If you’ve been injured on the job in Missouri, you probably know that workers’ compensation is designed to cover your medical expenses. But what many people don’t realize is that you may also be entitled to workers’ comp mileage reimbursement.
Whether you’re traveling to a specialist, physical therapy sessions, or follow-up appointments, those trips can add up—both in time and in cost. Fortunately, Missouri law allows injured workers to be reimbursed for mileage related to authorized medical treatment.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how mileage reimbursement works, when it applies, and what you’ll need to do to make sure you get what you’re owed.
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Missouri Workers’ Comp Mileage Reimbursement: What the Law Says
Missouri law clearly outlines when and how an injured worker is entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses related to medical care.
Missouri Revised Statutes Section 287.140.1 states that an employer must advance or reimburse “necessary and reasonable expenses” when an injured worker is required to travel outside their local or metropolitan area to receive medical treatment.
Additionally, there is a clear upper limit on travel reimbursement:
- The maximum reimbursable distance is 250 miles each way from the worker’s place of employment to the place of treatment.
These rules are not open to interpretation—Missouri’s strict construction rule for workers’ compensation cases means that these guidelines must be applied exactly as written. (See Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 287.800 (2010)).
Bottom Line: If you must travel for medical treatment and your trip does not exceed 250 miles each way, your employer is required to reimburse your travel expenses.
What If Your Employer Refuses to Reimburse Your Travel Expenses?
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for injured workers to be misinformed—or outright misled—by employers or workers’ compensation insurance providers. Some may claim that mileage reimbursement isn’t covered, even though Missouri law clearly states that you’re entitled to be reimbursed for travel to authorized medical appointments. Don’t let them take advantage of you or brush off your rights.
You could be facing unfair treatment if:
- Your employer refuses to cover legitimate travel expenses related to your medical care.
- The insurance company tells you that you don’t qualify for mileage reimbursement.
- You’re required to see a doctor far from your home, but no one offers to cover your travel costs.
- Your reimbursement requests are being ignored or endlessly delayed.
These are red flags—and you don’t have to accept them. If you’re being denied the reimbursement you’re legally owed, it’s time to get an experienced workers’ compensation attorney involved.
Cantor Injury Law Will Fight for Your Workers’ Comp Rights
Cantor Injury Law holds employers and insurance companies accountable for following Missouri law. If you are being unfairly denied mileage reimbursement, we can:
- Ensure your claim is filed correctly and demand full reimbursement.
- Challenge illegal denials from your employer or their insurance company.
- File a formal claim with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation if needed.
No Fee Unless We Win! – We don’t charge any upfront fees, and you owe us nothing unless we recover for you.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Missouri law provides clear protections for injured workers—including reimbursement for necessary travel expenses related to medical care. If you feel you are being misled, denied compensation, or treated unfairly, don’t wait.
📞 Call Cantor Injury Law today at (314) 628-9999 for a free consultation, and let us fight to ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to.
