Missouri's Second Injury Fund is running out of money quickly, and already has told people it can't pay the awards they already have been given.
Two of those people filed lawsuits in Cole County circuit court last week, asking judges to require the state to pay its debts.
In one of the cases, Janice A. Dennis of Springfield wants an order declaring that the Legislature has "not fulfilled its duty under (state law) to safeguard and preserve the Fund for present and projected liabilities."
Lawmakers created the Second Injury Fund in 1943 as an addition to the state's Worker's Compensation program.