Thousands of undercompensated tort victims across Missouri have been waiting years for their rightful compensation. Recent court decisions may finally bring relief to those who deserve justice.
The Missouri Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund has faced significant delays in distributing payments to injured victims and families who were undercompensated in their original personal injury cases. These delays have left many struggling financially while waiting for the additional compensation they desperately need.
What Is the Missouri Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund?
The Missouri Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund was established in 1987 to help injured victims who couldn’t recover full compensation from their cases. When defendants lack adequate insurance coverage, declare bankruptcy, or simply cannot pay what they owe, this fund takes action to make up for missing compensation.
The fund provides up to $300,000 in additional compensation to qualifying victims. This money comes from a portion of punitive damages awarded in Missouri civil lawsuits, ensuring that those who have been wronged receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.
For years, the fund has distributed millions of dollars annually to thousands of undercompensated victims across the state. These payments have helped families cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that weren’t fully addressed in their original settlements or judgments.
The Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund in Missouri has processed thousands of claims in recent years:
- 2021: 455 claims filed, 332 successful awards totaling $72.9 million (paid in full)
- 2022: 2,118 claims filed, 1,748 successful awards totaling $148.4 million (40% pro rata payment)
- 2023: Over 2,545 claims filed (awards pending payment)
- 2024: Claims are currently under review, and many are awaiting payment
Will I Receive My Payment from the Missouri Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund?
Recent years have brought unprecedented challenges to the fund’s operations. In 2022, the Missouri General Assembly allocated $150 million from the total fund balance of $274 million to pay claims. However, the total awards exceeded $370 million, forcing the Division of Workers’ Compensation to reduce payments to just 40% of awarded amounts.
A group of 2022 claimants challenged this pro rata payment system in court, arguing that the entire fund balance should be distributed rather than held back for future claimants. This lawsuit created a ripple effect that halted all payments to subsequent claimants.
While the legal battle raged on, victims from 2023 and 2024 were told their award amounts but received no payments. These families have endured financial hardship while waiting for the resolution of the legal dispute.
The turning point came on August 5, 2025, when the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District ruled in Louise Jones v. Missouri Labor and Industrial Relations Commission. The court affirmed that the Division’s pro rata payment calculations were lawful and consistent with governing statutes.
This decision means that thousands of waiting victims should finally receive their Missouri tort claim payout soon. While payments will still be distributed on a pro rata basis rather than full amounts, victims can expect to receive their compensation after years of uncertainty.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury and believe you were undercompensated, you may qualify for additional compensation through the Missouri Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund. The recent court ruling brings hope to victims who have been waiting for justice.
Don’t let insurance companies shortchange you. These delayed payments prove that fighting for full compensation is worth the effort. Your recovery and your family’s financial security depend on getting every dollar you deserve.
The legal system can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The experienced personal injury attorneys from DM Injury Law understand how to evaluate your case and determine whether you qualify for additional compensation through the tort victims’ fund.
If you believe you were undercompensated or are being taken advantage of by the insurance company, contact us to talk about your situation.