How Are Workers Comp Benefits Calculated in Mississippi?

Workers compensation benefits are an essential lifeline for employees who suffer injuries or illnesses on the job. In Mississippi, most workers are covered by workers comp insurance, which provides financial support to cover medical expenses and lost wages during recovery. 

However, calculating these benefits can be complex and overwhelming for those already dealing with the physical and emotional impact of their injury. That’s where an experienced workers compensation lawyer in Jackson can provide invaluable guidance and support. In this blog post, we’ll explore how workers comp benefits are calculated in Mississippi and why hiring a skilled attorney is crucial to securing fair compensation for your work-related injuries or illnesses.

Most Workers Are Covered by Workers Comp in Mississippi

Mississippi state law requires most employers to purchase workers compensation insurance for their employees. This coverage applies to most employees, with a few exceptions: domestic workers, independent contractors, farm workers, non-profit organization workers, etc.

Under Mississippi law, any employee who suffers an injury or illness while performing work-related duties is entitled to benefits through the workers comp system. These benefits can include medical treatment, rehabilitation services, lost wages due to time off work, and compensation for permanent disabilities.

Now, let us understand how workers comp benefits are calculated depending on how severe your injuries are:

Benefits for Total Temporary Disability

In Mississippi, workers who suffer from total temporary disability (TTD) are entitled to receive benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation laws. TTD refers to an injury or illness that temporarily prevents a worker from returning to their job.

The amount of benefits for TTD is calculated based on two-thirds of the worker’s pre-injury average weekly wage, up to a maximum set by law. These benefits are payable until the worker reaches maximum medical improvement and can return to work.

To qualify for TTD benefits in Mississippi, the injured worker must provide medical documentation that they are unable to perform their job duties due to their injury or illness. This includes not being able to participate in any work-related activities such as training or meetings.

It is important for injured workers with TTD claims in Mississippi to seek legal counsel from an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. A lawyer can help ensure that you receive all of the benefits you’re entitled to under state law and assist with navigating complex issues like disputes over your ability to return-to-work status.

While suffering a total temporary disability can be challenging both financially and emotionally, knowing your rights and having skilled legal representation on your side can make all the difference when it comes time for calculating your workers’ comp benefits in Mississippi.

Benefits for Permanent Partial Disability

When an employee suffers a permanent partial disability due to a work-related injury, they are entitled to receive benefits under Mississippi’s workers’ compensation system. Permanent partial disability refers to the loss or reduction of function in part of the body.

The amount of compensation received for permanent partial disability is determined based on several factors such as:

• the severity and location of the injury
•  age
• education level
• pre-injury earnings. 

The state assigns each injured worker with an impairment rating, which helps determine how much compensation they will receive.

The maximum number of weeks for permanent partial disability benefits is 450 weeks. However, this varies depending on the body part affected and whether it was considered critical or non-critical under Mississippi law. For example, if a worker suffered from vision loss in one eye deemed critical by law would be eligible for up to 200 weeks of benefits.

Permanent Partial Disability also provides vocational rehabilitation services that help employees return back into employment after their recovery period has ended. These services can include job training programs or counseling sessions designed to help them find suitable work based on their capabilities and limitations.

Benefits for Temporary Partial Disability

If you are temporarily partially disabled due to a work-related injury or illness, Mississippi Workers Compensation law provides benefits for up to 450 weeks. These benefits are calculated based on the difference between your pre-injury wages and post-injury earning capacity.

To determine your post-injury earning capacity, your employer must provide you with suitable light-duty work within your physical restrictions. If such work is not available, you may be entitled to receive two-thirds of the difference between your pre- and post-injury wages.

It’s important to note that temporary partial disability benefits may be reduced if you refuse an offer of suitable light-duty work from your employer. Additionally, these benefits may be discontinued if a doctor determines that you have reached maximum medical improvement or if it’s determined that you are no longer eligible for workers compensation.

If you’re unsure about whether or not you’re receiving all of the temporary partial disability benefits that you are entitled to under Mississippi workers compensation law, consider consulting an experienced workers compensation lawyer in Jackson who can help guide you through this process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Benefits for Permanent Total Disability

When a worker becomes permanently and totally disabled, they are entitled to receive the maximum compensation under Mississippi’s workers’ compensation law. This means that they will receive weekly benefits for the rest of their lives or until they reach retirement age.

The amount of compensation for permanent total disability is based on two-thirds of the injured worker’s average weekly wage at the time of injury. However, there is a cap on this amount which changes annually according to state laws.

It is important to note that in cases where an injured worker suffers from multiple injuries, and these injuries result in permanent total disability, their compensation may be increased by 10% if certain conditions are met.

The benefits for permanent total disability also include medical expenses related to the employee’s injury or illness. These expenses may cover therapy, medication, hospitalization costs and other necessary treatments as determined by a doctor or healthcare provider.

Hire an Experienced Workers Compensation Lawyer in Jackson, MS

Navigating the workers compensation system in Mississippi can be complex and overwhelming, especially when dealing with a work-related injury. The benefits provided by workers comp are essential for getting the medical treatment you need to recover from your injuries and financial support while you’re unable to work.

However, calculating these benefits isn’t always straightforward, and it’s easy to become lost in the process. That’s why it’s crucial to hire an experienced workers compensation lawyer in Jackson who can help you navigate through each step of your claim.

A skilled attorney specializing in workers comp law will know how to evaluate your case properly, determine which benefits apply to your situation, and ensure that all required paperwork is filed correctly and on time. At the end of the day, having a professional by your side could make all the difference between receiving adequate benefits or facing unnecessary financial hardship.

Contacting an attorney today might be one of the best decisions you can make towards securing a better future after suffering a job-related accident. We offer each new client a free case review, so you have nothing to lose: 601-519-4181!