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Division of Workers’ Compensation
Operational Update June 22, 2020
The Division continues to offer most services remotely and electronically with some in-person matters heard by appointment only. Please read the health and safety guidelines for in-person appointments below.
Thank you for submitting Claims for Compensation and Answers to Claims for Compensation through Box.com - last week 89% were submitted electronically!
Thank you for submitting Stipulations for Compromise Settlement electronically to the local offices - let us know if you have questions or need assistance.
UPDATED: Notarized signatures for pro se claimants
When a stipulation for compromise settlement is signed by the pro se claimant after the telephone appearance before an ALJ the signature must be notarized. Electronic notary information is available on the MO Secretary of State’s website.
Division notices and emails: please read carefully as some direct attorneys to call the local office, or call a WebEx number, or contact the pro se claimant, or report the status of the case to the Division by email or letter.
Pre-hearings: It is preferred that Attorneys agree to submit one status report which will be reviewed by an ALJ who will make a minute entry and add the status report to the legal file. If an Attorney has not responded to attempts to communicate about the case then that can be expressed in the status report submitted to the Division.
Requests for settings: Attorneys must communicate with one another about the case before requesting a setting of any type before an ALJ; the setting is intended to provide assistance with unresolved issues.
Hearings: The Division will schedule hearings by teleconference, videoconference, and in-person settings with priority given to emergency hearings, PTDs, and some complex PPDs where credibility and liability are at issue. The Division may schedule other types of hearings and complex mediations as time/space allows.
A request for hearing should demonstrate that all discovery is complete and issues are ready for final resolution. Expect to participate in a pre-trial conference to discuss issues, witnesses, how the hearing will take place, and how to submit exhibits electronically in advance of the hearing through Box.com.
The Division is a resource if you need assistance with electronic submission of information and communication. Please reach out to a local office or the central office and let us know how we can help.
Filings may be submitted to the Division by Box.com or by Fax to 573-522-5043. Instructions for Box.com are available on the Division’s website.
Local Office Docketing Contact Chart
IMPORTANT MATTERS TO CONSIDER BEFORE IN-PERSON HEARINGS
The safety of the Division’s employees, visitors, parties and attorneys is paramount and therefore sufficient planning and preparation needs to occur before attending in-person hearings.
If you, your client, or a witness can answer “Yes” to any of the following questions, please request a continuance and make arrangements for a telephone/video conference meeting by contacting the docket clerk at the local adjudication office.
Do you, or a person you live with, have:
- A temperature of 100.4⁰F or higher, OR
- Two or more of the following: chills, new loss of taste or smell, or unexplained body aches, headache, or sore throat, OR
- One or more of the following: dry, non-productive cough (new onset or worsening of chronic cough), shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, OR
- Been with someone who has been regarded as being at high risk for infection, been tested positive for the virus or are in self-quarantine, or are assessing, treating and caring for those with COVID-19 symptoms in the health care field or in a hospital.
Please remember that if you are attending an in-person hearing you need to practice social distancing and follow the guidelines posted at the Division’s facilities. These guidelines ask that you not enter the facilities if you answer “Yes” to any of the above questions.
Visitors are encouraged to bring and wear their own masks. However, we are not requiring Division’s staff or visitors to wear facemasks at this time (unless 6 feet social distancing is not attainable).
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