Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Benefits Calculations And Maximum Weekly Benefits In Temporary Total Disability Cases

When a person is injured on the job in Mississippi, they may consider applying for workers’ compensation benefits. The Mississippi workers’ compensation system is designed to help workers who have been injured as a result of a workplace accident or injury with medical and financial assistance while they are unable to work. One of the initial questions that likely every worker wonders when they are faced with a workplace injury and potentially filing for workers’ compensation benefits is “how much am I entitled to receive under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws?” A high earner may wonder if they are entitled to the full amount that they were earning before, while a person earning minimum wage may wonder if they will still receive the same or similar payment as they were when they were working, or more. Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward, as the amount an injured worker is entitled to depends on the facts of each unique case. However, guidance from the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission and rules established by Mississippi Workers’ Compensation laws are instructive as to how to calculate workers’ compensation benefits and the maximum available benefit in Temporary Total Disability cases.

Temporary Total Disability Benefits and Average Weekly Wage

At the outset, there are several categories of disability an injured worker may fall under for the purposes of benefits determination under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws. Temporary Total Disability Benefits are paid out to an injured worker when that worker is completely unable to work while recovering from their injuries. Under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws, in addition to payment of medical expenses and ongoing treatment, an injured worker who is deemed to meet the standard of Temporary Total Disability is entitled to a portion of their wages as “wage replacement” or compensation. The amount that the worker can expect to receive in wage replacement benefits is based on a percentage of their “Average Weekly Wage”, which is the average wage the worker has earned for the 52 weeks prior to their workplace injury.

Compensation Benefits and Yearly Maximum Benefits

Under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws, a worker who is granted Temporary Total Disability is entitled to 66-2/3% of their Average Weekly Wage in compensation or wage replacement benefits. However, this amount is limited by a ceiling set by the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission under the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Act. For 2022, the weekly maximum rate is $551.02. This means that the maximum amount that an injured worker is entitled to, regardless of whether they earn a higher wage or salary, is $551.02 per week, for a limited number of weeks under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws.

Help Determining Average Weekly Wage and Benefits Calculations

If you are an injured worker who cannot work while you are recovering from your workplace injury, determining how much you may be entitled to in wage replacement benefits under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws may seem like a daunting and confusing task. Reaching out to an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer is a great place to get started when seeking workers compensation benefits. The experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe offer a free and confidential consultation to discuss your workers’ compensation case with you and to see if they can help you obtain benefits. Contact the offices of Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe today to learn about your right to workers’ compensation benefits and how much you may be entitled to receive under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws.

Source:

mwcc.ms.gov/#/maximumBenefitMileageRatesChart