St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorney

A.K.a. Worker's Comp, Workman's Comp, Workmans Compensation

Sally Heller has represented injured workers throughout her legal career. She began practicing law in St. Louis, MO with her father, Melvin Heller, who also represented injured people. Melvin instilled in Sally the moral fortitude and principles to represent the individual rather than the insurance company, to fight for a worker’s rights and the benefits they are entitled to under the law.

Essentials in Worker's Compensation Cases

Worker's compensation is supposed to be a "no-fault" system in Missouri, meaning the responsibility for a work accident is assigned to neither the employee or employer. Rather, all employers pay for insurance, and workers can file an injury claims to cover medical expense and lost wages for work injuries. Unfortunately, things don't necessarily play out that way; insurance companies have become the arbiters, denying claims based on any number of factors.

It is essential to report any injury caused by an accident, or due to occupational exposure or repetitive trauma, immediately to your supervisor. Ask for medical treatment immediately. In Missouri, the employer has control of the injured worker’s medical treatment, so you cannot go to your own medical provider or emergency facility unless you are taken from the scene of the accident by ambulance to the emergency room. It is very important to have an attorney help you every step of the way in order to receive all your benefits and medical care. Sally Heller is that attorney who will guide you through the worker’s compensation system and, if necessary, take the case to trial to obtain all the benefits and rights you are entitled to under the law.

Deep Experience in Worker's Compensation Law

In Sally's practice, at least 50% of her legal work pertains to worker's compensation. Over the years she has tried a number of cases, and has had the opportunity to make good case law which other attorneys have cited in their respective cases. Two significant cases are Smith v. Climate Engineering, 939 S.W.2d 429 (MO App. E.D. 1996) and Jones v. Washington University 199 S.W. 3d 793 (MO App. E.D. 2006).

recent developments in Missouri WORKER'S COMPENSATION LAW

Since new worker’s compensation law came into effect on August 28, 2005, it has been extremely challenging to represent injured workers in Missouri. Sally believes this law has severely limited worker's compensation and workers' rights. Sally was one of seven attorneys who challenged the constitutionality of the new law. The Missouri Supreme Court, however, denied the case based on standing. At the same time, the Supreme Court’s decision helped Sally and her colleagues by encouraging any practitioner to challenge the constitutionality of the law on a case-by-case basis. The Court also concluded if a worker is denied their benefits, they are entitled to pursue their case in the civil justice system.

Sally Heller looks forward to continuing the good fight to help injured workers obtain the benefits and rights they are entitled to under the law. Contact Sally and she will help you win your case to your satisfaction.