Mississippi Workers’ Compensation System 101: The Basics Of Workers’ Compensation Claims In Mississippi
When a worker suffers a workplace injury or illness in Mississippi, they must navigate the Mississippi workers’ compensation system to determine eligibility and get workers’ compensation benefits if they are interested in pursuing them. The Mississippi workers’ compensation system is a complex and often daunting process for injured and sick workers to go through. Although it is always advisable to seek out the assistance of an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer at the outset of any workers’ compensation case, there are some basic facts about the workers’ compensation system that are helpful for injured and sick workers to know as they work towards getting workers’ compensation benefits.
The Company, Not the Worker, Obtains Workers’ Compensation Insurance
An injured or sick worker interested in potentially claiming workers’ compensation in Mississippi might first ask how they are insured if they haven’t purchased any insurance or paid premiums themselves to a workers’ compensation insurance company. “How am I insured and how can I be eligible for benefits?” are common questions that many workers ask. The answer is that under Mississippi law, businesses (that is, the injured workers’ employer) obtain workers’ compensation insurance through private insurance companies, just like any other type of insurance. An employer can also self-insure, but this may be a cost-prohibitive option, particularly for small employers. With the foundation of the Mississippi workers’ compensation system being that insurance is provided by private companies or the employer through self-insurance, the Mississippi workers’ compensation system is one that workers must often fight to get benefits.
The Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission Administers Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Another basic question that workers often ask themselves when initiating the workers’ compensation process is “who handles workers’ compensation claims and will process my claim?” In Mississippi, the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission oversees and processes workers’ compensation claims. Commissioners and Administrative Judges at the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission make decisions in Mississippi workers’ compensation cases. Experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation attorneys have the advantage of familiarity with the Commission and its Commissioners and Administrative Judges.
How Much Will I Receive if I am Granted Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Probably the most common question of all when it comes to Mississippi workers’ compensation claims is “how much will I be entitled to?” The answer is not cut and dry, as the amount of workers’ compensation benefits depends on a variety of different factors that must be examined in each case for a determination of benefits. Mississippi workers can get money for both lost wages and medical costs. An experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation attorney can help an injured worker know more about their benefits and the potential amount that they may receive in their particular case.
Who Can I Contact for Help with My Claim?
Importantly, injured and sick workers are not alone in the Mississippi workers’ compensation process. The experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe are here to help with your workers’ compensation claim. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and tell us your story to see if we can help.
