Workers’ Comp Legislation Signed Into Law

Governor Matt Blunt has signed into law workers’ compensation reform legislation he claims will protect the rights of injured workers without threatening Missouri jobs. The law makes several changes to the workers’ compensation system. Among the main ingredients: employers will only be liable for injuries for which they are directly responsible. In essence, a worker will have to be injured on the job or as a result of work-related activities before he or she becomes eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. The new law also limits benefits available to employees found to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at the time of an accident. The law goes into effect on August 28th.