statute of Limitations

2 years from injury (3 years if employer failed to report)RSMo § 287.430

Claims must be filed within 2 years of the injury, death, or last payment of compensation. If the employer failed to file the required injury report, the period extends to 3 years. This is a statute of extinction — once expired, the claim is permanently barred.

Exceptions

Notice to Employer30 daysRSMo § 287.420

Written notice of injury must be given to the employer within 30 days, including time, place, nature of injury, and name/address of injured person. Failure does not bar the claim if the employer was not prejudiced.

Occupational DiseaseFrom date reasonably discoverableRSMo § 287.430

For occupational diseases, the limitations period begins when the disease becomes reasonably discoverable and its connection to employment is apparent.

Key Missouri Statutes

TTD BenefitsRSMo § 287.170

TTD benefits are 66 2/3% of average weekly wage (based on 13 weeks of gross wages before injury). Maximum: $1,280.84/week (July 2025-June 2026, 105% of SAWW). Minimum: $40/week. Duration capped at 400 weeks.

Employer Coverage ThresholdRSMo § 287.030

General employers: 5 or more employees must carry coverage. Construction industry: 1 or more employees.

Second Injury FundRSMo § 287.220

Compensates when a current work injury combines with a pre-existing disability to create enhanced disability. Employer liable only for current injury; Fund covers the synergistic increase. Post-2014 reforms limit Fund claims to PTD only, requiring the pre-existing disability to equal 50+ weeks of body-as-a-whole disability.

Exclusive RemedyRSMo § 287.120

Workers' compensation is the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries. Employer is liable irrespective of negligence and released from all other liability. Exceptions: intentional torts and third-party claims.

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.

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