Employees in labor-intensive professions are always at risk of suffering a serious accident, or worse, a fatal injury. Every day, employees are exposed to heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals, and electricity, all of which pose a significant risk of injury. As a result of such injuries, the employees are unable to work and may be forced to pay for all medical expenses in an unfair manner. Workers’ compensation is in place to ensure that any injury sustained at work or as a result of labor is compensated for medical bills, travel expenses, and a variety of other costs.

Let’s take a look at what Mississippi workers’ compensation is, what injuries are covered and which ones aren’t, and if you should hire a Jackson workers’ compensation attorney, and a lot more.

Jackson Workers’ Compensation Criteria and Exceptions

Workers’ compensation benefits vary by state, injury, and occupation. Workers’ compensation is required by Mississippi law for every business or company with five or more employees. It makes no difference whether the injury happened on the specified property or not. The most essential factor is that the employee’s injury must be tied to his or her job. Every employer, apart from domestic employees and independent contractors, is required to provide workers’ compensation.

Employees must provide a link between their injury and how it is related to their work environment in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation. It can be difficult depending on the occupation. For example, if a coal miner gets a lung condition after years of labor, the case for workers compensation is likely to be approved. The main criterion is that, as previously stated, the employee’s injury must have occurred at the job in order for the employee to be eligible for workers’ compensation. When symptoms appear years later, the employee’s case will be thoroughly investigated and reviewed to see if it qualifies for workers’ compensation.

Types of Injuries Covered by the Workers’ Compensation in Jackson, MS 

The majority of states only cover physical injuries and damages. In the event that an employee has a physical injury at work and is unable to return to work, workers’ compensation normally pays the medical costs as well as any additional costs incurred as a result of the injury. 

Most states do not allow workers’ compensation to cover any costs if an employee develops a mental ailment or disorder as a result of the stress linked with the work environment. Workers’ compensation in Mississippi will only pay for damages if they are caused by a physical injury. It is clearly mentioned in the Mississippi workers’ compensation that, if an employee suffers any psychiatric or mental conditions because of stress associated with the work environment, the workers’ compensation will be in no way responsible for covering costs. 

Traumatic Injuries

Workers’ compensation will cover the costs in the event of physical or traumatic injuries. For example, if an employee is required to work with a computer for several hours, the employee may develop carpal tunnel syndrome, which can impair the employee in a variety of ways. Other instances, such as stumbling over a box and breaking one’s wrist or suffering a head injury, will almost certainly be covered by workers’ compensation.

List of the most frequent injuries covered by Mississippi Workers’ compensation: 

• Bone damage, fractures, and pain from slipping, falling, or tripping over something. 
• Hamstring injuries, muscle sprains, muscle strains, and muscle tears. 
• Carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and other RSI scenarios. 
• Risks and dangers associated with dealing with electricity. 
• Getting crushed between heavy machinery and other harmful situations. 
• Falling from top floors etc. 

Secondary/Subsequent injuries

Workers’ compensation in Mississippi will also cover the costs of any subsequent injuries picked up by the employee. If an employee has suffered an injury at work and goes on to develop another injury because of the primary injury, the workers’ compensation will cover it as well. 

For instance, if an employee has a hamstring injury and any subsequent injury or damage caused by this hamstring injury will be covered by workers’ compensation. It is justified because the employee wouldn’t be sustaining all these consequential injuries if the employee wasn’t injured in the first place. 

Injuries due to Exposure to Harmful Substances

Employees who work in professions or situations that require a lot of physical work are more likely to sustain serious, and in some cases fatal, injuries. Employees in industries, unlike those in corporate companies, are exposed to hazardous chemicals such as mold, asbestos, and other contaminants. Regular exposure to such hazardous chemicals can jeopardize an employee’s health. 

As a result, Mississippi workers’ compensation will pay for any disease or response caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals at work. Workers’ compensation will almost certainly cover the reaction, even if it occurs after years of exposure. Exposure to certain substances, for example, can take years before the real symptoms appear.

Injuries Which Are not Covered by the Workers’ Compensation in Jackson, MS 

Physical, personal, and traumatic accidents account for nearly all of the injuries covered by workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation will not cover any damages incurred as a result of a dispute with a coworker or an attempt to abuse substances while disregarding the employer’s guidelines. The employee or person who caused the injury will be held accountable

The circumstances listed below are not covered by workers’ compensation.

• If an employee violates the employer’s standards, resulting in injury.
• Workers’ compensation will not cover costs if the employee in question is under the influence of alcohol or any other substance.
• Employees will be held accountable if they breach the law or start a fight with a coworker.
• The costs of an intentional or reckless injury are not covered by Mississippi workers’ compensation.

If an employee is injured on the job, they have 30 days to notify their employer. Workers’ compensation claims must be filed within two years after the date of the injury. If an employee is absent from work for five days or more, the employer must notify the absence to the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission and file a workers’ compensation claim. All medical bills, travel expenses, and other additional charges will be covered by Mississippi workers’ compensation. 

The employee will be compensated based on the severity of the damage. For a temporary or permanent disability, an employee who qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits is entitled to medical care and attention. Compensation for workers will also be provided

The workers’ compensation will also provide death benefits for the employee in case of a fatal injury picked up at work. To learn more, contact our Jackson personal injury attorneys today.

While workplace injuries are prevalent regardless of where you live in the United States, a recent analysis indicates that certain states may expose employees to an increased risk of fractured bones, amputations, and occupational trauma. According to OSHA’s Severe Injury Statistics, North Dakota, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Mississippi had the highest rates of significant occupational injuries. A workplace injury in Mississippi is something that keeps many people from seeking legal help.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 59 fatal workplace injuries took place in Mississippi in 2019. 

Law Regarding Workplace Injury in Mississippi:

The Workers’ Compensation Law protects the majority of working Mississippians, although there are exceptions. Employers with more than five (5) regular employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Employers with less than five (5) employees are not required to provide workers’ compensation coverage but may do so voluntarily. 

Dealing with A Workplace Injury in Mississippi:

When receiving medical care for a serious accident or illness, you may occasionally wish to consult with another physician. This is particularly true if surgery or other high-risk procedures are recommended. That being said, how does one obtain a second opinion for a workers’ compensation injury in Mississippi? If so, will your plans cover the cost of that appointment? What if the doctor you select makes a different diagnosis or prescribes a different course of treatment than your initial treating physician? Will they continue to pay for your medical treatment if you follow the second doctor’s care plan recommendations? It is typically excluded from coverage. However, specific protection is provided to subcontractor employees.

Yes, you have the option of choosing your physician for your Workers’ Compensation claim! When you are injured on the job, you have the right to select the doctor who will treat you. According to the law regarding workplace injury in Mississippi, you have the option of accepting the medical services and doctors provided by your company or choosing your own. This means that you have the freedom to refuse the doctor recommended by your employer and choose your own.

Even if your company does not send you to a doctor, you have the right to choose your physician; and you should. It would be best if you always chose a doctor with whom you feel comfortable rather than relying on your company to refer you to one. Occasionally, employers will refer an employee to a doctor they believe will side with the employer. Would you rather choose a physician that you know would be devoted to you? Or would you rather that the doctor be picked by the insurance company?

There are, however, a few limitations to your freedom to choose your physician. If a doctor has treated you for six months or more for your job injury, or if that doctor has performed surgery on you, that doctor is deemed to be your “choice of physician,” and you do not have the option of seeing another doctor.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer?

A workplace injury attorney can ensure that your doctor’s second opinion is included in the record. If your workers’ compensation benefits are terminated before you have recovered entirely, your attorney can appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you need.

Compensation safety net providers, managers, and employers routinely dismiss laborers’ compensation claims, regardless of their validity. They do so with the knowledge that many workers will decline their requests. They are frequently correct. 80% of wounded workers accept a denial without taking action. Contacting a workers’ compensation attorney is free and will assist you in the most evident ways to obtain an exact settlement for your injury.

If you are unaware of the appropriateness of your settlement, do not rely on the experts’ judge to certify that you have received a sensible agreement. Even if the specialists’ compensation settlements are legally enforceable, the judge will typically accept any explanations as long as they are not increasingly unjustified. Ensure that you contact a lawyer if you require assistance with any such issue.

If you are facing issues related to a workplace injury in Mississippi, we are available 24/7 for assistance. You can schedule a free case consultation at a convenient time for you. Our firm has expertise in practicing personal injury law and has handled a wide variety of occupational accident matters. We are here to assist you with our comprehensive knowledge of insurance companies and employers as well as how they operate. 

It is not just the typical cold and flu that can have negative effects. Spending more than 40 hours at work can adversely impact your health. Some jobs involve a higher risk of getting sick from occupational illnesses. Workers’ compensation can cover more than just work accidents. It can cover the expenses associated with occupational diseases as well. Through the help of a Mississippi workers’ comp lawyer, a victim can obtain assistance when they become ill due to the hazards of their workplace.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics gave a report on occupational injuries that there were 59 fatal workplace accidents in Mississippi in 2019 versus 72 in 2018. The Regional Commissioner stated that the number of fatal work-related accidents dropped by 24 percent from last year. A threshold of 128 fatal occupational injuries occurred in 1995 and 1999 while a threshold of 59 occurred in 2019.

Which Jobs Are Most Likely to Cause Occupational Diseases?

A few painting industries are more at-risk of intense diseases than others. These industries include:

• Health care
• Mining
• Farming
• Construction
• Welding

The medical examiner usually looks after others, yet health professionals must attend work despite everything, risking serious illness themselves. Who is responsible for taking care of the medical examiner that takes care of others? A lot of numerous viruses and bacteria are present inside the medical field. The most significant threats encountered by workers within the health care area are tuberculosis, MRSA, blood-borne diseases, and the Ebola virus.

Workers who are exposed to toxic dust in the minefield are susceptible to illnesses like silicosis due to the harmful dust they inhale on a daily basis. Silica is widespread poisonous dust that tends to be present at the minefield. Inhaling it all day long can result in silicosis for the worker. In the case of silicosis, lung scarring may cause pulmonary fibrosis and cause long-term health problems.

What Occupational Illnesses Can Workers Contract?

Several severe kinds of workplace ailments are associated with a particular kind of employment. The following are some examples of types of occupational illnesses covered to some extent by workers’ compensation:

• Mesothelioma
• Industrial Asthma
• Industrial Dermatitis
• Chemical Poisoning
• Neurological Disorders
• Skin Damage/Diseases
• Respiratory Conditions
• Cancers Interstitial
• Fibrosis Infections
• AIDS and HIV
• Cardiovascular Conditions

A number of workplace ailments can even lead to death. According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, the state’s industrial relations department recorded 483 non-fatal incidents of occupational infections during the 12-month reporting period. A total of 451 deadly cases were also disclosed in the most recent information document.

In order to prove that the ailment was contracted on the job, there needs to be a direct connection between the contamination and the work surroundings. Otherwise, it is more and more difficult to demonstrate the employee caught the illness at their workplace or contracted it there. Proof of your medical condition is detrimental to getting the benefits you are entitled to through an occupational sickness claim.

Is It Possible to Work Part-Time On Mississippi Workers’ Comp?

The injury does not have a predetermined period. Wage loss is determined by the extent that your injury affects your capability to complete your job and whether or not you are totally or partially disabled.

In some cases, though, workers’ injuries are more minor and they are still partially disabled. In those cases, a worker who has been injured may be able to work part-time for the same organization or another that offers a lesser salary. In Mississippi, this may be permitted under Mississippi workers’ comp laws, but it may decrease the number of benefits that are received and could seriously harm the claim.

Are You Going to Need a Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

Workers are have started losing their capacity to do their jobs well or entirely because of occupational sicknesses. This implies the requirement for increased manpower in such organizations. A lot of innocent victims are unsure what to do if they get sick at work. Understanding the next steps may be difficult for employees and they might be left all on their own. The Mississippi workers’ comp attorneys at our firm will be able to assist such victims by utilizing all the knowledge and sources.

One of the four “fatal hazards” affecting workplace safety and health is injuries caused by being struck by objects. It is very difficult to prevent a work-related injury no matter how vigilant you are.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified object impact injuries as one of four types of fatal work injuries. These types of injuries are caused when an employee is struck by a falling object, has an object tip over, or is hit by a moving vehicle.

Businesses should take measures to ensure a safe working environment and reduce the risk of accidents with falling objects. Employers should also always have the business and employees insured with adequate worker accident coverage. If you are in an accident, our Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers are always there for you.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mississippi had 59 work-related fatalities in 2019. Mississippi has experienced 24% fewer work-related deaths since 2018. A high of 128 work-related deaths was recorded in 1995 and 1999 and a low of 59 is recorded for 2019.

The Risk of Falling Objects on Construction Sites in Mississippi:

Concrete, hammers, and other objects can fall from the roof, causing painful and severe injuries. Work materials should also be stored away from the edge of the building and all heavy equipment should be secured on stable grounds.

Employees should make sure their tools are strapped to their belts or strapped to the walls, which can prevent them from falling off the side of the building. There is also a risk of building materials falling from the ceiling or walls when demolition, renovation, or tears are taking place. 

Tips to Prevent Workplace Injuries:

OSHA regulations require employers to prevent falling objects by using safety nets, ropes, and awnings, in addition to preventing falls, under 1910.28. Falling object accidents can be prevented with the right equipment. Employers can protect their workers by complying with these requirements:

Provide Eye Safety Glasses:

Employers should require their employees to wear eye protection if there is a chance that dust or small particles in the air transmitted from the machines can affect their eyes. Safety glasses, face shields, or eye protection should be provided if such hazards exist.

Putting On Safety Helmets in the Workplace:

Employees and visitors in the area should wear hard hats if they are working on scaffolds (such as on them). After some time, check helmets regularly for any dents, cracks, or signs of wear. Such protective gear should be changed at regular intervals if they show any such signs of cracks or dents. 

Make Sure Workers Are Visible:

Construction sites and parking lots are high-risk areas where workers must always be known and visible, especially when using heavy machinery. Wear bright clothing and reflective vests when operating within such areas. Always wear high-visibility safety clothing indoors and outdoors, especially at night.

Lower Blades and Lock Moving Machinery Parts When Not in Use:

Potentially hazardous equipment and machinery should be kept in secured areas when they are dormant. Lower the blades of bulldozers, loaders, and similar machines, and lock their moving parts when they are being repaired. Training sessions should be scheduled regularly for employees to ensure they understand how to properly secure machines.

Inspect Tools and Equipment:

Ensure that tools and equipment are in good condition and safe to operate. Inspect them regularly for faults, and if faults are found, remove them from service. Examine guards and protective components to ensure they are intact and will protect workers from moving parts. 

Restricting Access to Work Areas:

It is more likely that workers who are not trained in workplace safety procedures will be injured. Only those who are essential to a project, as well as those who have been trained in workplace safety procedures, should enter a work environment. Workers should not be allowed to enter the site if they do not know about the hazards.

Contact Our Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Lawyers:

If you or someone you know was injured by a falling object, please contact our Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers. Our lawyers have investigated work-related injuries for decades, gathered evidence of negligence, and won adequate compensation for workers injured due to occupational injuries.

The law is on your side, and we understand how dangerous construction sites can be in Mississippi. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and let us show you how we can help.

Employees who suffer injuries on the job are eligible for Mississippi workers’ compensation coverage. The majority of workers’ compensation claims are related to incidents that occurred at the employer’s place of business.

Employees may not be certain if injured while on business trips or delivering goods are covered by the policy. Off-site injuries may also be the subject of complaints.

59 workers were killed in workplace accidents in Mississippi in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of work-related fatalities has declined by 24% from 78 in 2018. From a high of 128 fatal work-related injuries in 1995 and 1999 to a low of 59 in 2019, the state has experienced fatal workplace injuries.

Eligibility of Workers in Mississippi:

There are a few things to keep in mind about eligibility for this program. Employers with one or more employees must provide workers’ compensation coverage to be eligible for the Workers’ Allowance program:

How Does It Apply to Off-Site Accidents?

The short answer is that if you suffer an injury while working for a business that provides coverage, you should be eligible for benefits. The injury could have occurred off-site, but you should still be entitled to benefits.

Examples of Off-Site Work-Related Activities:

Many different situations may be covered by a licensed attorney. However, the following are some possible examples:

• When you are injured while you are working, you may be covered for damages. If you are injured while making a delivery, your accident can be covered. If you are injured while on duty, you may be covered for damages. If you get injured while out of town on a business trip to meet with a client, you may be covered. You are probably doing business when you run errands while performing your employment duties. 
• The office or workstation where you eat in the canteen may technically be far away from your workspace. Employees would not have to travel outside the premises for lunch. The employee would be entitled to compensation for injuries suffered in the dining room. However, you still work there, so if you are injured during this time in any way your injury is more likely to be covered by your insurance policy.
• If you are injured while traveling through a company vehicle, you cannot recover your Mississippi workers’ compensation for it. This is when you travel to work or engage in any other type of activity outside of work.

What About Recreational Activities?  

Some states may cover employees for injuries sustained during an event sponsored by the company, such as accidents sustained at company picnics or during company parties. 

A workplace injury that occurs during an after-hours recreation activity organized by the employer and not related to the employee’s job duties will not be covered under state workers’ compensation law if participation is not compulsory or team building events are not reimbursed. 

In the event of an injury, you may be reimbursed by your employer if you planned the event during normal business hours.

How to Cope With an Offsite Injury?

The eligibility criteria in order to qualify for compensation for an off-site injury may vary from case to case. 

Even if you are having second thoughts regarding the subject, you should seek immediate medical attention because your injury is linked to your workplace. This is one of the main points your lawyer must prove for a positive verdict. With immediate medical attention, potentially life-threatening injuries can be stabilized and prevented from worsening. 

However, we suggest that your employer and any other stakeholders should be promptly informed in the event of any such legal proceedings. If it is established that there was in fact a connection between your job and your injury, you may still face severe complexities in order to prove your claim. 

Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Mississippi Workers’ Compensation? 

Unlike other federal laws, Mississippi workers’ compensation laws are state laws, which means there can be a lot of variation from state to state. You should submit any workers’ compensation forms required by your employer as soon as possible if you were injured on the job.

Our lawyers are knowledgeable about the Workers’ Compensation Act and can advise you about your rights and options when your claim is denied. They can also represent you in court if that is what you need. Call our workers’ compensation attorneys to schedule a free consultation if you think you were working at the time of the injury.

Mississippi workers’ compensation program is strict and beneficial at the same time for the workers. There are several reasons behind it. Have you ever thought of a situation where unfortunately you meet with an accident or experience a swerve injury and you are not able to attend office?

Well, we hope you never get into such a situation. But we never know what could come. In case if someone has ever experienced such a thing, they should know their basic rights regarding worker’s compensation and the major benefits.

The Workers’ Compensation Commission is a hub of information for people seeking knowledge about the statistical figures regarding the worker’s compensation program specifically in Mississippi. The workers’ compensation facts document has been published in 2013 and tells about every prospect of the worker’s compensation and how a vacation, an accident, or how a family financial issue can affect the overall worker’s compensation affiliation. The data there shows how specific the norms are for workers in Mississippi and nearly the same conditions are applied in the following and prevailing years.

Firstly, most of the workers are not aware of the fact that they can avail themselves vacations even when they are availing worker’s compensation. Let’s assume that you are badly injured and you are on leave through the worker’s compensation program. This whole scenario doesn’t mean that you cannot go on vacations with your family. It might be the best suitable time for you to go for a short vacation with your loved ones.

Now you must be worried about the impact of vacations on your worker’s compensation program and the benefits you get through that affiliation. For this, you need to know the basic points regarding the compensation program and how you can manage to avail of vacations during the active worker’s compensation program.

How Can You Take Vacations While on Workers’ Compensation?

We know it might get challenging for the workers to compose their Mississippi worker’s compensation according to their requirements. A few major points can help them get awareness about the basic rules, the do’s and don’ts of worker’s compensation, and how they can make the best out of the available resources through this program.

Know About the Basic Conditions:

Your efforts would be in vain if you do not know about the worker’s compensation program and what benefits you can get with the help of this aid. You need to get yourself educated about your rights and how workers’ compensation can be applied in your job. First of all, you should know about the conditions and norms of your workplace; after that, you need to be aware of the situations when you need to avail these compensations. 

There are certain regulations and specific limitations regarding the application of worker’s compensation in Mississippi. Being a worker, you should know the procedure and the correct time to apply those rights as your needful aid. 

Traveling While on Workers’ Compensation:

With the ease of availing of workers’ compensation, it is also important to ensure that you don’t register yourself as a fraudster in the list of insurance companies. Remember that your request for financial aid will always be tracked; it will be verified through various sources like investigations, private inspections, and many more. You need to be cautious about your health instructor’s advice and what he or she thinks about your case. 

If you are not recommended traveling, then you should avoid such plans; going for a relaxing trip where there is less stress to travel and more peace around you could still be an option. This way, your mind will be free of any matter and insurance companies including your aiding company will have no reason to discard your claim.

Norms of Adjusting Workers’ Compensation with Your Vacations:

At times, people have experienced that companies reserve their financial benefit in cases where they are skeptical about the worker’s statements. In such cases, you need to be very careful with every move because this impacts your overall reputation. 

You should not try to navigate your worker’s compensation with vacations casually; you will surely not be entertained by any of the aiding sources. 

Can Professionals Make It Easier?

If you feel like availing of workers’ compensation along with benefits that come with it, you can reach out to us now. Mississippi worker’s compensation can be complicated and is not exactly a walk in the park. However, we are determined to make this process easier for you.

Mississippi State is home to almost 2.98 million people, meaning that there are millions of individuals employed here working in every kind of organization, from small to big enterprises. Since no organization is perfect, employees face injuries, accidents, and even stress and trauma at their workplace. To keep it under control and maintain a check and balance, the state has Mississippi workers’ comp for employees who become the victim of an accident that affects their physical or mental health. 

Small businesses in Mississippi that have hired five or more employees should get workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage helps provide benefits to employees if in case they get injured or sick due to working. For instance, if an employee falls off a ladder at their workplace, then the workers’ comp coverage will cover their medical benefits.

Mississippi workers’ comp cover expenses that are related to:

• Missed wages of the employees when they needed time off in order to recover from a work-related injury or sickness
• Lawsuits that are filed against the organization due to any work-related injuries or illnesses
• Funeral costs; if an employee dies in a work-related incident 

Mississippi Workers’ Comp Requirements:

If a business in Mississippi has five or more employees, then it must have workers’ compensation coverage. However, there are a few exemptions to workers’ comp requirements. Those employers who do not require workers’ comp insurance include:

• Farm laborers
• Domestic laborers
• Non-profit employees
• Employees of religious or cultural organizations
• Employees of charitable organizations
• Independent contractors
• Federal employees
• Certain employees from maritime or transportation who have federal compensation laws coverage

How Does Compensation Work in Mississippi?

Not only does the workers’ compensation cover for injured or sick employees, but it is also beneficial for the companies and can help protect the business that they have worked hard to build. Since in Mississippi injured workers on the job can immediately file a claim against the company. In such scenarios, the insurance coverage of the firm can be their best form of protection. Nevertheless, without having the right coverage, these organizations can face fines or criminal charges.  

Workers’ Compensation Coverage:

Workers’ compensation insurance allows employees to receive compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. Here are key details about what workers’ compensation covers.

For Companies:

Having good workers’ compensation insurance in Mississippi will help the company cover:

• Any unfortunate accidents or injuries that may occur on the job. For example, if an employee sprains their ankle while working, the workers’ comp will help cover their medical cost
• Any illness that may result from the job, like employees getting sick from the exposure to harmful chemicals
• Repetitive injuries that may occur due to repeated stress and strain, such as Tendonitis 

For Employees:

If the employees experience a workplace injury or sickness, the workers’ compensation in Mississippi will cover:

• Missed wages, in case an employee has to take a leave from work to recover. In Mississippi, employees can receive wage loss benefits as much as two-thirds of their average weekly wage if they get injured or sick at their working place
• Ongoing care, including physical therapy, if the employees suffer any severe injury with a longer recovery period
• Funeral expenses, in case an employee passes away in a job-related incident. The death benefits will be payable to the family of the employee every 14 days and this can be continued for up to 450 weeks

Disability benefits, if the employees suffer on-the-job injuries and get temporarily or permanently disabled then the workers’ comp will provide medical benefits and disability payments while they are recovering.

Eligibility Criteria for Workers’ Compensation Benefits 

In Mississippi, employees are eligible for compensation benefits immediately after they join their job. There is no minimum earnings requirement or waiting period to become eligible for this compensation. 

However, all injured employees are required to notify their employers about the injury within 30 days. If the employee doesn’t file a claim for benefits within two years of the injury or illness, they will not be able to receive benefits. 

Factors That Calculate Workers’ Comp Benefits:

Some factors that are used to calculate the benefits are:

• Marital status
• Tax exemptions
• Limits of the amount employee can get weekly
• The number of days worked in a year
• The percentage of disability an employee is suffering from

How to Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Might Be Entitled To:

To build a strong case and maximize the chance of getting fair compensation, it is crucial to work with an experienced workers’ comp attorney. An expert and experienced attorney will be able to inform you about the expectations that would be realistic for your particular case.

An employee is entitled to a written record of how their benefits were calculated, and with the help of a good attorney, they can identify the possible issues. 

If you have been injured on your job recently, then let us help you understand your legal rights and the process of collecting Mississippi workers’ comp benefits. Our attorneys at Workers’ Compensation lawyers fight smartly for injured employees and their families. We ensure that you receive the money you need to fully recover. 

With workplaces sometimes triggering stress and anxiety for their workers, one primary question arises: Can it be claimed for workers’ compensation in Mississippi? The answer can be tricky and complex. Based on the statistics given by Wrike, in 2019, 94% of American workers have reported that they experience stress at their workplace.

Only 6% of the respondents involved in the study reported that they did not feel any stress. However, around 23% of the workers described their stress levels as high, whereas 6% said their stress levels were unreasonably high. 

Studies show that job-related stress leads the pack for significant stressors for most Americans. Also, several proofs back up the point that high levels of anxiety become the reason to trigger physical health problems. The American Institute of Stress has also stated that increased stress levels are linked to increased heart attack rates, hypertension, and other certain disorders. 

What Do Mississippi Rules State for Workers’ Compensation in Mississippi?

Emotional and mental stress injuries for workers’ compensation cases in Mississippi can become difficult to prove. Nevertheless, if your anxiety is making it challenging or nearly impossible to work, you can file a compensation claim. 

Every year, millions of Americans report that they have developed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In several cases, many of those are caused due to work-related trauma. If you also have work-related PTSD in Mississippi, you must be aware of and understand your legal rights.

The rules and laws regarding PTSD in workers’ compensation claims are complex and favorable to the employer. However, workers who have PTSD are accessed to workers’ compensation benefits. To know your rights and get the rightful compensation, one must contact an experienced attorney to help them get what they rightfully deserve. 

What Is PTSD?

The National Institute of Mental Health has described PTSD as a disorder that develops in people who have experienced any shocking, scary, challenging, or dangerous event such as assault, abuse, accident, unexpected death, or harm to a loved one. Some of the common symptoms you may face due to PTSD include nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of thoughts and places that are related to the traumatic event, angry outbursts, insomnia, distorted feelings, anxiety, and other cognitive symptoms.

Situations That Lead to PTSD

Any worker, irrespective of the position, can experience trauma on their job. However, specific jobs put workers at a high risk of developing PTSD. Some of the common situations that may lead to PTSD include:

Exposure to Violence:

Many professions such as police officers, paramedics, firefighters, social workers, and others who respond to crises require the workers to interact with violent or traumatic situations directly. These are a part of their job responsibilities, making the workers vulnerable to PTSD.

Workplace Accidents:

Professions with a higher degree of physical danger, including manufacturing and construction work, could also become the reason behind exposing workers to trauma. An employee may develop PTSD if they get injured on the job or witness any incident where a colleague is seriously injured or, worse, gets killed.

Harassment, Discrimination, or Workplace Violence:

Having a hostile work environment is quite common and exists in every industry. Employees who are victims of discrimination, harassment, or other harmful practices in the office may experience trauma and develop a certain level of PTSD.

Secondary Trauma:

Therapists, volunteers, crisis clinicians, child welfare workers, educators, and other helping professionals working with traumatized individuals can themselves get traumatized; Simply by working or listening to others’ accounts of their trauma. This is called “secondary” or “indirect” trauma. However, it is said that the body and mind of the listener can experience it similarly to the firsthand trauma, causing PTSD.

What Can You Do If You’ve Suffered PTSD On the Job?

Unlike physical injuries, mental injuries are complex and cannot be shown as easy to prove the adverse effect they are leaving on your health. However, due to increased awareness, injuries caused due to stress have now become a renowned subject among employees.

It is still a disputed area for workers’ compensation law, especially if you sustained trauma over for some time rather than in a single incident. One of the best ways to pursue the compensation that you well deserve is to contact an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation attorney urgently. 

Get In Touch With Qualified Workers’ Compensation Lawyers:

Have you faced an injury in a workplace accident anywhere in the State of Mississippi? Reach out and contact us to get an experienced attorney for your workers’ compensation in Mississippi. We can protect your rights and assist you along the way to receive the benefits that you are entitled to. At Workers Compensation Lawyers, our experienced attorneys believe in fighting passionately for injured workers and ensuring that they always receive their rightful benefit. 

Workers’ comp can be a concern for agricultural workers. Farm and agriculture workers usually work in a dangerous environment where they are exposed to different types of risks such as toxic chemicals, unbearable heat, and dirty and unhygienic conditions. If you are a farmer and the requirement of your job is to work with bulky machinery and equipment, it could become the cause of serious injuries.

When a worker is injured or dies while working, the farm owner or the agricultural company owner is held responsible because of their negligence. We are there to protect the rights of any person injured during work and have them benefit from Mississippi workers’ comp.

There were 59 workplace fatalities in 2019 for Mississippi, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. It was noted by the regional commissioner that there is a decline in the number of work-related fatalities in Mississippi to 24% from 78% in 2018.

Not Being Entitled to Mississippi Workers’ Comp:

Even though working on a farm is hazardous, most farmers are unable to get their workers’ compensation, which is their right. This means workers who lose their lives in an accident that happened where they work cannot get their partial benefits from lost wages, their medical expenses, and even benefit for their loved ones after death.

Farmers are most often excused when they ask for workers’ compensation. Mississippi law does not require the company owner to provide workers’ compensation coverage but if some employer is willing to provide them compensation, they are permitted by all means.  

Farmers who suffered an injury because of an accident that occurred on their job and whose employers are not providing them with the workers’ compensation coverage are eligible to file a personal injury claim against the owner. Filing a complaint can be beneficial as their injury can be compensated along with their medical care expenses, pain, mental suffering, and lost wages. 

However, workers’ compensation covers a few jobs within the agricultural industry which include:

• Plant workers’ processing
• Production of machine and equipment
• Sales and marketing
• Construction work

Based on the nature of your work and your injury, you may be entitled to benefits.

Examples of Workplace Injuries and Accidents that Can Happen in the Farming and Agricultural Industry:

There are a few guidelines that should be followed as stated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for farm operations. The following list includes some of the main hazards that a farmworker faces on a daily routine: 

• Risk of the vehicle rollover
• Dangerous and faulty equipment 
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Falls 
• Being exposed to pesticides and other toxic chemicals 
• Heat-related illnesses 
• Falling from a ladder 
• Silos and grain silos 
• Respiratory hazards 
• Infections infested through an animal 
• Loud noises 
• Electrical hazards

Third-Party Claims for Damages Caused by Defective Equipment: 

If a piece of defective equipment caused serious injuries to the farmworker, they are lawfully entitled to pursue legal actions against the company that manufactured the equipment. Moreover, any other trader in the trade chain between the manufacturer and the consumer who delivered the product can be held liable for delivering the equipment unchecked.

The allowance of the workers only offers partial wage replacements compensation. Even though, the law allows covering the damages for full wage replacement, emotional distress, and pain and sufferings.

Work with a Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Claim Compensation for Injuries:

Farming can be dangerous, therefore, to be able to protect their workers from an injury in the event of an accident, farmer-owners might choose to purchase liability insurance. It can save a lot of money and can be a cheaper option than leaving your workers who work hard unprotected and subsequently facing a lawsuit when your worker gets injured. 

Mississippi workers’ comp lawyers understand how hard it can be if involved in a lawsuit for compensation of workers injured while working on a farm. Every employer has to provide their employees with a safe and risk-free environment where they can work without the fear of getting injured.

In the agriculture sector, guaranteeing a safe environment might seem impossible as there can always be some kind of danger. But if any worker is injured, they can be held responsible for injury and other losses of the worker.

Call Our Mississippi Lawyers to Start the Workers’ Compensation Claim Process: 

If you are injured while working on a farm, make sure your employer’s insurance company does not get to exploit you. Get the Mississippi workers’ comp that you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation and we’ll be sure to look into your case.

Mississippi workers’ compensation, as many citizens are aware of, is a no-fault-based system that provides for lost earnings and medical and health-related expenses in the event of an occupational injury. Under the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission’s statutory framework, a worker should be entitled to benefits despite whose fault the injury is or what caused the injury. 

While this may seem very straightforward, it can be very complex most of the time. Our clients frequently visit our offices to inquire about why their claim was denied. You still have a range of options to pursue even if your injury claim has been denied and feels like a slap in the face. 

In 2019, The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a total of 59 occupational injuries for Mississippi. As compared to 2018, a 24% drop was observed from an aggregate of 78 fatal occupational injuries in the previous year. 

Today, we will give a brief explanation regarding Mississippi workers’ compensation. 

Reasons Your Claim May Be Denied:

Your claim could be denied for the following reasons.

• You are not a covered employee, because:
• You were actually not employed at the time of the injury
• You are a freelancer or an independent contractor or a sub-contractor outside the ambit of employment
• As a result of very few employees, your employer is not required to have workers’ comp
• Any other similar scenario

• Your employer or you did not timely file the claim
• Your employer claims that the damages were suffered when the employee was not performing their employment duties
• Your employer asserts that you were under influence at the time you were hurt
• Your employer may question whether you deliberately involved yourself in the particular situation to get injured and to receive benefits
• Your application for benefits had some essential information omitted
• Your employer raises the defense that the injury was pre-existing
• Unsubstantial or questionable data or information was provided by your doctor or health care professional
• You failed to receive adequate medical care subsequent to the injury
• You were either fired or laid off from your post

There are valid grounds for insurance companies and employers to deny claims at the same time while this list may seem to be a bit cumbersome. However, this list thoroughly demonstrates the fact filing a claim can be very crucial and it is highly unlikely to receive benefits without putting up a fight. 

It is not necessary that a claim will always be denied if it does for the first time. We have several examples where our firm has successfully dealt with insurers and employers to work out the best compensation deal for our clients. 

Not All Workers Qualify for Benefits:

Along with some exceptions, most workers are eligible to qualify for a Mississippi workers’ compensation under the scope of the law. Following are the examples of such exceptions:

• You work for an NGO
• Your employer does not meet the threshold and employs less than five people at any given time
• You are an independent contractor
• You are a farm or domestic labor employee

Your Illness or Injury Should be Covered:

You should be eligible to qualify for workers’ compensation as long as the scope of your employment has caused you the injury. 

The Denial of Your Claim May Be Unjust:

You may have solid grounds for a lawsuit in case your employer has denied your workers’ compensation claim based on such reasons which are outside the scope of law and regulation. Both punitive along with compensatory damages are covered under a lawsuit of such nature. 

A skilled and competent Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer will help you establish whether the decision was made in bad faith.

The Appeal Process:

You are required to follow the underlying steps to submit an application for a denied workers’ compensation claim:

• File a Petition: To initiate the appeal process, you will need to file a petition. Be fully cognizant of the statute of limitations as you will have only two years from the date of the accident.
• Hearing: Informal negotiations with the insurance adjusters are common in such cases to resolve any given dispute.
• Continued Appeals: You may file an appeal to the Full Commission in the case where you are not satisfied with the final verdict on your case. Within 20 days of the judge’s order, you will have to file a petition to do this. 

Contact Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today:

You may be able to get the compensation you deserve if you consult a qualified and professional Mississippi workers’ compensation attorney, who exactly knows what they are doing. Call us today to book a free-of-cost preliminary session.