When you are injured at work in Mississippi, you should be protected by Mississippi workers' compensation laws. These laws require that benefits are paid when you are injured on the job. These laws are made to protect you and your loved ones, but despite them, employers and insurance companies try to pay as little as possible or even outright deny the claim. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we are dedicated to helping employees and their families recover from a workplace injury.
What is Workers’ Compensation, and Why is it Important?
Workers’ compensation is part of an employer’s insurance that provides medical care or financial compensation to workers who get injured or even sick while on the job.
Benefits include:
- Medical care
- Temporary disability
- Permanent disability
- Physical therapy or ongoing treatments
Workers’ compensation does more than help employees recover from injuries so they can return to work. Protecting employees and allowing them to recover also protects employers and their businesses. Having and using proper workers’ compensation protects everyone’s interests and is required in most states.
Who is Eligible for Workers’ Comp in Mississippi?
While Mississippi’s law states that any employee injured while performing their job is entitled to receive workers’ compensation, it needs to meet the eligibility criteria, and of course, there are exceptions.
Exceptions include:
- Specific independent contractors
- Injuries sustained by negligence
- Self-inflicted injuries
- Injuries resulting from substance abuse
Most workers in the state of Mississippi are eligible for workers’ compensation. Employee coverage begins when hired, and there is no probationary period. There are exclusions for certain workers, but it’s essential that no matter who you are, you document the accident and consult with an experienced legal team to explore your options when you are injured at work.
Common Workplace Accidents
Not all workplaces are created equally, and some pose more significant risk factors than others. When working in a more dangerous field, always ensure that you have the proper medical insurance coverage and follow all safety protocols at your place of work. Accidents happen to everyone, but injuries can be avoided or even minimized by adhering to all safety procedures.
The most common workplace injuries in Mississippi are:
- Slip and falls
- Violence or injuries inflicted by animals or other people
- Equipment injuries
- Transportation injuries involving tractor/trailer truck drivers
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics polls and publishes all the information related to workplace injuries every year. Even with the best preventative measures in place, accidents happen, and employees have a right to compensation coverage under the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Laws.
What to Do If You’re Injured at Work in Mississippi
You can’t be prepared for an accident to happen, but you can be informed of the process should you or a loved one be injured at work. If you are injured at work, the first steps are:
- Report the injury
- Seek medical attention
- Seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney
- Make a claim
Reporting the injury as soon as possible is essential to your case. You should report the injury to your employer within 30 days, but you must make the claim within two years of the injury. Navigating the complex legal process that follows these injuries is overwhelming but Richard Schwartz & Associates are proud to be a trusted resource for injured employees and their families.
Fighting for the Benefits You Deserve | Richard Schwartz & Associates
At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we have successfully represented injured workers and their families all over the state of Mississippi. With our experience and local roots we can help you navigate this complex process to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve from all parties who may be involved. Contact us today by calling (601) 988-8888 so we can begin to walk you through the steps you and your family need to take on this road to recovery.
