The members of the Missouri State Senate have passed a bill that should help many injured workers and their families.  According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial article on February 17, 2013 the Second Injury Fund has not been able to pay injured workers for injuries from years ago.  Once this bill becomes signed into law those families that have been waiting could get the financial help they need to take care of medical bills and other expenses.

The second injury fund is there for workers who have returned to a different employer after suffering an injury. If that injury causes a problem at the new job the employee could receive compensation from this fund which is made possible by a surcharge placed on businesses.

There was a cap placed on the amount of the surcharges and this cap ultimately led to the fund becoming bankrupt. The new legislation will double the surcharge but also limits the liability for employers in some toxic exposure claims related to  problems like mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure.

If you have suffered a work related injury and feel that you are not being treated fairly by your employer’s insurance company our experienced workplace injury attorneys can help. Visit our website to set up an appointment with one of our St. Louis workmen’s compensation attorneys to get the advice you need to pursue your claim.