Missouri employers with 5 or more employees are required to have workers’ compensation insurance or qualify as a self-insured. Construction industry employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage if they have one or more employees.
An employer who knowingly fails to insure its workers' compensation liabilities is guilty of a class A misdemeanor and may be liable to the state of Missouri for a penalty of up to three times the annual premium or up to fifty thousand dollars, whichever amount is greater. A subsequent violation is a class E felony. Failure to maintain workers’ compensation insurance should be reported to the Fraud and Noncompliance Unit of the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
The uninsured employer is liable for the medical care and expenses.
An injured worker may also elect to bring an action for personal injury in circuit court against an employer that fails to insure its workers’ compensation liability.
Filing a suit in circuit court is a complex legal matter. Before taking such action, it is advisable that you consult a lawyer. For more information, see Obtaining A Lawyer on this website.
Related: Obtaining A Lawyer
Related: Request Assistance or Ask Questions about Employer's Health or Retirement Plan