Lawsuit May Force Legislators to Fix Missouri's Second Injury Fund
The Second Injury Fund is a state-run fund in Missouri that provides payments to workers who become totally and permanently disabled after a workplace accident combines with a preexisting medical condition to prevent them from working. Beginning March 7, 2011, however, the Fund has stopped sending payments to people who have recently qualified for such benefits, stating that the money simply isn’t available. Although economists have predicted for years that the fund was running out of money, to date the Missouri Legislature has not done anything to fix it, according to an article in The Missourian.
In February 2011, four injured workers filed a lawsuit against the state of Missouri after they faced the risk of losing or never receiving the Second Injury Funds to which they are entitled. If they succeed, the state may be required to pay disabled workers the money they are due from the Fund. Meanwhile, politicians and lobbyists are arguing over the best way to deal with the faltering Fund. Some want to get rid of the Second Injury Fund completely after paying off existing claims, while others want to remove the caps on taxes that put money into the fund, so that more revenue can be collected and the Second Injury Fund can continue to support workers who have been totally disabled.
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation or other payments, including compensation from any third parties who were responsible for your injury. The experienced workers’ comp lawyers in St. Louis at Page Law can help you understand your legal rights and choose the best course of action for you and your family if you have suffered an injury while on the job. To learn more, call Page Law today at 314-322-8515 for a free consultation.
