Experts in Missouri and Illinois Workers’ Compensation
When workplace injuries happen, you need an experienced, responsive team that understands the complexities of workers’ compensation. Dr. Emily A. Whicker is a trusted orthopedic expert in Missouri and Illinois work comp cases, delivering accurate evaluations, timely communication, and exceptional care that supports both patients and case stakeholders.
Comprehensive Services for Work-Related Injuries
Dr. Whicker specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing work-related orthopedic injuries. Our services include:
- Causation & Prevailing Factor Determination: Accurate, detailed evaluations to establish whether a workplace incident directly caused or contributed to the injury.
- Independent Medical Examinations (IME): Thorough, unbiased evaluations tailored for legal and insurance clarity.
- Disability Ratings: Objective impairment ratings based on AMA guidelines to assist in claim resolution.
- Second Opinions & MRI Reviews: Clarify uncertain diagnoses or treatment recommendations with expert orthopedic insight.
- Surgery with Bundled Payment Options: Predictable costs and streamlined billing through value-based surgical care packages.
- Medical Records Review & Depositions: In-depth case analysis and expert witness services available upon request.
- Workplace Injury Prevention & Ergonomic Consultation: Proactive strategies for employers and occupational health partners to reduce future injury risk.
Why Choose Us for Worker’s Compensation Services
- Expert Orthopedic Care, Centered on the Patient
- Fellowship-trained orthopedic specialist
- Compassionate, evidence-based treatment plans
- Specialized in work-related shoulder, hip, knee, and repetitive motion injuries
- Fast, Reliable Turnaround
- Clinic notes and work status reports within 24 hours
- Disability rating reports within 48 hours
- IME reports, MRI reviews, and second opinions within 72 hours
We understand the urgency that comes with workplace injuries. That’s why we offer same-day or next-day appointments and prioritize same-week surgical scheduling for urgent cases. Whether you're managing one case or a high volume, Dr. Whicker and team are dedicated to delivering the care and documentation you need.
What are Workplace Injuries?
Injuries at the workplace range from minor cuts or bruises which are non-fatal to injuries such as severe fractures or trauma that can be fatal. Injuries can occur due to slips, repetitive motion, hazards from machinery, falling from a height, burns, or any kind of violent act. Workplace injuries also include diseases which spread through microorganisms. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the employer to provide you with a safe working environment.
Types of Workplace Injuries
The various types of workplace injuries include:
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Any occupation has risks of slips, trips, and falls. The possible causes include poor housekeeping, slippery floors, inappropriate footwear, inappropriate drainage, uneven floor surface, walkways used for storage, etc.
Ensure you are provided with an appropriate working environment to prevent slips, trips and falls including:
- Maintaining resistance of the floor
- Requiring staff to wear proper footwear
- Providing proper storage
- Removing tripping hazards such as cords from walkways
- Providing staff with mechanical aids if needed
- Minimizing changes in the level of the floor
- Modifying standards which may reduce the chances of spills
Machine-Related Injuries
Machines-related injuries occur if machines are poorly maintained or handled inappropriately. Ensure you are provided with safety measures to operate machines including:
- Regular maintenance of machines
- Machines repairs addressed in time
- Proper training to use the machine
- You are provided with protective gear: Safety goggles, boots, protective goggles
- Risk assessments are carried out regularly
Transportation Injuries
These injuries result due to different means of transportation. Manufacturing, agricultural, and environment industries commonly face transportation injuries. The injuries include concussions, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, etc.
Transportation injuries can be prevented by following traffic and transportation rules. Heavy loading of vehicles must be avoided. Care must be taken to prevent injury to pedestrians.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
These are the most common injuries in any occupation. Repetitive stress injuries occur due to repetitive motions performed at your workplace. Repetitive injuries include back pain, neck pain, Tendinitis, Ganglionic Cyst, Trigger Finger, Bursitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis Elbow, etc. Repetitive injuries are common in an occupation such as computer-related work, gardening, playing musical instruments, packaging work, carpentry, etc.
Repetitive stress injuries can be prevented by regularly exercising, practicing stretching, physical therapy, medications, and choosing a healthy working environment.
Falling from Height Injuries
Construction companies commonly face falling from height injuries which can affect multiple organs, the whole of your body or even cause death. The common areas of injury from a fall include the neck, spine and head injuries.
Prevention of falling from height injuries involves both technical safety, knowledge and proper training. The employer is responsible to provide safety equipment and proper guidance. Any dangers must not be neglected.
