Why Is My Mississippi Workers’ Comp Case Worth So Little?

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.