From Injury to Compensation – Your Guide to the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Process

When a worker is injured in Mississippi, it is rare that they are fully aware of just how the Mississippi workers’ compensation process works and where to turn to for help with their workers’ compensation claim. Although the Mississippi workers’ compensation process is designed to provide medical and financial benefits to injured Mississippi workers for work-related injuries and illnesses, it is a complex process and injured Mississippi workers may need assistance with obtaining benefits. To help Mississippi workers better understand the workers’ compensation process, we provide a guide of the key steps in the Mississippi workers’ compensation process. Those key steps include:

• Seeking Medical Attention: After a Mississippi worker has been injured in a workplace accident, it is important for the injured worker to seek medical attention. In an emergency situation, particularly where a workplace injury is very severe, this should be a priority;
• Reporting the Workplace Injury: After seeking medical help, an injured Mississippi employee should report the workplace injury or illness to their employer. Certain Mississippi workers’ compensation laws establish the time limits for reporting a claim, so it is best to consult with an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer for more information;
• Continuing Medical Care: Workplace injuries may need continued medical attention for treatment. Injured employees in Mississippi have the right to choose their treating doctor, however it is important to keep in mind that an Independent Medical Examination (IME) may be ordered;
• Obtaining Benefits: An injured worker may be eligible for different types of workers’ compensation benefits under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws. A Mississippi worker may be granted Temporary Total Disability benefits, Permanent Partial Disability benefits, or Permanent Total Disability benefits, along with other types of benefits, such as vocational rehabilitation services;
• Considering a Workers’ Compensation Settlement Payment: In some Mississippi workers’ compensation cases, the parties may decide to resolve the claim by way of a settlement. It is important for injured Mississippi workers to speak with an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer to determine whether or not to accept a settlement in their case;
• Appealing a Denial of Benefits: An injured worker can appeal a denial of workers’ compensation benefits in their case. This appeal is made to the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Help With Your Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Case

It is important to keep in mind that no two workers’ compensation claims are the same, and different cases may require different steps, depending on the case. The above is a very general guide. In order to determine what next steps you should take in your Mississippi workers’ compensation case, it is best to speak with an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible after your workplace injury. The experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your case and to see if they can help you get Mississippi workers’ compensation benefits due. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe today and speak to a Missisisppi workers’ compensation lawyer about your case for free.