What is the Second Injury Fund? How can I obtain benefits from the Fund?
A. In Missouri, the Second Injury Fund is designed to compensate an injured employee when a current work-related injury combines with a prior disability to create an increased combined disability. The basic concept is the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. For example, if an injured employee has a 15 percent disability from the prior injury and the combined disability is 40 percent, the Second Injury Fund pays for the increased disability. The formula for calculating the Second Injury Fund benefits depends on each case. An injured employee must have a permanent preexisting disability to trigger liability of the Fund. The prior disability must be of such seriousness as to constitute a hindrance or obstacle to employment. In order for an employee to recover from the fund, certain minimum limits must be met. The Fund is also responsible for paying medical bills of the injured employee when the employer fails to insure its workers’ compensation liability. In addition, if the emplo
