Can a Part-Time Employee Get Workers Comp in Missouri?
On behalf of Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer
May 23, 2025
In 2022, Missouri employers reported over 83,000 workplace injuries—and not all of those workers were full-time. That’s right. Part-time employees can and do get hurt on the job just like anyone else.
And when they do, the question that often follows is: can part-time workers get workers comp in Missouri? The short answer is yes. But like most legal matters, the details matter. If you’re working fewer hours, you might think you don’t qualify. That’s a common myth. Missouri law doesn’t make that distinction when it comes to worker protections.
In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know. We’ll cover whether part-time employees are eligible, what kinds of injuries are covered, and how to file a claim. If you’re hurt and working reduced hours, your legal rights still matter—and you may be owed compensation.
Let’s get into it.
Do Part-Time Missouri Employees Get Workers Comp
Yes. Missouri law requires almost all employers with five or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance—and for construction businesses, that number is just one. The law applies to full-time and part-time employees alike.
What matters is your status as an employee, not how many hours you work.
Here's how it works:
If you're classified as an employee (not an independent contractor), you're covered.
Your employer must have workers comp insurance if the business meets the threshold.
You’re eligible from day one on the job. There’s no waiting period based on employment length.
This means that even if you only work weekends or a few hours during the week, you're still protected by Missouri's workers compensation system. You’re entitled to medical care and possibly lost wages if you’re injured at work.
Some employers might try to misclassify part-time workers as contractors. This is often legally incorrect—and it can interfere with your rights. If that happens, contact a workers compensation attorney immediately.
Types of Injuries Covered
Workers comp in Missouri covers injuries and illnesses that arise “out of and in the course of employment.” That includes both one-time incidents and conditions that develop over time.
Here are common examples covered under workers comp for part time workers:
Slips and falls while on the job
Repetitive stress injuries (like carpal tunnel or tendonitis)
Lifting injuries resulting in sprains or herniated discs
Machinery accidents
Exposure to harmful substances (chemicals, mold, etc.)
Work-related auto accidents (if driving is part of your duties)
Assaults in the workplace under certain conditions
Injuries don’t have to happen in a dramatic accident. Even something like twisting your ankle while stocking shelves can qualify—if it happened while performing your job duties.
Mental health injuries can also be covered, but they’re harder to prove. Missouri law requires a clear connection to your work conditions, often with accompanying physical injury or trauma.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you're a part-time worker in Missouri and get injured on the job, here’s what you need to do:
1. Report the injury immediately.
Tell your supervisor or employer right away—preferably in writing. Missouri law gives you 30 days from the date of injury to report it, but the sooner you do it, the better.
2. Get medical care.
Your employer has the right to choose the doctor. If you see your own doctor without permission, you may have to pay out-of-pocket. Always ask your employer who you should see.
3. Document everything.
Write down what happened, who witnessed it, and what injuries you sustained. Keep a copy of every report, medical record, and communication related to your injury.
4. Follow through.
Attend your medical appointments. Keep your employer updated. If you're taken off work or put on restricted duty, ask for those instructions in writing.
5. Contact an attorney if your claim is delayed or denied.
Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies don’t always act in your best interest. If your claim is being ignored, lowballed, or denied outright, get legal help. Fast.
Why It Matters for Part-Time Workers
Part-time employees are more likely to:
Work irregular hours that make wage loss calculations trickier
Be uninsured or underinsured privately
Be unaware they have legal protection
Have less access to HR or formal reporting systems
That can make it easier for employers to take advantage—or just make honest mistakes. Don’t assume your rights don’t apply because of your schedule.
In fact, you’re entitled to the same core benefits as full-time employees, including:
Paid medical treatment
Temporary total disability (TTD) if you can’t work while recovering
Permanent partial or total disability for long-term impacts
Death benefits for surviving dependents (in fatal cases)
Call Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer
If you’re a part-time employee and you’ve been injured at work, don’t guess your way through the system. Workers comp law is strict on deadlines and paperwork. One missed step can delay or cost your benefits.
At Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, we help injured Missouri workers—full-time or part-time—get the benefits they’re entitled to. We know how to fight wrongful denials and low settlement offers. We know how Missouri courts interpret the law. And we know how to help you move forward.
Contact us today to speak with a workers compensation attorney. Your first consultation is free, and we only get paid if you do.
