One of the crucial aspects to discuss during a free case review with a Jackson workers comp lawyer is how and when the injury occurred. This is extremely important for determining if you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
It’s worth discussing the most common types of workers comp injuries to help answer the question “Is my accident covered by workers’ compensation?”
1. Slipping, Tripping and Falling
These are among the most common injuries in the workplace because they can happen in any environment, from a high-rise office building to a construction site. Also, a slip and fall can cause severe injuries, which is why you should never ignore this kind of accident.
Many workers ended up with:
- Ankle, hip or wrist sprains
- Back and neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Head injuries.
2. Falling From a Height
These workers comp injuries often happen on construction sites and can have devastating consequences. Depending on the height and whether the worker was wearing personal protective equipment, such incidents can cause catastrophic injuries or even death.
A lawyer will always keep in close contact with the workers’ compensation doctor to know whether their client is likely to be left with a permanent disability. Thus, the attorney will start preparing to apply for disability benefits on behalf of the injured worker.
3. Car and Truck Accidents
Injuries caused by car or truck accidents are extremely prevalent among workers. According to data compiled by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 44% of all labor fatalities in Mississippi in 2021 were caused by transportation incidents.
However, a Jackson workers comp attorney will remind you that you may file for benefits only in case of transportation accidents “arising out of and in the course of employment” (Mississippi Code 71-3-3(b)).
Thus, if you were injured in a car accident as you are driving to or from work, it does not qualify as a work-related accident and you cannot file a claim. However, it would be deemed a workplace accident if you receive instructions from a superior to drive to a specific place on your way to work to discuss with a client or pick up an order.
4. Repetitive Motion Injuries
As we said at the beginning of this article, it is not always clear when workers comp injuries occurred. The reason for this is that they are not the result of a single incident, but excessive wear and tear over some time.
A clear example in this respect is the back injury suffered by an employee of a moving company, who constantly picks up and carries heavy loads.
However, there is one exception. Mississippi law states that a hernia is a compensable injury only if it occurs as the result of a single incident, not over time.
5. Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments
Last but not least, many workers suffer injuries or loss of function due to exposure to toxic chemicals or dangerous work environments (loud noises, for example). However, to qualify for workers comp, you must prove that the injury was caused by workplace conditions, not elsewhere.
This can be quite difficult when you are faced with experienced adjusters who are determined to poke holes into your story in order to deny your claim.
Talk to an Experienced Jackson Workers Comp Attorney!
If you want to win the benefits you deserve for a work-related injury, contact a skilled Jackson workers comp lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. The lawyer will be able to find evidence and build a solid case for you.
Our attorneys represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until we win. We also offer each new client a free case evaluation, so call us today at 601-519-4181!
