5 Facts About Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Claims

For many, thoughts about the workers’ compensation system and workers’ compensation laws are few and far between. Indeed, if a person is lucky enough, they may never have to think about the workers’ compensation system or workers’ compensation laws at all. However, workplace accidents can happen when a person least expects it, and sometimes people must rely on workers’ compensation benefits to survive when they are injured on the job and unable to work. For workers in Mississippi who may not know much about Mississippi workers’ compensation laws or the workers’ compensation system, learning about how workers’ compensation works in Mississippi may be helpful, even important, if a workplace injury does occur. Accordingly, we have put together 5 basic facts about the Mississippi workers’ compensation system for those who may be interested in learning more about the process in the case of a workplace injury.

1. Workers’ Compensation Claims in Mississippi are Governed by Mississippi State Laws. One misconception about workers’ compensation is that workers’ compensation claims are grounded in federal law. While other disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability, are governed by federal laws, workers’ compensation laws applicable to non-federal workers are promulgated by state governments and workers’ compensation claims are typically overseen by state agencies. In Mississippi the agency that handles workers’ compensation claims is called the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission.

2. Most Mississippi Workers are Covered by Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Laws. Most Mississippians who are employed are covered by Mississippi workers’ compensation laws, and may be entitled to benefits for an on-the-job injury. Workers who are not covered under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws include those who work for extremely small employers (those employers who employ less than 5 employees), domestic and farm laborers, and non-profit workers. In addition, independent contractors are typically excluded from coverage, as well as federal employees and some workers employed in industries like transportation or maritime that may be covered by federal laws.

3. There are Several Benefits Under Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Laws. If a worker is injured on the job and is unable to work, he or she may be able to recover more than just wage replacement payments. Under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws, injured workers may be entitled to both wage loss benefits and medical benefits. 

4. Families of Deceased Workers Killed on the Job May be Entitled to Benefits Under Workers’ Compensation Laws. Even if a worker tragically dies on the job, his or her family may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws. Benefits may be paid up to 450 weeks subsequent to the worker’s death, at a rate that is set by statute. In addition, surviving families are entitled to funeral expenses of up to $5,000 and a surviving spouse is entitled to a lump-sum payment of $1,000.

5. Injured Mississippi Workers Can be Represented by a Lawyer. The Mississippi workers’ compensation claims process is not always a smooth one. Fortunately, injured Mississippi workers don’t have to go through the hoops of the Mississippi workers’ compensation process alone. Some lawyers primarily or exclusively handle workers’ compensation claims and fight for injured workers to get workers’ compensation benefits. In addition, lawyers represent claimants on a contingency basis, which means that the lawyer only gets paid if the injured worker is successful in obtaining workers’ compensation benefits.

Hiring Your Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Although these 5 facts are helpful in understanding some of the basics of Mississippi workers’ compensation laws, the workers’ compensation process can be complex, and it is advisable to speak with an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer to see if they can help if you are involved in a Mississippi workers’ compensation case. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, contact the experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC. The lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe offer a free and confidential consultation, and only get paid if you get benefits. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe today and speak to a lawyer for free.