Workers’ Compensation

If you’re a worker in Mississippi, you may assume that if you’re injured, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy will cover the cost of your medical bills and make up for your lost wages. Far too many workers will learn too late that this is not the case, and you may be one of them.

If you’re struggling to cope with an injury or illness you sustained during the course of your job duties and your employer isn’t being as helpful as they should be, you may need to get workers’ compensation lawyers in Mississippi to remind them that you have rights.

What Are My Rights Under Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Laws?

In Mississippi, workers have the right to medical coverage, the right to wage benefits, and the right to see a company-approved physician and seek a second opinion. You also have a right to coverage for any emergency room treatment. For example, if you had back and neck injuries that required immediate attention.

As far as your right to medical treatment, this includes the right to coverage for surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and follow-up appointments with the company-approved physician. If you require medical devices, such as braces or crutches, then you have a right to coverage for these expenses as well.

If you must travel a long distance to get to your appointments (greater than 10 miles round trip), then you also have a right to request that your mileage also be covered. In cases where you suffer from a catastrophic injury, you may be eligible for lifetime benefits.
What Mistakes Could Compromise My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

There are thousands of workers’ compensation claims (https://sbwc.georgia.gov/frequently-asked-questions/workers-compensation-law-faqs) filed every year in Mississippi, but not all of them get approved. This is where it is essential to be aware of the common mistakes that could compromise your workers’ compensation claim in Mississippi. These include:

• Missing doctor’s appointments
• Failing to cooperate with medical advice
• Exaggerating injuries
• Failing to disclose pre-existing conditions
• Posting information about your injury on social media
• Posting information about your life on social media
• Failing to seek the advice of an Jackson, MS, workers’ compensation attorney
• Hiring an attorney without first seeking an in-person consultation

Even when you no longer need to see your doctor as frequently, you need to schedule and keep regular appointments to stay in touch. This will ensure that your claim is not compromised by failing to seek regular medical care.
Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation in Mississippi?

Workers in the state of Mississippi are eligible for benefits when they sustain an acute injury or develop an illness while performing their job duties. Employees can be part-time, full-time, minors, or any other person who is working under contract of hire, written or implied.

Even if you are a part-time employee, you are not yet a legal adult, or you are working without proper authorization, in this state, you have the right to workers’ compensation insurance when you are injured on the job. You can click here to learn more about the eligibility guidelines (https://baderscott.com/areas-we-serve/atlanta-ga/workers-compensation-lawyer/eligibility-guidelines/).

If you lost a loved one to a fatal workplace accident and you’re having trouble collecting death benefits (https://baderscott.com/areas-we-serve/atlanta-ga/workers-compensation-lawyer/death-benefits/), you may also benefit from the help of a workers’ compensation specialized lawyer. Certain family members are eligible for a settlement from the deceased’s employer’s insurer.

Can I Sue My Employer for Denying Workers’ Compensation?

If you believe your claim is valid but your employer is denying it anyway, you may need to get a workers’ compensation lawyer and file a claim. Your employer could be denying your claim because they assume you won’t challenge it, which would save them money. You have the legal right to file a lawsuit if this happens.

Not only could you be receiving compensation through your company’s insurance company for your injury, you could also get help with recovery from your employer’s insurance for the harm they have caused. This would require a lawyer’s help to differentiate the two processes and what paperwork is to be filed with the Mississippi Workers Compensation versus Mississippi’s Board for Workers’ Compensation (https://sbwc.georgia.gov/publications-and-forms). 
Will Workers’ Compensation Offer Me a Settlement?

Workers’ compensation (https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/workcomp) may offer you a settlement, but keep in mind that once you accept it, you will not be able to get any more benefits if it turns out you haven’t fully recovered. You could end up with more bills if you haven’t reached maximum medical improvement. You should have your Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer go over any settlement offer before you accept it.
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At The Jarrod Mumford Law Firm, help is just a phone call away. If you are looking for an advocate who will get to work on your case immediately, who will put your needs first, and who will not give up until your case is settled.

Let us help you move forward after a workplace accident