The St. Louis Workers’ Compensation Division is located at 111 North 7^th Street in downtown St. Louis. The workers’ compensation division provides a judicial system for injured workers in the St. Louis area. There are normally nine or ten judges who handle dockets for injured workers. There is a chief administrative law judge who is in charge of assigning cases and other administrative responsibilities.

At one time, the St. Louis workers’ compensation division had legal advisors who were assigned to assist injured workers who were unrepresented. The legal advisor position was abolished after Governor Blunt took office. In addition, strict orders were given that administrative law judges should not act to advise an injured employee as to whether or not he should accept or reject any given settlement.

Administrative law judges approve settlements which are reached, but their advisory role has been severely limited. Injured employees who are unrepresented must now deal directly with an insurance company adjuster or attorney. While the injured employee may only one experience of having a workers’ compensation claim, the insurance company and their attorneys are professional claims handlers who are experienced in advocating their position.

An injured employee appearing in front of the St. Louis workers’ compensation division should be mindful of the statute of limitations. Typically a report of injury may be filed by an employer, but this does not stop the statute of limitations from running. Only a formal claim can keep the statute of limitations from running. This can be done by hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Submitted by Jeff Swaney FREE CONSULTATION 314-481-7778

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