Jackson Workers’ Compensation Indemnity Benefits Lawyer
Most American families have little or no emergency savings. In fact, about a third of American families cannot pay cash for a $400 emergency expense. So, the medical issues that a job injury causes are often the least of a family’s worries. Typically, the injured victim is the primary or only breadwinner for that household. A few weeks without a paycheck could be financially crippling. A few months without a paycheck could be financially crippling. To ease this financial stress, job injury victims have access to indemnity benefits. More on that below.
A compassionate Jackson workers’ compensation indemnity benefits lawyer at Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe understand what victims and their families must endure. Many of the people on our professional team have survived similar situations. So, we work extra hard to obtain maximum benefits in these situations which help your family completely recover. These benefits include lost wage replacement as well as medical bill payment. As we work for you, we always proactively communicate with you, so you are never in the dark.
Temporary Disability Benefits
In general, temporarily disabled workers are entitled to two-thirds of their Average Weekly Wage for the duration of their temporary disabilities. This rule looks straightforward but looks can be deceiving.
Total/partial disability is one example. Frequently, as they recover, victims may return to work before they receive medical clearance. But, they must reduce their hours or take a lower-paying light duty assignment.
In these situations, indemnity benefits usually pay two-thirds of the difference between the old and new AWWs.
The Average Weekly Wage is another possible issue. Some insurance companies don’t look back far enough. They might use the last eight or ten weeks of wages when the last eight or ten months is a much better reflection of the family’s current standard of living. Furthermore, almost no insurance companies consider the AWW forward looking. Yet under state law, this calculation must include things like future lost overtime opportunities or missed performance bonuses.
In both cases, the AWW doesn’t just mean net income. It also includes non-cash compensation, such as housing allowance or tuition reimbursement.
The workers’ compensation temporary disability time benefit is an issue in many states. However, in Mississippi, these benefits last up to 450 weeks. That’s usually plenty of time for victims to reach their MMIs (Maximum Medical Improvements).
Permanent Disability Benefits and Jackson Workers’ Compensation Indemnity Benefits Lawyer
Just like there’s an overlap between total and partial temporary disability, there’s sometimes an overlap between temporary and permanent disability. The difference is usually subtle, so only the best workers’ compensation indemnity benefits lawyers in Jackson recognize it.
Injured shoulders are a good example. Frequently, even after doctors and physical therapists give their best, the victim has some permanent loss of motion in that joint.
Therefore, both partial and total permanent disability benefits are available. The amount usually depends on the nature and extent of the disability.
Speaking of disabilities, this D-word is more than a medical term. It also has vocational, educational, and other implications. A frozen shoulder might be debilitating for blue collar workers. However, if the injured victim was a college professor, a frozen shoulder might have little or no effect.
Reach Out to a Diligent Rankin County Attorney
Injured workers are entitled to substantial benefits. For a free consultation with an experienced Jackson workers’ compensation indemnity benefits lawyer, contact Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe, PLLC. Virtual, home, and hospital visits are available.
