Why are Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Claims Denied? Find Out 3 of the Top Reasons Why Your Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Claim May not Be Approved and What You Can Do About It
One thing that injured workers in Mississippi may not know about the challenging and complex Mississippi workers’ compensation system is that not all injured workers’ claims are approved at the initial application stage. Indeed, although the Mississippi workers’ compensation system was put in place to help injured workers financially while they treat and recover from a workplace injury, the truth of the matter is that even if a worker was seriously injured at work, they may be found by the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission to not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. But what exactly are some of the common reasons that the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission denies injured workers’ claims for workers’ compensation benefits, and what can injured workers do if their workers’ compensation claim is denied at the initial application stage? To help Mississippi workers better understand the workers’ compensation system in Mississippi – and their rights if they are injured on the job – we answer those questions here.
Top Reasons that Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Claims are Denied at the Initial Application Stage
If your Mississippi workers’ compensation claim was denied at the initial application stage, it may have been for a number of reasons. Some of the top reasons that Mississippi workers’ compensation claims are not approved include:
- The injured worker is not an employee: Only employees of employers who are not exempt from Mississippi workers’ compensation laws are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured in a work-related accident. Independent contractors and other non-employees are typically not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Mississippi laws;
- The injured employee’s injury is not “work-related”: It is critical that an injured worker’s injury “work-related” in order for an injured worker to receive workers’ compensation benefits under Mississippi laws. If the workplace accident that led to the injury was caused by “roughhousing” or horseplay, or it was otherwise not related to the worker’s work for the employer, workers’ compensation benefits may be denied;
- The injured employee lacks evidence of their work-related injury: If your Mississippi workers’ compensation application lacked evidence – such as medical evidence, witnesses or video surveillance footage, or other evidence to show that the injury was serious and work-related, your workers’ compensation benefits claim may be denied in Mississippi.
Of course, there are a number of other reasons that a Mississippi workers’ compensation claim may be denied at the initial application stage. Accordingly, it is best to speak with an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer about your case as soon as possible after a serious workplace accident occurs.
Fight for Your Rights – Reach Out to an Experienced Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If your Mississippi workers’ compensation claim was denied, the first thing that you should do is consult with an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer about your rights and options. The experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC are here to help. Do not hesitate to speak to an experienced lawyer about your case today. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC and chat with a lawyer now.