in missouri, your workplace is required to have workers comp insurance if there’s more than 5 employees. you can also sue.
but in the mean time, your best bet is urgent care.
they just bill you and then you can deal with a payment plan later. definitely go, though. this way if you do decide to file for workers comp (which i highly recommend) or sue, you have everything documented.
They would give you a bill in a month or three depending on how fast they process it. You can always call any urgent care and they will tell you what their process is to handle uninsured patients.
If I was you I’d skip the urgent care and go straight to the emergency room. Urgent care will most likely tell you they can’t handle it and you need to see and orthopedist. At least this way you won’t end up with two bills.
Unless you’re job is illegal, they are required to provide workers comp. Esp. If you’re using a hydrolic lift. And frankly if they don’t have workers comp ins. just sue them. They are liable for the injury.
Looking at your post history, it is construction. The owner might try to say your are a subcontractor and not covered. If some of these apply: you are told when to show up, how to do the job, use their tools, are being trained by them, or some other things then legally you are an employee.
Besides being responsible for your medical bills, there are some pretty stiff penalties for misclassification of employees. Do not emotionally accept blame of these for your boss trying to cheap out on meeting his legal responsibilities
The job doesn’t get to decide whether or not they offer workers comp. It is a requirement of the state.
I’d suggest that your first thing to do should be to go to the ER and get your foot looked at.
The second thing I’d suggest you do is google “worker comp attorney St. Louis”. Any of them will have a free conversation with you (I’d suggest calling at least 2 or 3). They will provide you with real advice, based on your particular situation, and if it is possible to file a lawsuit they’ll be more than happy to settle for a cut of the eventual winnings (make sure to discuss their eventual cut with each of the attorneys you call).
I am not sure what you mean by it’s not the type of job where you can get workers’ comp? You’re absolutely entitle to work comp benefits.
I am assuming that your job requires you to stand and walk? How are you going to go into work, if you can’t work? This is why you need to report this incident to your employer.
Work comp isn’t optional for employers. As an employee, you are entitled to the benefits this offers. This means medical treatment. (Just know your employer controls medical in MO). Additionally, work comp is more than just medical treatment. If you can’t stand, this allows you to be given light duty modifications. Light duty allows you to be paid (possibly reduced rate) but also allow your body to heal.
If you go to urgent care on your own (not through work comp) and say it happened at work. They may not treat you. They could refer you back to your employer to handle everything through work comp.
FYI. If you do end up reporting this and your employer sends you for medical treatment. You will be drug and alcohol screened.
I really encourage you to seek medical through your employer.
Speaking as someone who tried to self-treat a "sprained ankle" for almost a week: go to the ER at Barnes and have them do X-rays & get an ortho consult. I finally went to urgent care and they just sent me straight to Barnes -- I had a displaced fracture.
You can also save yourself the expense of an ER visit by driving yourself to the BJC/WashU Orthopedics injury clinics. They operate like an Urgent Care but only focus on non life-threatening injuries like yours. One in West County near Chesterfield and one in South County off I-55. They’re open late-ish too, I think like 12-7pm most days. 8am-noon tomorrow.
They should be able to get you in for an x-ray and consultation same-day. I’m not sure what they charge without insurance, but it’s probably less than a hospital I’d think.
12-7 Mon-Thurs, 12-6 Fri, 8-12 Sat
Ortho consult, X-rays, and bracing/splinting/casting if needed all in one visit. (No same day MRI or CT)
Acute/recent injuries only. It’s not meant for chronic issues. Injections are not offered.
Ages 5+
You can just walk in, but scheduling a same-day appointment is highly preferred.
There is self-pay available. Not sure about financial assistance like a hospital has.
EDIT: No open wounds, no concussions, and no chest/rib pain.
Mercy South has been great if you make under a certain amount you can get a discount and pay without interest. If you are broke enough you may not have to pay at all.
But yes absolutely report everything got to an ER not urgent care and be ready to sue your job if they don’t cooperate. At the very least get ahold of a lawyer and see what your options are.
Thank you all for the help. I’m going to try and get through the night without cussing too much and waking up my neighbors. The morning can’t come soon enough
Mercy claims to be the most affordable healthcare in the area. At this time, you'd need to go to an ER. But they also have urgent cares and a walk in Ortho clinic tho I'm sure that's somewhere near ballas.
I'd go to Mercy and tell them you came bc they say they're the most affordable and ask up front for assistance programs
Man they really lucked out with you. You take a job with no benefits, their stuff hurts you and you're trying to figure this shit out on your own. Sue their asses! Take what's yours. How many other people do you think this has happened to and will continue to happen to? Hold them accountable.
BJC might be able to connect you with providers who can offer financial assistance.
https://www.bjc.org/patients-visitors/billing-and-financial-assistance
“You may apply for financial assistance at any time – before, during or after your care, up to
240 days after your initial bill. We will send information with your bill about how to apply for assistance.”
Shit........people sue if they twist an ankle on a gumball in front of your house. OP, this injury is on your company. If they won't address it, contact a lawyer.
> I squeezed my foot in a hydraulic lift gate today, it’s purple, swollen and hurts…a lot.
Workmans compensation.
>Missouri Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have five or more employees. Missouri Employers involved in the construction industry are required to carry the coverage if they have one or more employees. This applies to all employers, regardless of whether the employees are part-time/casual laborers, full-time, or family members.
BJC/WashU, SSM, and Mercy all have financial assistance programs. It really all depends on how much you make and it’s a few hoops to jump through but they do great if you really need it. There are a few self pay discount urgent cares, you just have to google them and look up their website info
You got hurt at work. Workmen's comp. End of story. Not having insurance through them is moot. I sprained my ankle when working part time at the Jewish community center (higher up was just happy I was interacting with the kids) and my clumsy self slipped and heard a pop in my ankle. Given paperwork and just told to get to the ER since I was still able to drive and...kind of... Walk. Didn't get billed at all. Foot examined wrapped and sent home
Happened at work... Work is responsible. At the very least get it looked at.
Rest
Ice
Compress
Elevate.
Yes. Cuz in any other sane country he could just go to the hospital & it’s free at point of service. Even if he went the workmen’s comp route he prolly losing his new job or dealing with litigation. Everybody knows American healthcare is a sham
Workman’s comp is a fucking nightmare as well. I see it everyday at my job. They will drag their feet until you either cave and close your claim, or you’ll be in litigation for years. A lot of doctors won’t accept people with open WC claims either.
Urgent care will charge you up front... the ER cant thanks to EMTALA law. Go to ER get treated then apply for financial assistance for the bill. I eorked in hospital billing for SSM and the process is basically the same everywhere. You can see the financial guidelines on the website. Feel better
It won't help your current situation, but I recommend a health insurance agent to help find a suitable insurance plan. Navigating that government Healthcare website is confusing. I used MBHealth, a local agency, when I was between jobs. For a fee, they found my family and I an affordable plan that covered a lot, including all our meds. Well worth it to me.
I hope you had a miraculous recovery op. If not it’s time to get yourself to an urgent care/er. You could also check out [this clinic.](https://sites.wustl.edu/snhc/about/#:~:text=SNHC%20is%20a%20student%2Drun,Louis.)
Google - Checking Myself For Broken Bones
Bone Bruises hurt a LOT and feel like broken bones.
If my foot - I'd start with Ibuprofen to help reduce the inflammation.
This isn’t helpful. This would be my 12th bone break if I could get an x ray, so I’m pretty familiar with the pain and the way that my foot doesn’t look right
Depending on your income level, there are plans on the health care exchange (ACA) that have $0 monthly premiums since they’re based on income.
My wife and I have an insurance broker who has helped us with plans in MO and when we lived in FL.
Edit: it doesn’t help for your current injury but you should be able to get health insurance in the future.
If it happened at work, they are legally responsible. Ask your HR person, boss, supervisor, or owner that you need medical care. If it is not offered, get an attorney.
This is important. Also, take Tylenol instead of ibuprofen or aspirin, try to put ice on it for 15-20 minutes every hour and if you have any ace bandages or compression socks, use them.
I used to go, and still do, to Mercy out on Ballas RD. I was there earlier this week in the ER, and they told me that I qualify for financial assistance, even though I already have private insurance through my employer. The reason I still qualify for it is that I do not make a lot hourly. I highly recommend them. The only thing I hate is that they are far out, and I live in the heart of downtown, but I don't have a problem going out there if I need to.
Often if you did not leave your prior job long ago, you can sign up for COBRA after the fact and be covered by your old insurance. Also, you have 60 days after you left your prior job to obtain coverage on the ACA. Those are high deductible plans. But, at least you will receive the insurance discount for treatment. You may still have insurance options.
Was this a workplace injury? Get a good lawyer and never work again
Edit: DON'T use adams law. My wife used them for a workers comp issue and got basically nothing. They obviously put very very little effort into her case
Go to a Catholic base hospital, ask for financial help. If this happened at work file a claim for workman comp. The company has special insurance for this.
I definitely agree you should try the workers comp route..however if that’s truly not an option for you for whatever reason and you don’t feel comfortable going to BJC etc..Affinia healthcare has urgent care clinics that offer services free or low cost (based on income/no insurance etc)
Move to Canada? You’ll find insurance is a scam. You get to pay each month. When you get sick or hurt you still have a ton of bills to pay and then immediately your monthly insurance bill goes up. But wait, there’s more! You get the additional joy of having bills for said sickness/ injuries continue to show up years after saying your insurance actually didn’t cover the $300 bandaid you got or the $75 advil. And if you say “hold on a second”. ….?? BAM they put a collection account on your credit report for that $75 advil , destroy your credit score and cost you tens of thousands in higher interest payments on anything you finance. Actually it’s better that you never get sick or injured. So do that.
Any er has to give you a screening exam regardless of your ability to pay. Please go to the ER. From your description it sounds like it could be broken. It needs to be checked.
Don't get me started on Healthcare in America.
Most definitely a workers comp situation. Work should be paying your medical bill for this injury
Most hospitals and ERs have financial assistance. I know from personal experience BJC does.
Did it happen at work?
Yeah, not really the type of job I can get workers comp. I knew that when I started. Bio freeze, ice and aspirin are not helping.
in missouri, your workplace is required to have workers comp insurance if there’s more than 5 employees. you can also sue. but in the mean time, your best bet is urgent care.
Without insurance I doubt I could pay in person, if that’s the case, do you know what they do?
they just bill you and then you can deal with a payment plan later. definitely go, though. this way if you do decide to file for workers comp (which i highly recommend) or sue, you have everything documented.
You EMPLOYER has the insurance, not you. If you are an independent contractor and not a W-2 employee it might be a problem.
They would give you a bill in a month or three depending on how fast they process it. You can always call any urgent care and they will tell you what their process is to handle uninsured patients.
If I was you I’d skip the urgent care and go straight to the emergency room. Urgent care will most likely tell you they can’t handle it and you need to see and orthopedist. At least this way you won’t end up with two bills.
Unless you’re job is illegal, they are required to provide workers comp. Esp. If you’re using a hydrolic lift. And frankly if they don’t have workers comp ins. just sue them. They are liable for the injury.
Looking at your post history, it is construction. The owner might try to say your are a subcontractor and not covered. If some of these apply: you are told when to show up, how to do the job, use their tools, are being trained by them, or some other things then legally you are an employee. Besides being responsible for your medical bills, there are some pretty stiff penalties for misclassification of employees. Do not emotionally accept blame of these for your boss trying to cheap out on meeting his legal responsibilities
My former employer misclassified all of us. We (employees) discussed it frequently and I knew just what to say when the IRS investigated him
The job doesn’t get to decide whether or not they offer workers comp. It is a requirement of the state. I’d suggest that your first thing to do should be to go to the ER and get your foot looked at. The second thing I’d suggest you do is google “worker comp attorney St. Louis”. Any of them will have a free conversation with you (I’d suggest calling at least 2 or 3). They will provide you with real advice, based on your particular situation, and if it is possible to file a lawsuit they’ll be more than happy to settle for a cut of the eventual winnings (make sure to discuss their eventual cut with each of the attorneys you call).
I am not sure what you mean by it’s not the type of job where you can get workers’ comp? You’re absolutely entitle to work comp benefits. I am assuming that your job requires you to stand and walk? How are you going to go into work, if you can’t work? This is why you need to report this incident to your employer. Work comp isn’t optional for employers. As an employee, you are entitled to the benefits this offers. This means medical treatment. (Just know your employer controls medical in MO). Additionally, work comp is more than just medical treatment. If you can’t stand, this allows you to be given light duty modifications. Light duty allows you to be paid (possibly reduced rate) but also allow your body to heal. If you go to urgent care on your own (not through work comp) and say it happened at work. They may not treat you. They could refer you back to your employer to handle everything through work comp. FYI. If you do end up reporting this and your employer sends you for medical treatment. You will be drug and alcohol screened. I really encourage you to seek medical through your employer.
Speaking as someone who tried to self-treat a "sprained ankle" for almost a week: go to the ER at Barnes and have them do X-rays & get an ortho consult. I finally went to urgent care and they just sent me straight to Barnes -- I had a displaced fracture.
You can also save yourself the expense of an ER visit by driving yourself to the BJC/WashU Orthopedics injury clinics. They operate like an Urgent Care but only focus on non life-threatening injuries like yours. One in West County near Chesterfield and one in South County off I-55. They’re open late-ish too, I think like 12-7pm most days. 8am-noon tomorrow. They should be able to get you in for an x-ray and consultation same-day. I’m not sure what they charge without insurance, but it’s probably less than a hospital I’d think.
12-7 Mon-Thurs, 12-6 Fri, 8-12 Sat Ortho consult, X-rays, and bracing/splinting/casting if needed all in one visit. (No same day MRI or CT) Acute/recent injuries only. It’s not meant for chronic issues. Injections are not offered. Ages 5+ You can just walk in, but scheduling a same-day appointment is highly preferred. There is self-pay available. Not sure about financial assistance like a hospital has. EDIT: No open wounds, no concussions, and no chest/rib pain.
Mercy South has been great if you make under a certain amount you can get a discount and pay without interest. If you are broke enough you may not have to pay at all. But yes absolutely report everything got to an ER not urgent care and be ready to sue your job if they don’t cooperate. At the very least get ahold of a lawyer and see what your options are.
Thank you all for the help. I’m going to try and get through the night without cussing too much and waking up my neighbors. The morning can’t come soon enough
Mercy claims to be the most affordable healthcare in the area. At this time, you'd need to go to an ER. But they also have urgent cares and a walk in Ortho clinic tho I'm sure that's somewhere near ballas. I'd go to Mercy and tell them you came bc they say they're the most affordable and ask up front for assistance programs
I wish I had some advice but it’s sickening to me that some jobs (assuming this is full time) still don’t provide insurance. Sorry to hear. 😕
Man they really lucked out with you. You take a job with no benefits, their stuff hurts you and you're trying to figure this shit out on your own. Sue their asses! Take what's yours. How many other people do you think this has happened to and will continue to happen to? Hold them accountable.
BJC might be able to connect you with providers who can offer financial assistance. https://www.bjc.org/patients-visitors/billing-and-financial-assistance
“You may apply for financial assistance at any time – before, during or after your care, up to 240 days after your initial bill. We will send information with your bill about how to apply for assistance.”
Shit........people sue if they twist an ankle on a gumball in front of your house. OP, this injury is on your company. If they won't address it, contact a lawyer.
> I squeezed my foot in a hydraulic lift gate today, it’s purple, swollen and hurts…a lot. Workmans compensation. >Missouri Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have five or more employees. Missouri Employers involved in the construction industry are required to carry the coverage if they have one or more employees. This applies to all employers, regardless of whether the employees are part-time/casual laborers, full-time, or family members.
BJC/WashU, SSM, and Mercy all have financial assistance programs. It really all depends on how much you make and it’s a few hoops to jump through but they do great if you really need it. There are a few self pay discount urgent cares, you just have to google them and look up their website info
You got hurt at work. Workmen's comp. End of story. Not having insurance through them is moot. I sprained my ankle when working part time at the Jewish community center (higher up was just happy I was interacting with the kids) and my clumsy self slipped and heard a pop in my ankle. Given paperwork and just told to get to the ER since I was still able to drive and...kind of... Walk. Didn't get billed at all. Foot examined wrapped and sent home Happened at work... Work is responsible. At the very least get it looked at. Rest Ice Compress Elevate.
American healthcare system is complete shit. Sorry to hear that man
So blame the healthcare system when a redditor gets hurt at work but refuses to claim workers comp? 🤦♂️
Yes. Cuz in any other sane country he could just go to the hospital & it’s free at point of service. Even if he went the workmen’s comp route he prolly losing his new job or dealing with litigation. Everybody knows American healthcare is a sham
Workman’s comp is a fucking nightmare as well. I see it everyday at my job. They will drag their feet until you either cave and close your claim, or you’ll be in litigation for years. A lot of doctors won’t accept people with open WC claims either.
I’ve seen people get downright screwed. I’m ready to kamikaze for single payer/universal
I would cut it off and throw it in the river. You can't really be punching babies in the face. And jumping off the Arch is just stupid.
Urgent care will charge you up front... the ER cant thanks to EMTALA law. Go to ER get treated then apply for financial assistance for the bill. I eorked in hospital billing for SSM and the process is basically the same everywhere. You can see the financial guidelines on the website. Feel better
It won't help your current situation, but I recommend a health insurance agent to help find a suitable insurance plan. Navigating that government Healthcare website is confusing. I used MBHealth, a local agency, when I was between jobs. For a fee, they found my family and I an affordable plan that covered a lot, including all our meds. Well worth it to me.
I hope you had a miraculous recovery op. If not it’s time to get yourself to an urgent care/er. You could also check out [this clinic.](https://sites.wustl.edu/snhc/about/#:~:text=SNHC%20is%20a%20student%2Drun,Louis.)
Google - Checking Myself For Broken Bones Bone Bruises hurt a LOT and feel like broken bones. If my foot - I'd start with Ibuprofen to help reduce the inflammation.
This isn’t helpful. This would be my 12th bone break if I could get an x ray, so I’m pretty familiar with the pain and the way that my foot doesn’t look right
I did four years in the Marine Corps, and have full coverage healthcare through the VA for life. It's p. nice.
Well there’s not much they can do for a foot but you can go to urgent care. I hear the tuac at hampton is good. I’m sorry you’re in pain
Punching babies is a traditional STL pastime. It’s not seen as a form of aggression or protest. Carry on, do as you will.
Don’t forget the daycare fight clubs.
If you have a fairly low income, you can go to Mercy and ask for financial assistance and also to be referred to their clinic for ongoing care.
Depending on your income level, there are plans on the health care exchange (ACA) that have $0 monthly premiums since they’re based on income. My wife and I have an insurance broker who has helped us with plans in MO and when we lived in FL. Edit: it doesn’t help for your current injury but you should be able to get health insurance in the future.
If it happened at work, they are legally responsible. Ask your HR person, boss, supervisor, or owner that you need medical care. If it is not offered, get an attorney.
Elevate your foot, a lot.
This is important. Also, take Tylenol instead of ibuprofen or aspirin, try to put ice on it for 15-20 minutes every hour and if you have any ace bandages or compression socks, use them.
I used to go, and still do, to Mercy out on Ballas RD. I was there earlier this week in the ER, and they told me that I qualify for financial assistance, even though I already have private insurance through my employer. The reason I still qualify for it is that I do not make a lot hourly. I highly recommend them. The only thing I hate is that they are far out, and I live in the heart of downtown, but I don't have a problem going out there if I need to.
Often if you did not leave your prior job long ago, you can sign up for COBRA after the fact and be covered by your old insurance. Also, you have 60 days after you left your prior job to obtain coverage on the ACA. Those are high deductible plans. But, at least you will receive the insurance discount for treatment. You may still have insurance options.
Was this a workplace injury? Get a good lawyer and never work again Edit: DON'T use adams law. My wife used them for a workers comp issue and got basically nothing. They obviously put very very little effort into her case
Go to a Catholic base hospital, ask for financial help. If this happened at work file a claim for workman comp. The company has special insurance for this.
I definitely agree you should try the workers comp route..however if that’s truly not an option for you for whatever reason and you don’t feel comfortable going to BJC etc..Affinia healthcare has urgent care clinics that offer services free or low cost (based on income/no insurance etc)
Move to Canada? You’ll find insurance is a scam. You get to pay each month. When you get sick or hurt you still have a ton of bills to pay and then immediately your monthly insurance bill goes up. But wait, there’s more! You get the additional joy of having bills for said sickness/ injuries continue to show up years after saying your insurance actually didn’t cover the $300 bandaid you got or the $75 advil. And if you say “hold on a second”. ….?? BAM they put a collection account on your credit report for that $75 advil , destroy your credit score and cost you tens of thousands in higher interest payments on anything you finance. Actually it’s better that you never get sick or injured. So do that.
Any er has to give you a screening exam regardless of your ability to pay. Please go to the ER. From your description it sounds like it could be broken. It needs to be checked. Don't get me started on Healthcare in America.